THE LAND OF THUNDER DRAGON

The flight to Paro offers breathtaking view of the mighty Himalayas. On the arrival at Paro International Airport, complete your visa formalities and you will be received by your representative, who will accompany you for the tour. We will drive to visit Ta Dzong, built in 17th century as a watch tower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Also visit the Paro Dzong, built in 17th century to defend valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative centre and home of monastic community. After visiting the Dzong, we pay a visit to the Holy and sacred Kyichu Lhakhang, which is the oldest monastery in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Drive to Thimphu. (L,D)

We will do some local sightseeing in Thimphu today and visit places like Simply Bhutan, a living museum where you can try your hand at constructing a traditional house wall, drink ara, or try some archery. We will also visit the painting school and the National Memorial Chorten. After lunch, we will drive to the mini zoo to see the most endangered national animal of Bhutan, the Takin followed by a visit to a Buddhist Nunnery. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, a beautiful medieval fortress. (B,L,D)

Before leaving Thimphu, we will stop by Buddha Point to see the 54m tall statue of Buddha overlooking the capital city of Thimphu. Then we drive towards Punakha. On the way, we will stop at Dochu La pass to get a view of the Himalaya mountains and see the 108 stupas built by the present Queen Mother. Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan and is still the winter residence of Monks bodies. Visit Punakha Dzong and other local sightseeing.(B,L,D)

This morning, we will drive to hike the beautiful and breathtaking Khamsum Yuelley Monastery perched on a hill in Northern side of Punakha valley. This monastery is built by the present Queen Mother. We will also take a short hike to visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of fertility. (B,L,D)

No visit to Bhutan is complete without a hike to see the beautiful Taktsang Monastery perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley. Taktsang Lhakhang, The Tigers Lair monastery, is one of the holiest and the most beautiful sites of Bhutan. We will drive up the Chele La Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. If there is time you can hike up to the sky burial area at an elevation of 4175m. (B,L,D)

Early morning drive to airport where our guide will bid farewell to your trip back home and hoping that you take a beautiful memory of the country. (B)