Description

Highlights

• Photograph the snowcapped Himalayas from the Dochula Pass.
• Enter into the imposing buttressed walls of the riverside Rinpung Dzong.
• Climb to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched precariously on the side of a cliff.

5 Days – Glimpse of Bhutan

Tour Type

Classic

Tour Overview

Day 01: Arrive at Paro International Airport and Drive to Thimphu
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon – a deeply Buddhist land shrouded in mystery and magic. On arrival at Paro Airport the representative will meet you and drive to Thimphu.
Thimpu is the country’s capital – a town of small shopping complexes, monasteries and chalet-like apartment buildings that back onto pine-covered hills.
After lunch visit:
• Buddha Point/ Kuensel Phodrang – High in the hills, the largest Buddha statue in the country sits overlooking the Thimpu Valley.
• Memorial Chorten – Built in the year 1974 in the memory of the third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Watch the locals as they spin the prayer wheels and walk three times around the monument.
• Tashichho Dzong – The “fortress of the glorious religion” was built in 1641 and subsequently rebuilt in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

Day 02: Thimphu – Sightseeing
• Changangkha Lhakhang – Located above Thimphu Valley, this temple and monastic school was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo.
• Motithang Takin Preserve – Meet the Takin – the rare national animal of Bhutan! It is a vulnerable species found only in Bhutan, Nepal and Burma.
• Traditional Medicine Institute – In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. Rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here.
• Folk Heritage Museum – The house replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished, as it would have been about a century ago.
• National Institute for Zorig Chusum – At this school of arts and crafts students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

Day 03: Thimphu – Dochula – Paro
After breakfast drive to the Dochula Pass – approximately 45 minutes drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. At over 10,000ft, panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalayas can be enjoyed on a clear day.
Drive to Paro, a charming town that lies on the banks of the Paro (or Pa) Chhu. The main street is lined with colourfully painted wooden shopfronts and restaurants.
Visit:
• Kyichu Lhakhang – One of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century.
• Ta Dzong – The former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum.
• Rinpung Dzong – The massive buttressed walls of this impressive Dzong tower over the town and are visible throughout the valley. A Typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge leads from the dzong to Paro town.

Day 04: Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger nest)
Undoubtedly the highlight of Bhutan! The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is one of Bhutan’s most incredible sights, miraculously perched on the side of a sheer cliff 900m above the floor of the Paro valley.
The hike up to the monastery takes about 5 hours (round trip) and is well worth the effort. The trail follows an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels with incredible views. It is said that a legendary saint, Guru Rinpoche, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, and this is where they landed. Hence the name, Tiger’s Nest. Within the monastery is the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, an oil lamp chapel and a holy spring.
After descending, if time permits, visit Drugyel Dzong. From here, the Jomolhari Peak (Mountain of the Goddess) can be seen on a clear day.

Day 05: Paro – Departure
Sadly, it’s the last day and time to say goodbye to Bhutan. The guide will transfer you to Paro international airport for your onward flight.

TASHI DELEK!!!

Duration

• 5D4N

Inclusions

• Sustainable Development Fee
• Accommodation in twin sharing basis
• All transportation and sightseeing within Bhutan
• Services of accompanied English-speaking guide
• Visa fee
• 3 meals a day
• Bottled water
• Entrance fees to the monuments

Exclusions

• Drinks
• Travel Insurance
• Airfare
• Excess baggage charges
• Any personal expenses