Window To Bhutan

Flight into Paro with Druk Air,Bhutan’s national Airline is spectacular. The flight takes you over the great Himalayas, offering most beautiful scenery of the world’s highest peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the Paro Dzong (fortress) on the hillside overlooking the Paro Chu (river), with Ta Dzong, formerly a watch tower and now National Museum, above it.  On arrival our guide and driver will be there to greet you, thereafter drive to Thimphu.  The first stop will allow us to view the magnificent Tachocho Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s Iron Bridge Builder and further drive we will reach to Chuzom marks by the confluence of Paro Chu (river) and the Wang chu. Opposite of us, at the confluence, are three protecting chortens each built in a different style. Evening freely stroll in Thimphu. Dinner and Overnight stay at Hotel, Thimphu.

Today’s exploration of Thimphu will take with visit to National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, we will also visit one popular place which will provide an insight into traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and rural past through exhibits and documentation of rural life. After lunch visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress likes temple, which lies perched on a ridge above Thimphu; Textile and weaving center Changzamtok; National Library; Takin preserve to see the rare national animal of Bhutan. This animal is chosen as the national animal of Bhutan for its uniqueness and its association with the country’s religious history and mythology.  Visit to Buddha point - the Buddha Dordenma Project is the construction of a 138.6-foot-tall Shakyamuni Buddha statue (inclusive of lotus) seated on a 62- foot-tall throne in the Kingdom of Bhutan, symbolizes peerless virility to bestow blessings, peace, and happiness on the whole world. From there you will get the stunning view of Thimphu valley. A further drive towards the BBS tower will provide a bird’s eye view of the capital; visit nunnery temple and followed by a visit to Tashichho Dzong or “the fortress of the glorious religion” which is Bhutan’s administration and religious centre and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, other Government offices. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel, Thimphu.

Your hike to Taktshang from the road point will take through the well-maintained path, which is quite uphill, and it takes around 3-4 hours at an average walking speed. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees adorned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. You will stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang cafeteria. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger Dorji Drolo, said to be his consort. In the afternoon will drive to the beautiful valley to the watchtower or locally known as Ta Dzong. The third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck housed it into the National museum in the 1960s. The seven-floor museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong, which serves as the administrative center, and school for monks, and walk further down crossing the traditional bridge.Evening freely stroll in Paro. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel, Paro.