from 8 reviews
6 Days
No Cancellation
2-25 people people
English
Flying into Kathmandu, you'll have views over the valley, the Himalaya, and the terraced fields below. After completing customs, a representative will be waiting to greet you outside the airport and to guide you through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets to your hotel.
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular flights in the entire Himalayan region. Whether flying along with the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the kingdom.
On arrival, you shall be received by our representative who will be waiting eagerly to welcome you with khadars (Welcome Tradition) then transferred to your hotel.
Evening you can take leisurely stroll around the town's main street. Overnight at the hotel.
After Breakfast drive to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where the Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. On the way back we visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the kingdom.
After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail towards Rinpung Dzong, meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels" which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as The four friends, The old man of long life, The wheel of life, scenes from the lore of Milarepa, Mount, Sumeru, and other cosmic Mandala.
After that, we take a 2hour drive(55km) towards Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. As we are about to reach Chuzom(Confluence of two rivers Paro and Thimphu) we stop to visit Tamchoe Lhakhang Built by Tangtong Gylepo,( The great bridge builder of Bhutan he is said to have made iron bridges with his bare hands) and now preserved by his descendants.
Along the way, we have many more scenic beauties to be enjoyed. On arrival in Thimphu we check-in to the Hotel, if things go as plan then there is still time for an exploratory walk before dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes, visit the National Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. The Traditional Medicine Institute, where centuries-old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced. The Painting School, where young monks learn the art of Buddhist Thangkha Painting.
Also visit mask maker workshop and workshop for fine metal craft, weaving, ceramics, and paper-making. Then visit, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
After lunch, we head off to Kuensel Podrang where we can see the Buddha Dordenma Statue, measuring at a height of 51.5 meters making it one the world's largest Buddha statue.
On our way back we visit the kings Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by His Majesty's subjects, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras.
We then move towards Tashichho Dzong, 'fortress of the glorious dharma'. It is the center of government and religion, site of the King's throne room, National assembly hall, and the seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built-in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium and local shops if you like to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials, and all manner of unique objects.
Evening drive to Paro and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
After an early breakfast in the hotel, our representative will drop you to the airport for your flight to onward destination.
It's time to say farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a final stroll through the narrow alleys and temples, and some final souvenir shopping. A driver will be waiting for you at your hotel to take you to the airport for your return flight home. It's best to be at the airport at least two hours prior to departure.
