You might wish to experience the excitement of taking a flight to Paro Int’l airport and then embark on an epic journey to Bhutan! Go hiking to the well-known Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery), get to know the unique culture and tradition of the nation, and be greeted by the ever-smiling locals and their delicious traditional meals. Book Himalayan Windows Tours for a special tour of 4 nights/5 days to really make it amazing and a once in a lifetime. Do not miss out on this opportunity to create memories that will last for years to come!
The flight to Paro is an experience in itself. On a clear day, you can see the majestic Mt. Everest and other Himalayan peaks. As you fly close to the Himalayan range, you can feel the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas. Once you land in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
The journey to Paro is truly breathtaking and captivating. The views of the majestic Himalayan range, the lush green valleys, and the snow-capped peaks are simply mesmerizing. As you descend into the valley of Paro, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Paro Dzong, the Ta Dzong, and the Paro River. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and can explore the city.
After breakfast you will proceed to visit Thimphu Valley and transfer to Punakha later in the afternoon:
Take a trip to the picturesque Trashichhoedzong or Thimphu Dzong, a medieval fortress and monastery. Inside you can see most of the country’s government offices and the King’s Throne room, too. It is also home to the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Next, go to the National Library which houses an impressive amount of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and texts. Then, pick up the car and drive over to the Arts & Crafts School, famed for its traditional thangka paintings. You will be there to see the students who create very complex patterns on fabric. Next up is the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums – a fascinating showcase of materials and traditions from Bhutan.
After lunch, go to the Handicrafts Emporium and see all handcrafted and hand-woven items. Then you will be heading to the Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to Bhutan’s Third King, who is referred to as the Father of modern Bhutan. Inside there are paintings and statues that offer a detailed look at Buddhist philosophy. Drive to Punakha via the Dochula pass (3100 m) at the very end.
After breakfast, go to Punakha Dzong, a fortress and religious center built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. This historical building has undergone four devastating fires and an earthquake but has been fully restored. Afterwards, drive to Wangdiphodrang, a district known for its bamboo products, slate, and stone carvings. Stop at the local market and Dzong before lunch and heading to Paro. Make a short stop at Dochula Pass and visit the oldest fortress of the Kingdom, Simtokha Dzong, which was constructed in 1627 and currently serves as the School for Buddhist Studies and is well-known as Chhimi Lhakhang – Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, stands in Punakha, Bhutan. The temple was built in 1499 by Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Madman” of Bhutan. The temple is famous for its unique collection of phallus paintings and statues believed to bring fertility and ward off evil spirits. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site where childless couples visit to seek blessings for a child.
After breakfast, go to the Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of all the Bhutanese monasteries. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche arrived here atop a tigress, which is why it is referred to as the “Tiger’s Nest.” The journey to and from the monastery takes around five hours.
In the afternoon, visit the Ta Dzong, National Museum of Bhutan. It began as a watchtower in 1967 but has become a captivating gallery of artworks, artifacts, thangka paintings, and the country’s rare postage stamps. Last but not least, walk down the trail to Rinpung Dzong, a place with historic heritage.
After breakfast, drive to the airport for the flight to the onward destination.