Spectacular Flight to Paro over the majestic mountains; Hike to the most popular Tiger's nest also knows as 'Taktsang Monastery' -2.5 hrs hike up to 3180m.
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. First gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control you will be brief by our guide and transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take around 1 hour. Thimphu has a population of about 100,000. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. In the evening, Tashichoe Dzong, “The fortress of the glorious religion” houses the throne room of His Majesty the King.
After breakfast visit the Memorial Chorten (Stupa) built in memory of the Late King, Visit the folk heritage museum and the paper factory where a special kind of paper is made from the bark of the Daphne plant. After lunch visit the School of fine arts, where young children study religious art, carving, sculpting, tailoring, embroidery, gold and silver works. Visit the Takin preservation centre to see the “Golden Takin” the national animal of Bhutan and Buddha Point, where the latest statue of Buddha is built, one can also enjoy the view of entire Thimphu Valley. Later, walk through the main street and explore the shops in Thimphu.
An early departure from Thimphu to Paro. After checking in at hotel in Paro drive the winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fortress, which was once, defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. We then drive to Ramthangkha, the terminating point of the motorable road and then hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s nest).
At the view point enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigeress in the 8th century. If you desire then you can hike up to the monastery and visit the monastery which contains thirteen holy places. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan World. The monastic complex clings to the rock towering 900 meters above the valley (over 2,600 feet). After the visit to the temples walk back to the cafeteria for your lunch. After lunch we then walk back to the road point and then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. In the afternoon visit National Museum, Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower which now houses the National Museum and visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now used as an administration centre and school for monks. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
In the morning our representatives from Country Travels will escort you to Paro International Airport and bid Good-bye and pleasant flight back home.
