As we fly above the Himalayas towards Bhutan we can catch a view of snow-clad-highest mountains. As we come closer to Bhutan we can witness the holy Jumalhari and Jichu Drake peaks of Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro Airport, you will be transferred to the respective hotel for refreshment. Today we will visit Rinpung Dzong which houses the district administrative offices. It has a long history and built around 1646. We will also see Kichu Lhakhang - the oldest temple in the country. Then we head towards Drugyel Dzong which represents the Bhutan victory over Tibetan Invaders and built around 1649.
We set this special day to visit Taktsang Monastery(Tiger Nest). We hike for 4-5 hours to reach Taksign monastery. It is said that Guru Rinpoche (Spiritual Master) had flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now resides. This most famous monastery is situated on the hill at an elevation of around 3180m. After our sightseeing of this amazing site and enjoying a delightful hike, we head towards Thimphu on a drive.
We visit the memorial Chorten. The stupa, built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorgi Wangchuk (1952–1972), is a prominent landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells. We visit Bhutan’s traditional painting school, Nunnery temple, Changangkha monastery, mini zoo to see Takin (national animal only found in mountains), folk heritage museum, majestic Tashichhodzang, and a giant Buddha statue on a hill overlooking Thimphu. If we arrive in Thimphu on the weekend some of the landmarks will be closed so we will explore the weekend market instead. In the evening you can buy souvenirs, traditional handicraft as a remembrance of your trip.
One hour of drive will lead us to Paro from Thimphu. We will catch an early flight to return to either Kathmandu or if you want to return to your home we can make such arrangements. We will grab some local breakfast at last before leaving this isolated beautiful Himalayan kingdom.