Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)

Drive towards the capital city, Thimphu. Stop at Tachogang: Tachogang Lhakhang (Temple) Chuzom: The confluence of Paro (Pachu) and Thimphu (Wangchu) rivers. You can see three different types of Stupas – Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepalese. Visit National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Evening visit Tashichho Dzong the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Witness the Flag lowering ceremony before you enter the Dzong. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

Thimphu

Drive to Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point) where world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Visit the Takin (National Animal of Bhutan) enclosure at Motithang. The unique animal is only seen in Bhutan with a story of its own as to how it came into existence (your guide will narrate the story). Drive down to the view point of Tashichho Dzong. Zorig chusum (Institute of 13 arts and crafts) Folk Heritage Museum. Visit the Royal Textile Academy and Museum Postal Museum – where you can also make a postage stamp with your own photo and can be posted in Bhutan. Centenary Farmer’s Market – popularly known as the weekend vegetable market where the local farmers sell their farm produce. Witness an archery (National) game if one is going on during your visit. Traditional handmade paper factory – where age old traditional method of paper making is still followed. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Punakha Dzong

Drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the 108 chortens, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. Chime Lhakhang: This Lhakhang (Temple) dates back to 1499 which was built by Lama Drukpa Kinley who is till this day known as a Divine Madman. Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. The temple houses a 14 foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, one of the biggest in the country. Evening at leisure or you can go for river rafting (optional at additional charges) Overnight at your hotel in Punakha

National Museum

Drive towards Paro. Ta Dzong : Built in 1656 as a watchtower for Rinpung Dzong is now used as the National Museum which is a repository of not only precious works of art but also costumes, armour and other hand crafted objects of daily life that provide a good snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. It opens 7 days a week except on National Holidays. Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Lama Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal and strategically located to thwart Tibetan incursions into the rest of the country, this Dzong became one of Bhutan’s strongest and most important fortresses. Evening free or can visit the Paro town with a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings. Overnight at your Hotel in Paro.

Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery: The hike to Taktshang Monastery perched on a cliff at 2950m/9700ft takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours as per your hiking ability. It is an uphill hike to the Monastery. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava (the great Buddhist master) with his magical powers came to Taktshang in the eighth century, flying from the east of the country on the back of a tigress (a form that one of his consorts is believed to have taken). He is said to have meditated for about three months in a cave on the cliff and subdued the evil spirits. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1692 by the fourth Desi Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. After lunch, drive up the valley to visit the newly reconstructed Drugyel Dzong (literally meaning the fortress of victory). Overnight at your Hotel in Paro.

Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point

End of your travel to Bhutan. Our team will drive you to the Airport and bid farewell. TASHI DELEK