Mesmerizing Bhutan

Land in beautiful Bhutan and meet our representative at the Paro Airport. He’ll take you to the country’s capital city, Thimphu which is 7,710 ft. above sea level. Check in at your hotel and take a rest for some time. Today you’ll spend your day in Thimphu, relaxing and taking evening strolls in the city lanes. A mix of historic traditions and modern amenities, the city is an ideal destination to breakthrough from the daily mundane chores.

Today is the day when your real excursion starts. Get ready, have your breakfast and head towards your first destination for the day i.e. Kuesnsel Phodrang or the Buddha Statue. Overlooking the picturesque Thimphu valley, the great Buddha statue is the most visited tourist place in Bhutan. Also known as Buddha Point it houses the Great Buddha Dordenma which was inaugurated on the fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuk’s 60th anniversary in the year 2015. Post this you’ll be visiting National Memorial Chorten (Monument) & Folk Heritage Museum. The Chorten Memorial is Thimphu’s most visible Tibetan religious site. Chorten, meaning the Seat of Faith is a gorgeous work of architecture. Representing the World Peace, it was built as a memorial for Third Druk Gyalpo. Next to this is the Folk Heritage Museum which was established in 2001. It gives you glimpses of traditional Bhutanese lifestyle. An impressive collection of ancient tools and household objects, the museum depicts the skills, customs, habits, and rural traditions of the people in Bhutan.
Have your lunch and make a move to Sangaygang View Point which is the BBS Tower/ Bhutanese Broadcasting Service Tower. Built atop the hill, the tower offers the best views of the city. From a very short distance to BBS is Takin Preserve Centre which is mainly visited to witness the oddball mammals. Following this, visit Changangkha Monastery. Resting like a fortress above the Thimphu central, it hums with the activities of pilgrims. It is frequented by the parents to get names for the newborns. The last place for the day to explore is Tashichho Dzong. Situated alongside the banks of Wangchhu River, it is the main building which houses the Throne room and other offices of the King. With this, your exploration for the day comes to an end. Head back to your hotel, have your dinner, and have a sound sleep. The next day is full of some amazing adventures.

Wake up and get ready for your excursion to Punakha (4298 ft.)/ Wangdue. Today’s day would be adventureful. The winter seat of the Je Khenpo and former capital of Bhutan, Punakha enjoys a temperate climate. The two rivers flowing through the valley provide abundant water for producing fruits and crops. On your way to this paradise take a pit stop at Dochu-La-Pass (3150 mts.) for witnessing the mesmerizing views of higher Himalayas. After reaching Punakha visit Punakha Dzong which is built in 1673 at the junction of rivers Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu. For years it has served as the administrative and religious centre hence played a significant role in the history of Bhutan. It was even damaged by an earthquake and catastrophic fires but now have been restored by the present king. It is open for travellers in the summer months when the monk’s body moves to Thimphu and during the Punakha festival. It was also named as the Palace of Great Happiness/ Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang. After you are done exploring the Dzong, take a quick hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley also known as the ‘Divine MadMan.’ With this exploration, the day comes to an end. Move back to Thimphu for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Have your breakfast and leave for Paro (7483ft.). On your way to here, take a halt at Tamchog Lhakhang which is situated between Paro and Thimphu. It was built in the 13th century by the Iron Bridge Builder, Thangthong Gyalpo. Situated atop the hill is this place which needs to be reached by crossing an ancient style bridge. Following this arrive in Paro and check in at your hotel. After resting for a bit, visit Ta Dzong – National Museum. Situated above Paro Dzong is Ta Dzong or the watchtower which was built in 1649 with a motive of protecting the unprotected Rinpung Dzong, “fortress of the heap of jewels.” Damaged by the 2011 earthquake, it was reopened for public in 2016 as the country’s premier museum. The museum has an excellent collection of religious thangkha, relics, art, etc. It is a haven for history lovers. Today, it serves as the judicial and administrative seat of Paro. One can visit the museum between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM from Tuesday to Saturday and from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sundays. When you are done exploring the place, move back to your hotel. Unwind in the cosiness of your room. Have your dinner and go for good night sleep.

Today’s day is full of Paro sightseeing. Relish on your delectable breakfast, get ready and hike towards the most popular and scenic Taktsang Monastery also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest.’ After a 2 hours trek, you’ll reach the monastery. The monastery is a well known Himalayan Buddhist religious site located on the cliffside of Paro Valley. Highly picturesque, it clings at a height of 3120 m above the sea level. Legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew to this tiger’s Nest to subdue a demon, following which he meditates for 3 months. Standing on the cliff, the monastery creates a scenery worth capturing. After you are done witnessing the grandeur of this religious shrine, visit Drukgyel Dzong which is ramshackle of an abandoned 17th-century fort that was demolished by a fire. Today it stands as a symbol of a tragic present and glorious past. Along with it pay a visit to the oldest monastery of Bhutan, Kyichu Monastery. Considered as the jewel of the nation, it’s a place for pilgrims. You’ll often find monks walking around the monastery. You might be tired until now, it’s time to head back to your hotel and has a peaceful sleep. Next day demands good strength so take proper rest.

Welcome the day with full boost, have your breakfast and leave for Chele-La-Pass (13,088 ft.) which is the highest motorable road in the country. The place offers mesmerizing views of beautiful landscapes and valleys. Summed up with hiking and trekking activities, Chele La pass also has some religious sites on the way. You are to spot various tourist places and locals on the go. On a day when the skies are clear, you can have magnificent views of Mt. Jumolhari which is the most sacred peak in Bhutan. After today’s excursion, head back to your hotel for an overnight stay at Paro valley.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and make a move towards the airport. It’s time for you to leave amazing Bhutan with a sack full of unforgettable memories. Hope you had a great week.