Kuzuzangpo La! Welcome to Bhutan, The Kingdom of Happiness

Our team will be eagerly waiting for you at the airport’s exit terminal. Just complete the immigration formalities and collect your baggage, and you’re in for a warm welcome.  From Paro airport, we’ll start our drive towards Thimphu, the Happiness Kingdom’s capital city. Located at an approximate height of 2500 m in the Thimphu Valley, this vibrant city is an hour’s drive from the airport.

Upon arrival, check-in at one of our finest selections of Bhutan hotels. A memorable stay guaranteed!

Don’t worry, we won’t keep your stomachs growling for long. Just freshen up at the hotel, and we drive you to a cozy restaurant for lunch. Along with other cuisines, you can try delicious Bhutanese foods right away! Have a good rest before we start our tour tomorrow. Overnight at the hotel. 

We hope you had a good night s sleep in beautiful Bhutan! Enjoy the hotels satiating breakfast before we begin our Thimphu tour today.

·         MemorialChorten,dedicatedtothefounderofmodernBhutan.Thistall,four-storeyedstructure containsstatuesandsymbolsofseveralTantricdeities,undoubtedlyrankingamongthemust-visittouristplacesin Bhutan.ExperiencethefantasticsightoflocalscircumambulatingtheChorten,holdingprayerbeadsandmurmuring the divineprayers.

·         National Library. This 20th-century building houses major historical evidence in theform ofdocumentsandphotos.Also,you will findtheworld’s biggestpublishedbookherethatweighs68kgandis2metres inheight.

·         Buddha Dordenma, made in line with increasing the Bhutan happiness index. This sitting statue of Buddha measures 169 feet in height and is filled with 1,25,000 shorter Buddha statues. One of the world’s most giant Buddha statues, Buddha Dordenma, with its peaceful and assuring appearance, draws innumerable tourists towards it. Also, this spot offers spectacular views of the Thimphu Valley.

·         ArtsandcraftsattheInstituteofZorigChusum.Enjoytakingphotographsofstudentslearningtopaintreligious pictures on canvas, carve masks and statues from wood, and embroider clothes and footwear. What’s more, you can even buy one of such artworks at a fairprice!

·         Folk Heritage Museum displays the impressive traditions and gives a glimpse of the country's history. A one-of-its kind "living"museum, visitors get to enjoy the Bhutanese songs, folk dances and finger-licious cuisine. One can actually live thecountry's culture by trying on traditional clothes and archery.

·         Takin Reserve Centre. Takin are related to sheep and weigh up 650 kgs. According to the local folktale, the Devine Madman, Drukpa Kunley, created the Takin by joining the goat’s head in the body of the Cow. This interesting animal is an endangered species found only in few pockets of the Himalayas.

·         TashichhoDzong,animpressivestructurelocatedjustontheoutskirtsofThimphu. One of Bhutans most iconic monuments, the Tashichho Dzong houses His Majesty’s throne room and several government offices. This massive fortress is also the summer residence of the central monasticbody.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head for Punakha. This 3-hour journey includes an ascending drive through the Dochula Pass. Immerse yourself in nature as you capture beautiful Bhutan in your camera from great photography spots here.

        ·         Dochula Pass at 3100 m amidst pines and junipers is a mesmerizing mountain pass with 108 stupas and bright-coloured prayer flags is indeed a visitor’s delight.If you’re lucky to spend time here on a clear day, you’ll get guaranteed superb views of the region’s highest peaks.Stroll around the stupas dedicated to 108 brave soldiers who lost their lives in warfare.

       ·         Punakha Dzong, a majestic structure inextricably associated with the momentous historical events of unforgettable Bhutan, such as the crowning of all the Kings of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong is also the central monastic body’s winter residence.This six-storeyed architectural marvel with towering, whitewashed walls is Bhutan’s most beautiful dzong. Built on the banks of two rivers, the dzong turns into a spectacle in sunny weather, what with its whitewashed walls splashed in sunlight that bounces off the waters. Hope you can catch this extraordinary sight!

       ·         Longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning 350m and perched high above the very swift river of Po Chhu. Draped with prayer flags, the bridge connects the town of Punakha and the Punakha Dzong, mainly used by locals from the other side of the town as a shortcut to Punakha Dzongs.

       ·         Chimi Lhakhang Temple which is a must-visit. You’ll enjoy the leisurely walk-through scenic paddy fields to this temple.  this is the perfect place to seek blessings for begetting children! 

This morning we start our journey towards Paro via the picturesque Dochula Pass. Remember, on day 1 of your BhutanTour,yougotonlyaglimpseofParoValleywhileenteringtheKingdomofHappiness.Buttoday,afterabout 4 hours, you’ll get to stay in one of the most excellent Bhutan hotels located right in the spectacularvalley!

      ·         Chuzom, the meeting point ofrivers Thimphu and Paro. You’ll enjoy walking on the Chuzom bridge. Also, at this fascinating spot, you’ll find three stunning chortens of Tibetan, Nepali, and Bhutanese styles. We’re going to have a tough job interrupting your photography and reminding you to get inside the waiting vehicle!

      ·         Photo stop atThamchok Lhakhang which is just a short drive from Chuzom, It’s a private temple under the ownership of a renowned iron chain bridge builder’s scion. You can see the great man’s creation even here - a fantastic chain bridge that leads to the temple.

      ·         National Museum (Ta Dzong). This hill-perched museum preserves the rich Bhutanese culture in the form of countless collections. Fine arts, bronze sculptures, jewellery, stuffed animals, stamps, and the list goes on. Another plus point of your museum visit is the spectacular view of Paro Valley from its viewpoint.

       ·         Paro (Rinpung) Dzong. This 17th century, square-shaped citadel with a central tower and motifed buildings is indeed an exemplary piece of Bhutan architecture. Paro Dzong is the administrative centre of the town. It houses courtyards, administrative offices, and a monastic area. Take the experience of crossing the traditional cantilever bridge with a shingle roof and a couple of watch houses on each end to our waiting vehicle.

Today, Post breakfast, we take a short drive on a blacktop road of green Bhutan to the end of Paro Valley.

       ·         Drukgyel Dzong. This 17^th Century dzong is a symbol of victory over the Tibetan aggression, Drukgyel Dzong served as an excellent barrier for several years against further attacks.

       ·         Taktsang Lhakhang, more popularly called “The Tiger’s Nest”. This iconic monastery is so- called owing to the myth that the medieval Buddhist saint Padmasambhava visited it, riding a flying tiger. The legend also says that he meditated in a cave that is now the Nest’s lower storey. The monastery houses a wrathful emanation of Padmasambhava on top of a tiger. You can reach this sacred place only through an uphill hike as it’s perched on a precipitous rock face. It’s a 5-hour trek through scenic pine forests, with the eluding view of the Nest beckoning you the whole time.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for your onward flight connections. We hope you’ve enjoyed your journey and look forward to helping you with your future travel plans.