Day 1: Arrive at Paro and drive to Thimphu (the Capital of Bhutan)
Flying into Bhutan’s Paro International Airport is an exciting experience as the descent into Paro Valley brings you closer to the mountain tops than most other flights in the world. In fine weather, from a window seat, you can experience a spectacular view of the Himalayan peaks as you approach Paro.
On arrival, you will be greeted and received by our representative, and then drive to Thimphu--the capital of Bhutan. The drive from Paro to Thimphu will take approximately an hour. Upon arrival in Thimphu, you will check into the hotel, refresh and visit local places of interest as follows:
Memorial Chorten (stupa): The great stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is a monument for world peace and prosperity.
Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park: A massive statue of Buddha Dordenma with a height of 51.5 meters, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world, is located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue.
Night View of Tashichho Dzong: Evening drive across Thimphu town and stop at the view point of Tashichho Dzong. Tashichho Dzong is Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Government Ministries, the nation’s largest monastery and headquarters of His Holiness the Je Khenpo (Head of the Monastic Body) and the monk body. As dusk falls, the majestic fortress lights up making it a picturesque backdrop for photographs.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
On arrival, you will be greeted and received by our representative, and then drive to Thimphu--the capital of Bhutan. The drive from Paro to Thimphu will take approximately an hour. Upon arrival in Thimphu, you will check into the hotel, refresh and visit local places of interest as follows:
Memorial Chorten (stupa): The great stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is a monument for world peace and prosperity.
Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park: A massive statue of Buddha Dordenma with a height of 51.5 meters, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world, is located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue.
Night View of Tashichho Dzong: Evening drive across Thimphu town and stop at the view point of Tashichho Dzong. Tashichho Dzong is Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Government Ministries, the nation’s largest monastery and headquarters of His Holiness the Je Khenpo (Head of the Monastic Body) and the monk body. As dusk falls, the majestic fortress lights up making it a picturesque backdrop for photographs.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2:Travel to Paro
Check out from hotel and drive from Thimphu to Paro, which will approximately take an hour. Upon arrival in Paro, visits to the following local places of interest will be made:
Rinpung Dzong: Paro Rinpung Dzong which is also known as “fortress of the heaps of jewels” was built in 1646. It now houses the administrative offices of Paro District. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called the Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge to the Dzong, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also venue of the Paro Tshechu (religious dance festival), held once a year in spring.
Ta Dzong:The fortress was built in 1951 was one time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. It was re-established as the National Museum in 1967 and has been rated among the best natural history museums in Asia. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.
Kyichu Lhakhang:The temple is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to the 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples, the first temple was built by Buddhist Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, by Ashi Kesang Choden, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same style
Drukgyal Dzong: victorious fortress was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Strategically built over the only passage into Paro valley, the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century from this location. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount Jumolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
To wind up the day, you can enjoy a therapeutic Hot Stone Bath.
Dinner with a cultural program will be organized for you. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Rinpung Dzong: Paro Rinpung Dzong which is also known as “fortress of the heaps of jewels” was built in 1646. It now houses the administrative offices of Paro District. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called the Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge to the Dzong, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also venue of the Paro Tshechu (religious dance festival), held once a year in spring.
Ta Dzong:The fortress was built in 1951 was one time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. It was re-established as the National Museum in 1967 and has been rated among the best natural history museums in Asia. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.
Kyichu Lhakhang:The temple is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to the 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples, the first temple was built by Buddhist Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, by Ashi Kesang Choden, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same style
Drukgyal Dzong: victorious fortress was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Strategically built over the only passage into Paro valley, the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century from this location. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount Jumolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
To wind up the day, you can enjoy a therapeutic Hot Stone Bath.
Dinner with a cultural program will be organized for you. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Depart from Paro, Bhutan
Our representative will accompany you to the airport to bid farewell as you depart with HAPPINESS!