Bhutan – The Hidden Pearl Of The Himalayas

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the
Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting
descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft
will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage
collection, you will be met by our representative and transfer to hotel for check-in.
Paro is at an altitude of 2,200 meters/7,200 feet.
And later (if time permit), proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower,
which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique
thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects and a rich
assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of
jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining
the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four
friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa,
Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.
Dinner & overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike): It is one of the most
famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro
valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and
meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been
recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646
and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire
severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has
been restored to its original splendor.
The hike takes about 04 hours back and forth depending on the level of the hikers.
Once you reach the view point of the monastery you have the option to visit the
monastery which takes another hour hike.
En route, lunch at restaurant.

Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in
the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the
introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Evening an exploratory walk around main street and market area.
Dinner & overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast at hotel, depart for an excursion to Thimphu (Approx.: 55 km /aprox
1:30 hr drive each way), the capital town of Bhutan. The capital town of Bhutan and the
centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual
mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of
about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
On arrival, proceed for the guided tour of city’s main attractions that includes:
Textile Museum: is worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving.
Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles
made by women and men.
National Library: The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are
preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts,
the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.
Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School,
the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On
a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
Zangthopelri Lhakhang: The present structure was built in 1960s and although lacking
the charm of many of the older temples, Zangtho Pelri still possesses some impressive
murals and art treasures and is worthy of a visit. The site of the temple was a former
battle ground, and the temple was constructed there in order to pacify energies.
Simply Bhutan Museum: The newly commissioned museum depicts the ancient
Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization. The uniqueness of the
structure is in its composition of the materials used. The structure is built reusing old
timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished
houses. The best part is the portrayal of the age-old life styles of the Bhutanese people.

Lunch followed by city tour that includes:
Memorial Chorten: The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late
Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern
Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into
Buddhist philosophy.
Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre,
visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel
Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest
statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
Conclude the tour of the day with a visit of Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious
religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room
and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier
of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional
Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
And if time permit, an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area.
After the visit, return to Paro.
Dinner & overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward
destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you
farewell.

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