Day 1 : Fly into Paro and then take a shuttle to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1 hour & 15 minutes drive)
One of the most breathtaking flights over the Himalayas is the one to Paro. The flight offers magnificent vistas and an exhilarating descent into the Kingdom, whether taking off from Kolkatta or Kathmandu across the foothills of the Himalayas. The crisp, fresh mountain air you'll breathe as you exit the plane will be Bhutan's first present to you. You will be greeted by one of our representatives after completing immigration procedures and retrieving your luggage, and they will then drive you to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, with a stop in Chuzom along the way,the point where the rivers of Thimphu and Paro meet. This confluence is adorned with stupas in three different styles: Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese. On your left, you will see Tschogang Lhakhang, also known as "the shrine of the good horse," not far from Chuzom. It is a private temple that was constructed in the 15th century as a consequence of a visitation from Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha, who appeared as Balaha, the magnificent horse.
Upon arrival, check into the accommodation in Thimphu. Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan and the country's administrative, religious, and commercial hub, is a distinctive place with an uncommon blend of modern development and age-old customs. With a population of around 100,000, it may still be the only capital city in the entire world without a traffic light.
Visit to Trashichhoedzong later. The Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King, and different government departments are all housed in this majestic fortress/monastery. Additionally, it serves as the central monk body's and chief abbot's summer residence.
An evening exploration in the heart of Thimphu. Visit the Local Crafts Bazaar as well to peruse some of Bhutan's exquisite traditional artwork. You can purchase hand-woven fabrics, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, sculptures in slate and wood, jewelry, and other intriguing products created of local resources here.
Day 2 : Sightseeing in Thimphu and travel to Paro (55 km, approx. 1 hour 15 minutes drive)
Visit the National Library, which has a vast collection of precious Buddhist manuscripts, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (also known as the Painting School), where students take a 6-year training program in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts, among other places, after breakfast. Visit the Textile Museum later to learn more about Bhutan's most distinctive art form. Visit Simply Bhutan as well, a studio and living museum showcasing the rich cultural legacy of the Bhutanese people.
Visit Changangkha Lhakhang after lunch. It is a temple and monastic school that resembles a fortress that is positioned on a ridge south of Motithang, overlooking Thimphu. The temple was built in the 12th century on a location selected by Tibetan immigrant Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo. Here, Chenrezig is shown as an 11-headed apparition in the main statue. The Thimphu valley can be fascinatingly viewed from the temple courtyard. then proceed to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest statue of the Buddha in the nation is where you can pay respects and offer prayers. After that, you can stroll around and catch a glimpse of the valley.
Then, observe as people repeatedly circle the King's Memorial Chorten while chanting and spinning their prayer wheels. His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, known as "the father of modern Bhutan," the third monarch of Bhutan, had the idea to build this landmark as a tribute to world peace and prosperity. It was finished in 1974, after his tragic death, and it serves as both a monument to peace and a memorial to the Late King. After visiting Thimphu, travel to Paro over the picturesque route that follows imposing river valleys. Visit Simtokha Dzong en way, the oldest fortification in the nation erected in 1627, which is currently home to the School for Buddhist studies, if time permits. Upon arrival, check into a hotel in Paro.
The stunning Paro valley is home to a thriving culture, breathtaking scenery, and countless stories and legends. The National Museum, the nation's lone airport, and many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries are located here. At the northern end of the valley, Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white splendor, and its glacial waters plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). One of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, Paro produces a significant amount of the region's renowned red rice from its terraced fields. Spend the night at the Paro hotel. (Elevation 2280 m).
Day 3 : Paro
After breakfast, set out on a fascinating visit to Tiger's Nest or Takthang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk).
One of Bhutan's most well-known monasteries, Taktshang, is located 900 metres above the Paro valley floor on the side of a cliff. The monastery is known as "Tiger's Nest" because it is said that Guru Rinpoche meditated there after riding here on the back of a tigress. Since Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited this location in 1646, it has been revered as a most sacred spot, and today all Bhutanese visit it at least once during their lifetimes.
Visit Ta Dzong in the afternoon, which was once a watchtower but is now home to the National Museum. Antique thangkha paintings, textiles, armor, household items, and a wide range of historical and natural relics are all part of its large collection.
After visiting Ta Dzong, visitors can take a short stroll to Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong and translating to "fortress of the heap of gems," which has a lengthy and fascinating history. Fine wall paintings depicting Buddhist mythology include the four friends, the elderly man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from Milarepa's life, Mount Sumeru, and other cosmic Mandala along the wooden galleries flanking the inner courtyard. Take an evening stroll around the shops and markets on Paro's main street.
Day 4 : Leave Paro
Drive to the airport to catch your flight to your next location after an early breakfast at the hotel. As you complete the necessary leaving procedures, our representative will bid you farewell.