Bhutan Tour - Land of Thunder Dragon

As the aircraft enters the Paro Valley, you will experience the most mind-boggling mountain flights in the world with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. You will be received by our representative at the airport and transfer to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. This evening, join your fellow travelers to stroll around the booming town of Thimphu.

Today after your breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Thimphu valley, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century and Tashichho dzong housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

After lunch, drive to Kuenselphodrang where world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city. 

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

After breakfast drive to Paro en route visit Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan.

Afternoon in Paro, visit Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (Judge) of Paro district. 

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, drive to Ramthangka to hike up to the view point of Taktsang (Tiger’s nest) (2950m. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. According to legend, the great Guru Rimpoche and his consort are said to have meditated in a cave here for three months when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. After meditation, they manifested themselves in the forms of Guru Dorji Drolo and a tigress to subdue demons in the valley below. The cave, where the monastery was later built is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan.

While return to Paro town visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. 

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

In the morning, your Bhutan guide will see you off at the Paro Airport for your onward journey.