GLIMPSES OF BHUTAN TOUR
Destinations Covered: Thimpu – Paro
Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days
Bhutan is a buddhist kingdom on the himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. In the high himalayas, peaks such as 7,326m jomolhari are popular trekking destinations. Paro taktsang monastery (also known as tiger’s nest) clings to cliffs above the forested paro valley.
DAY 1: ARRIVE PARO (BY AIR) PARO – THIMPU (60 Kms/02 Hrs)
Upon arrival, meeting & greetings at Paro airport and transfer to Thimpu (Bhutan’s capital, occupies a valley in the country’s western interior. In addition to being the government seat, the city is known for its Buddhist sites.) Visit Takin Zoo (Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Its habitat is alpine meadows during the summer season, above an altitude of 3,700 metres (12,100 ft), where they feed primarily on grasses) Also visit the National Library (Established in 1967 for the purpose of "preservation and promotion of the rich cultural and religious heritage" of Bhutan.) Later, visit the Tashi Chho Dzong (A Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu in Bhutan, on the western bank of the Wang Chu. It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk Desi (or "Deb Raja"), the head of Bhutan's civil government). Evening shall be free for leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 2: THIMPU
After a palatable breakfast, visit the Handicraft Emporium (An arts and handicraft store run by the government. The assortment of goods ranges from rugs to woven items, traditional clothing, bags, and other pieces.)Also, visit the Bhutanese Traditional Paper Factory (The handmade paper factory uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho. It continues to preserve and promote this age-old Bhutanese tradition.) Move on to visit the Memorial Chorten (The Memorial Chorten of Thimphu was conceived by Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, according to the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It was erected in 1974 in memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 3rd Druk Gyalpo, who had died in 1972.) Later, visit the Buddha Statue and Centenary Park (Great Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Great Buddha Dordenma itself, are made of bronze and gilded in gold.) Evening shall be free for shopping in the city. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 3: THIMPU – PARO (60 Kms/02 Hrs)
After a luscious breakfast, drive to Paro (Paro is a small town situated in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. It is one of the most fertile as well as historic valley of Bhutan which is the widest in the Kingdom.) Visit the Rinpung Dzong (Buddhist monastery and fortress - of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school in Paro District, Bhutan. It houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag.) Also, visit the Drukgyel Dzong (a fortress and Buddhist monastery, now in ruins, located in the upper part of the Paro District, Bhutan. The dzong was probably built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the behest of Ngawang Namgyal, Zhabdrung Rinpoche, to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet.) Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 4: PARO
After a nutritious breakfast, proceed to visit the Tiger Nest (It is a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and the temple complex is located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. A temple complex was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for Four Months in the 8th century) Later, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang (one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, originally built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo. It is considered to be one of the 108 border taming temples he built. In the 8th century the temple was visited by Padmasambhava and it is believed he concealed many spiritual treasures here). Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 5: PARO – ONWARD DESTINATION
After a salubrious breakfast, transfer to the airport to connect flight for your onward destination.
