ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 1: Arrival/Paro/Thimphu (1hr drive)
Day 2: Thimphu/Paro (1hour drive)
Day 3: Paro
Day 4: Paro/Exit
WHAT WE INCLUDE
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
- Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
- Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear.
- Experienced driver.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard goverment approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
NOT INCLUDED
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
Bhutan Spotlight DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival/Paro/Thimphu (1hr drive)
Accommodation: Tara Phendeyling/Similar (3 Star)
Meals: Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner
Upon arrival, transfer to Thimphu for overnight. First gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of plane. After your visa formalities you will be greeted by our representative and drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan (Elevation 2,300m). One of the unique and charming things you will see in all over Bhutan is our architecture.
Iron Chin Bridge: On the way to Thimphu visit iron chain bridge, it’s just five minutes’ walk from the high way, built over the Pa chu (Paro river). The bridge was built in 15th century by Tibetan master known as Thangtong Gyalpo, was great Buddhist, a yogi, physician, blacksmith, architect, and a pioneering engineer. He is said to have built many iron chain suspension bridges around Tibet and Bhutan, several of which are still in use.
Memorial Chorten: Built in 1974 to honor the memory of late 3rd king of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, popularly known as the father of modern Bhutan. A multi- storied stupa will introduce you to the vitality of Tantric Buddhism.
Buddha Point: One of the largest sitting posture statue of present Buddha in the world, 169ft tall. Inside the statue there is a big shrine which has hundred and twenty five thousand statue of Buddha donated by devotes around the world. One can do offerings, meditation and prayers inside the shrine.
Takin Zoo: Takin is the national animal of Bhutan believed to be created by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century. This animal is chosen as the National animal of Bhutan for its uniqueness and its association with the country’s religious history and mythology. It is found in Nepal, china Burma and Bhutan.
Weekend market: After the visit to Takin zoo, explore Local Farmers Market and have leisure walk in the main street of Thimphu, the only city without traffic light in the world.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 2
Thimphu/Paro (1hour drive)
Accommodation: Mandala Resort/Similar (3 Star)
Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner
Today we will head back to Paro. The Paro valley (2200m) is more than beautiful; it is visually stunning and historically fascinating. This beautiful terraced valley is home to many Bhutan’s oldest temples and home to our International Airport. The valley is known for growing red rice in Bhutan which is main staple diet for the people.
National Museum: Upon arrival in Paro visit Ta Dzong built in 1649 as a watch tower to defense the valley from Tibetan invaders. In 1968 His Majesty the 3rd King of Bhutan converted into a National Museum to exhibit the cultural and artistic artifacts of Bhutanese civilization, heritage and tradition.
Paro Rinpung Dzong: It is also known as “fortress of the heap of jewels”. It was built during time of Zhabdurng Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional cantilever bridge. A walk through the bridge to the Dzong offers a good view of the architecture wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it.
Kychu Temple: One of the oldest temples in Paro valley dates back to 7th century by first Tibetan Buddhist King. It is believed to build over the left foot of ogress who was stopping the king from spreading the Buddhism over Himalayan region.
Paro Town: And before leaving to hotel stroll around Paro town, where you can find plenty of handicraft shops and some good coffee shops.
Overnight: Paro
Day 3
Paro
Accommodation: Mandala Resort/Similar (3 Star)
Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner
Taktsang: This morning, hike to visit Taktshang (Tigers nest), the land mark of Bhutan kingdom, be amazed by the view of this sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. Regarding the hike it is approximately 4 hours hike for round trip. The Monastery was built in 8th century by Guru Padmasambhava, also known as lotus born and refers as second Buddha in Mahayana tradition. After the hike, soak yourself in traditional hot stone bath to relax and heal your joints pain after long walk.
Overnight: Paro
Day 4
Paro/Exit
Meals: Breakfast
Say good bye to Bhutan. After breakfast we will escort you to airport.