The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards transfer to the hotel.

The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country’s only international airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

Evening driving around Paro main street and market area, familiarising yourself with destination.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280 m).

After breakfast, driving excursion to Chele la pass.  At an elevation of 3,988 meters, Chelela is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour’s drive from Paro, along a thickly forested road, this pass is a botanical paradise. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Chomolhari (7,314m) and Jichu Drake (6,714m). It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

Later in the afternoon proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Then walk down for about 10-mintues to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ‘Fortress of the Heap of Jewels’ which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

Evening at leisure in heart of Paro town, exploring neatly lined colourful shops offering wide assortment of local products.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

OR, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HIKING:

After breakfast, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Then embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk).  It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

Evening at leisure in heart of Paro town, exploring neatly lined colourful shops offering wide assortment of local products.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence.

The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.

Today’s sightseeing in Thimphu includes, visit to:

Memorial Chorten: The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan.  The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Buddha Dordenma:  It is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni made of bronze and is gilded in gold, measures 51.5 meters in height, making it one of the largest statues, in Bhutan. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, each of these also have been cast in bronze and gilded. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.

Simply Bhutan Museum: It is a living museum and studio encapsulating the rich cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. A distinctive feature of Simply Bhutan is that it fully operated by young people and job seekers, who receive here on the job training in basic business & management skills, customer care and other spheres of life. Here the serene and picturesque little village house has been recreated using doors and windows and other building materials from old traditional houses that were demolished, the studio portrays age-old lifestyles of the Bhutanese people.

Trashichhoedzong: This is the center of Government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Local Crafts Bazaar: Located at the centre of Thimphu town below Norzin Lam, this handicrafts market of Thimphu consists of about hundred shops crafted from eco-friendly bamboo and lined neatly in a row, selling colourful and beautiful authentic handicrafts of Bhutan. With aim to preserve the Bhutanese culture and promote local traditions and handicrafts, the shops in the market possess wide assortment of authentic souvenirs.

Evening return to Paro for overnight stay (Altitude 2,280m).

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.