Day 1: Transfer to Thimphu from Paro International airport
Distance: 53Kms / 32miles
Drive Time: 1 hour approx.
Altitude: 2,350m / 7709ft
On arrival to Paro international airport, our representative will welcome you and drive you to your hotel in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive takes you through the picturesque winding road along the Paro River.
The first stop on your journey from Paro should be at the magnificent 15th century Tachogang or Tamchoe Lhakhang, the hereditary place for worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge builder, Thangthong Gyalpo. Next stop Semtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in the country built in 1628 stands on a soaring ridge 3 miles / 5 km before reaching Thimphu town.
After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten. This is a Tibetan-style chorten built in 1974 in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who passed away in 1972. Tashichho Dzong is popularly known as Thimphu Dzong, the seat of the government and the center of all religious affairs of the Kingdom. It houses the office of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk.
Day 2: In Thimphu
Altitude: 2,350m / 7709ft
Today is all about enriching yourself with an extensive tour of the capital city, which was established in 1961 as the Kingdom’s seat of power. The first stop will be Zorig Chusum, the national institute for the Kingdom’s thirteen traditional arts and painting school, which was initiated to preserve and promote culture and to contribute to the country’s economy through the production in quality products and services. The Folk Heritage Museum is a restored three-story traditional rammed mud and timber house inaugurated as a museum by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk in 2001. The National Library was established in 1967 to promote the Kingdom’s religion and culture and preserve the same from degradation during the country’s current stage rapid modern development. The National Institute of Traditional Medicine was established in 1967 in order to preserve the verbally transmitted healing traditions of Bhutan. The Public Library on Norzin Lam, the main street, is open to the general public and holds a selection of Bhutanese and international books. Simply Bhutan located at YDF complex was inaugurated by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Tshering Pem Wangchuck, the first ever living museum in the country today. Authentic Bhutanese Craft is Bhutan’s first ever craft market in Thimphu town, a spectacle of traditional bamboo huts, aligned neatly below Norzin Lam, opposite to Nehru Wangchuk Cultural Centre. For those who are interested in art, The Art Gallery by the clock tower offers a changing variety of contemporary art next to a good stock of art supplies. VAST not only exhibits and sells a selection of Bhutanese paintings and photographs but also trains children to develop their artistic skills. Zangto Pelri Lhakhang is a private chapel built by Dasho Aku Tongmi, the musician who composed Bhutan’s national anthem. The Paper Factory is situated on the other side of the river, about a 10-minute drive from Zangto Pelri, and produces a beautiful selection of handmade paper and crafts.
Day 3: Drive to Paro
Distance: 53Kms / 32miles
Drive Time: 1 hour approx.
Altitude: 2,250m / 7382ft
Today after breakfast we will drive back to Paro Valley. We will start browsing through the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) of the Rinpung Dzong, where an intriguing collection of artifacts serves as a great introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short stroll below lays the dominating Paro Dzong, a premier example of Bhutan’s architecture. From the Dzong, a leisurely walk back into town crosses the scenic Nyamai Zampa (Bridge), a unique model of Bhutan’s traditional cantilever bridge. Continue to the town temples, Tshongdue Lhakhang and Drukchholing Lhakhang, with its fascinating altar and paintings. The wall paintings and unique design of Dungtse Lhakhang plus a visit to the revered Kyichu Lhakhang, which pins down the left foot of a treacherous Ogress, are a great finish to this day of cultural immersion. Lunch at a farmhouse to experience authentic Bhutanese cuisine with a local family will also be possible.
Day 4: Hike to Paro Taksang
Hike Duration: 4.5 hours
After breakfast, we will drive to the base of Tiger’s Nest and then start hiking our way to the majestic Tiger’s Nest. Tiger’s Nest or Taktshang Goempa is one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments. It literally hangs off the face of a cliff 900 m above the valley floor. The legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew into Bhutan on a mythical tigress and meditated in a cave before bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The hike offers spectacular views of the Goempa and the valley below. Horses or mules can be arranged on request to help lighten the journey.
Lunch: Picnic
Day 5: International Departure
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.