Trip to Bhutan

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrive paro airport⌄

   Tamchog lhakhang is temple that is dedicated to the 13th century saint Thangthong Gyalpo, the bridge builder. This temple is located across the river from the Paro to Thimphu. In order to get to the temple one must cross an iron chain bridge, one of the few remaining of the many that Thangthong Gyalpo built. This is a private temple however tourists are allowed to visit if they are given permission. Crossing this very old bridge with its swaying and undulating movements can be quite an experience. The temple's location on the ridge and the high rocky barren hills which serve as it's backdrop makes this a good location to take pictures.

   The Bhutanese word for river is "chhu," so the Paro Chhu is translated to the Paro River. The Paro Chhu starts on the South side of the 24,035 ft Mount Jomolhari flowing through mountain meadows and deep gorges before entering the Paro Valley and meandering through the town of Paro. Just downstream of Paro is a fun Class III+ section of whitewater with one portage.

   Clock Tower Square has a tower with four clock faces located in Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. It is a famously known landmark in Thimphu. There are many shops, hotels and restaurants surrounding the square.

   Meals: Breakfast: egg, toast, pancake, fresh fruits, milk tea/coffee/fresh juice · Lunch: Grilled chicken or fish Pasta Stir-fried vegetables Mashed potatoes or fries Bread rolls with butter · Dinner: Grilled chicken or fish Stir-fried vegetables Mashed potatoes or fries Bread rolls with butter

   Overnight: Phunsum Pelri ,a 3star hotel

2. 2Thimphu sightseeing⌄

   The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.

   The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Third Druk Gyalpo and is dedicated to World Peace. The chorten is a large white structure crowned with a golden spire.

   Bhutanese love playing this sport with full vigour, enthusiasm and celebrations. The way Archery tournaments are played in Bhutan is quite different. Players would be in their national dress, make a lot of euphoric sounds, even hoot opposition for missing targets and when target is hit, they do a slow dance to celebrate the hit.

   Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Other government departments are housed in buildings nearby.

   Meals: Breakfast: egg, toast, pancake, fresh fruits, milk tea/coffee/fresh juice · Lunch: Grilled chicken or fish Pasta Stir-fried vegetables Mashed potatoes or fries Bread rolls with butter · Dinner: Grilled chicken or fish Stir-fried vegetables Mashed potatoes or fries Bread rolls with butter

   Overnight: Phunsum Pelri,a 3star hotel

3. 3Thimphu to paro⌄

   Taktsang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley. It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rimpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled to meditate in it. Taktsang Lhakhang is located approximately 10 km north of Paro town at an altitude of 3.120 m. In order to arrive at the temple visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours through beautiful, shady pine forests. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site.

   Meals: Breakfast: egg, toast, pancake, fresh fruits, milk tea/coffee/fresh juice · Lunch: Grilled chicken or fish Pasta Stir-fried vegetables Mashed potatoes or fries Bread rolls with butter · Dinner: Grilled chicken or fish Stir-fried vegetables Mashed potatoes or fries Bread rolls with butter

   Overnight: Olathang hotel, a 3star hotel and good view of paro dzong and national museum

4. 4Departure⌄

   Paro Airport is said to be one of the toughest landings in the world. Paro Airport Bird’s Eye View Point gives you a chance to watch planes landing and taking off on that scenic airport nestled between mountains. The picturesque Paro Valley can be seen from this point and the small airport in the middle of all of that looks stunning. Ideal time to go here would be between 10-11 AM.

   Kyichu Lhakhang Bhutan is oldest monastery in Bhutan. It is located in Paro. It was built in the year 659AD by Tibetan King Songtshen Gampo

   Meals: Breakfast: egg, toast, pancake, fresh fruits, milk tea/coffee/fresh juice