Glimpse of Bhutan
This 5 day tour offers you the essential experiences of Bhutan, tailored for those who have limited time but great interest in this amazing country.
Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drakey peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by the guide and brief you for the days programme. Your first sightseeing in Paro starts with visit to the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. It has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden gallery lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall painting illustrating Buddhist lore. You will walk down till the road point crossing the traditional wooden bridge over the Pachu river. Then you will drive 12km north of valley to see ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (meaning victory fort). The Dzong, which is now in ruin was built to celebrate the victory of Bhutanese army over Tibetain in 16th century. If the weather is clear you will see the peak of mount Jumolhari from the ruin. On the way back you will visit the Kichu Monastery, the most sacred temple built by the Tibetain King Songtsen Gempo. In the evening, you will visit the Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Paro to Thimphu
Today you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the Back of the tigress to meditate in the cave where Tastsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. After having explored the Monastery, you will hike down to Paro. In the evening, you will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Overnight hotel in the Thimphu
Excurssion to Punakha
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3100 meters), where on clear days you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, drive down hills through the forest of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive at Punakha after traversing through rice fields and along the bank of the Punakha River. On the way you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to the Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to the Devine Madman or Drukpa Kuenley. If you wish, receive blessing from the Lama’s wooden Phillips! After lunch, visit the Punalha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Later the day, you will drive back to Thimphu. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Thimphu
After breakfast, you will visit Memorial Chorten (built in the memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952 to 1972), and the giant Buddha statue on the hill overlooking Thimphu which is reputed to be the Largest Bronze Buddha shakyamuni in the world; Changangkha Monastery, the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the Takin. After lunch, you will visit the nunnery temple, National institute of traditional medicine and Folk heritage museum. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town and absorb the lifestyle of the people. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Departure Paro
Drive to the Airport for departure to Bangkok.
