This 4-days Glimpses of Bhutan tour will give you an opportunity to see Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
The tour will also explore the beautiful valley of Paro, which is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries. Hike to Tiger’s Nest which cling on the rocky cliff of 900 meters form the Paro Valley.
DAY 1~ ARRIVR PARO (2280m) & DRIVE TO THIMPHU: 65KM/APPROX 1HR
DAY 2~ THIMPHU (2320m)
DAY 3~ PARO TIGER’S NEST HIKING
DAY 4~ PARO DEPARTURE
DAY 1~ ARRIVAl PARO (2280m) TO THIMPHU: 65KM/APPROX 1HR
Fly into Paro onboard Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. The flight takes you over the great Himalayas, offering stunning views of the world’s highest peaks. As you descend into Paro valley, you will see the Paro Dzong like castle on the hilltop overlooking the Pa Chu (Paro River), with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now National Museum, above it.
Bokar Tours will be there to greet you at the airport and will drive you to Thimphu. The first stop will be to view the beautiful Tacho lhakhang (temple), the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s Iron Bridge Builder. Further along you will reach Chuzom, the confluence of the Paro chhu and the Wangchu rivers. Opposite the confluence are three protecting chortens (stupas) each built in a different style. In the evening leisure walk through Thimphu and mingle with the local people and visit shops. Overnight stay at hotel, Thimphu. LD
DAY 2~ THIMPHU (2320m)
Exploration of Thimphu begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity which was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. You will also visit the National Library and the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where students undergo training in Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts. The Folk Heritage Museum will provide insight into a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and Bhutan’s rural past through exhibits and documentation of rural life.
After lunch visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress like temple, perched on a ridge above Thimphu and the Takin Preserve to see the national animal of Bhutan. This animal is associated with the country’s religious history and mythology.
A further drive towards Sangaygang will provide a bird’s eye view of the capital. Next, you visit a nunnery temple followed by a visit to Tashichho Dzong or “the fortress of the glorious religion” which is Bhutan’s administration and religious centre and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King and other Government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo or the Chief Abbot. Overnight stay at hotel, Thimphu. BLD
DAY 3~ PARO TIGER’S NEST HIKING
Today you drive back to Paro valley to hike to Taktshang Gompa or Tiger’s Nest. The hike to Taktshang from the road point will take you through a well maintained uphill path. It takes around 3 hours to reach the monastery at an average pace. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forests. Stop for rest and light refreshments at the Taktshang cafeteria, which offers stunning views of the monastery and the valley below.
In the Paro valley you will also visit the auspicious Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred monument and the ruins of the Drugyel Dzong, the imposing fortress, which was the strategic vantage point to ward off invasion from the north. In clear weather you can view mount Jomolhari (7314m) from ruins of Drugyel Dzong.
Afternoon, drive to watch tower, locally known as Ta-Dzong. Today, it serves as a museum. The seventh floor museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill takes you to the imposing Rinpung Dzong, the district administrative and religious centre. Walk further down crossing a traditional bridge into Paro town. Overnight stay at hotel, Paro. BLD
DAY 4~ DEPARTURE PARO AIRPORT
Early morning drive to the airport for your onward journey. B
