Essence Of Bhutan

Jenpalegso La (Welcome to Bhutan)! Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and driver at Paro Airport. First, you will see Rinpung Dzong, which is not far away from the airport, about 900 meters. It's the most famous temple in Bhutan and perhaps the best representative of Bhutanese architecture you will see. Then you will visit Ta Dzong, the watchtower of Paro Dzong, now the National Museum.

In the afternoon, you will drive 1.5 hours to the capital of Bhutan - Thimphu, which is 55 kilometers away. The rest of the day is for you to stroll around the city or take a rest in the hotel.

Stay overnight in Thimphu

Meals: Dinner

In the morning, you will visit Thimphu Valley. There's National Memorial Chorten built to commemorate the King of Bhutan III and a holy place for the people of Bhutan to pray for peace. Afterward, go to the Postal Office of Bhutan and the National Bank of Bhutan. The guide will also take you to visit Bhutan's National Academy of Painting and Folklore Museum, where you can have an intuitive experience of Bhutan's culture and art.

Then, proceed to Trashi Chhoe Dzong, a majestic and grand castle on the west bank of the Wangchu River. This is the office of the current king and the seat of the internal affairs and finance departments. Next, you will pay a visit to Buddha Point, one of the iconic landscapes of Thimphu Valley. Tourists can enjoy the panoramic view of Thimphu Valley here. An ancient prophecy says that once a statue is built in this valley, it will spread peace throughout the world. After that, go north to Takin Zoo, which is exclusively built for Bhutan's national animal - takin. Takin is a creature with a sheep head and cow body that is only living in Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

After breakfast, retrace your drive back to Paro. Today, you will visit Tiger's Nest(Taktsang Monastery), which is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Bhutan and is known as one of the top ten super temples in the world. Approachable only by hiking, this holy attraction is seated on the cliff’s edge. According to the ancient scriptures, in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, the father of Bhutan Buddhism, rid a female tiger to the edge of the Taktsang cliff, and once meditated in a cave for three months. Later Guru Rinpoche became the country's paramount religious image. Taktsang is the symbol of Bhutan and the highlight of your Bhutan trip.

In the afternoon, proceed to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan. After visiting today’s attractions, if time permits, the tour guide can also take you to visit the ordinary market in Paro, where you can buy some handicrafts with Bhutanese characteristics.

Stay overnight in Paro

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Meals: Breakfast