Glimpse of Bhutan – 4 Nights / 5 Days

Discover the Buddhist kingdom’s natural and historical marvels on a 4 – night itinerary through magical Bhutan. Watch the Himalayan landscape unfolding on spectacular drives through the the valleys of Thimphu and Paro, while your private guide offers insight into the history, culture and local life of each region. Expeditions can be tailored to suit your preferences, both in advance and on ground.

Day 01

Thimphu

On arrival to Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your private guide and driver. They will escort you to your car and drive to Thimphu,  capital of Bhutan. Lunch at Local restaurant. Thimphu has many interesting places to see. Along with your guide, visit Memorial Chorten. Built in memory of late 3rd King. Memorial Chorten is a place where senior citizens come to pray everyday. Inside the temple lies different statue of Tantric dieties.

The drive up to KuenselPhodrang is interesting with  beautiful scenery. Enormous statue of Buddha sits on the hill overlooking scenic Thimphu Valley. Visit Textile Museum, Folk heritage museum, and painting school ( Zorig Chusum ). In Painting school students are taught 13 traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. You will be taken inside the class room to watch the students learning and practicing . Your silent observation will be highly appreciated.

Takin is national animal of Bhutan. If you are interested, you guide will take you to Takin Preservation center where Takins are kept until released to their natural habitat at 4000 meters

Later your guide will escort you to Trashichhodzong ( fortress ). The huge fortress is occupied partially by monks and other half houses administrative office. The throne room of present King lies inside this fortress.

After delicious dinner, relax in your room at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02

Thimphu Sightseeing

Explore the remote places of interests of Thimphu Valley for an insight into Buddhist Kingdom’s legendary mystique. Along with your guide. hike to 17th century Cheri Goemba monastery, a meditation site for student monks.  The hike takes you across glacial stream from a traditional crafted cantilever bridge and uphill climb to temples and mediation huts. The founder of Bhutan, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal,  lived and meditated here for many years.

After the hike if you have time and willing for one more sightseeing visit Changangkha Lhakhang ,  800 years old ,  that has beautiful statue of Chenrizeg ( Sanskrit name – Avaloktesvara ) Buddha of compassion. All new born babies in Thimphu valley are brought here for blessings.

Dinner and evening at your room in hotel.

Day 03

Paro

Experience the unfolding of Himalayan panorama on route to Paro valley. Visit national museum and Fortress of Rimpung Dzong ( 17th century ) The fortress shielded the valley from invaders of Tibetans warriors of North.

Visit Kyichu Temple. Kyichu temple was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Tsongtsen Gompo to subdue evil Orgress that was terrorizing the Himalayan region. Indside the main temple lies the 7th century statue of future Buddha – Maitriya ( Sanskrit name ).

Drugyel Dzong lies further north at the end of Paro Valley and the fortress guarded passage from possible Tibetan invasion

Day 04 

Paro – Hike to Tigers Nest monastery 

Taktsang ( Tigers nest ) Monastery is sacred pilgrimage site for all Bhutanese people.  On 8th century Guru Rimpoche, considered as 2nd Buddha,  flew on back of Tigress to a cave here and meditated for 3 years.

A four – hour hike brings you to exhilarating summit at Tiger’s Nest monastery,  clinging to the cliff face, 900 meters up.

After delicious vegeterian lunch at Taktsang cafeteria, descend from Bhutan’s most dramatic site for stroll at Paro town or relaxing stone bath at your hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Paro Hotel.

Day 05

Bhutan Exit 

Breakfast in morning and you will be escorted in your car to Paro international Airport. Your guide and driver will assist you to board your flight.

Bid farewell.