Glimpse of Thunder Dragon Bhutan (03 Nights / 04 Days)

Day 01 : Arrival

Arrive at Paro International Airport received by our representative from Bhutan Himalayan Holidays. Drive to Hotel in Paro. Leisure at Paro town  market and take a stroll through town's handicrafts . Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02 : Paro - Thimphu ( 60 Km, 2 Hours )

After breakfast drive to Drukgyel Fortress, a ruined fortress from where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders. On the way visit Kyichu Monastery. One of the most sacred shrines in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

After lunch, visit to Ta Dzong, Watch Tower, now the Nattional Museum of the Bhutan. Then walk down the trail to visit 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 four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the lofe of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

After that proceed to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. the road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence). Three different style of chortens adorn the confluence. A short way beyond on the left, is Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the hill of excellent horse. It is private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. After the narrow, rock lined section of the road opens up as Thimphu approaches, Simtokha Dzong lies enroute. Simtokha means the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.

On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. Evening, time for exploratory walk before dinner.

Day 03 : Thimphu - Paro

After breakfast, sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes, visit to 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 practised. The Painting School, where young monks learn the art of Buddhist thangkha. Also visit mask maker workshop and workshop for fine metalcraft, weaving, ceramics and paper making. Then visit, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.

Afternoon, visit to Tashichhodzong, 'fortress of the glorious dharma'. It is the centre of government and religion, site of King's throne room, National assembly hall, and 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.

Also visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumbulated by His Majesty's subjects, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras.

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, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials, and all manner of unique objects.
Evening drive to Paro for overnight stay.

Day 04 : Paro Departure

After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

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