| Duration: | 4 Days | Trip Code: | |
| Trip Grade | Soft | Max-Altitude: | |
| Meals: | Full Board | Accommodation: | Paro |
| Group size: | Minimum 2 | Transportation: | Private Vehicle/ Flight |
| Trip Start: | Paro | Trip End: | Paro |
| Primary Activity: | Sightseeing | Best Season | Spring and Autum |
The tour provides an opportunity to explore the cultural landmarks of Bhutan. The program is designed in such a way that it provides you ample amount of time to spare in the heritage sites which will enable you to learn more about the history and culture of the place. The tour starts as you reach to Paro after a scenic flight from Kathmandu. You will then be travelling to Thimpu the capital city where you will visit Simthoka Dzong, National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Heritage Museum, and Handicraft Emporium etc. Furthermore, the tour leads you to Paro where you will be visiting to the famous Tigernest Monastery also known as the Taktsang Monastery located in the Cliffside. The purposed trip will enable you to explore the best of Bhutan in the limited number of days.
Kindly note that, the below given itinerary is just the suggested one. We can also customize the trip as per your travel plan and necessities. For more information you can directly contact us at +977 014256900 or +977 9851223737. You may also write us at inquiry@theclassicoutdoors.com . If the suggested itinerary is not feasible to you then you can also refer to other programs such as Explore Bhutan in 5 Days or Bhutan Cultural Sightseeing Tour - 6 Days that might be of your interest.
Day 01: Fly Kathmandu to Paro and drive to Thimpu
Day 02: Full day Sightseeing tour of Thimpu and drive to Paro in the evening
Day 03: Excursion to Taktsang Monastery (5 hrs walk).
Day 04: Depart Paro
Day 01: Fly Kathmandu to Paro and drive to Thimpu
From Kathmandu it will take around one hour flying distance to reach Paro. The scenic flight allows you to witness an amazing scenic views of the Himalayan giants from the comfort of your seats. Upon your arrival at the Paro airport, our Bhutanese representative will greet and escort you for your further journey to Thimpu. It will take around 2 hours’ drive to reach Thimpu the capital city of Bhutan. En-route you will visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of its kind which once guarded the Thimpu valley, which is now a religious university.
Simtokha Dzong:
Simtokha Dzong was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The site was also a vitally strategic location guarding Thimphu valley. The place is officially known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras), it is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan. There has been renovation, expansion and restoration of the dzong numerous time and most recently was done by the team of Japanese architects. The attractions of the dzong are the large central figure in the central lhakhang is of Sakyamuni flanked by the eight bodhisattvas, the dark murals inside this Lhakhang are some of the oldest and most beautiful in Bhutan, in the western chapel are the statues of Chenresig, green and white Taras, and an early painting of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal etc.
Upon arrival at Thimpu you will be escorted to your hotel.
Day 02 : Full day Sightseeing tour of Thimpu and drive to Paro in the evening
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day sightseeing tour of Thimpu.
National Library:
The National Library of Bhutan was established in 1967 to preserve ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. It is located in the Kawajangtsa area of Thimpu. The 4 storey building is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. Traditional books and historic manuscripts are kept on the top floor and include texts from the famous Tibetan printing presses of Derge and Narthang. It holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the school of Thankas Painting and the Traditional Medicine Institute, where centuries old healing art are still practiced.
Traditional Medicine Institute:
The Traditional Medicine Institute was established in 1978and it collects medicinal plants from the remote corners of Bhutanese Himalayas. The institute supplies traditional medicines and medical services to the trained doctors. The institute also consists of a library dating back to 1616 AD.
National Institute for Zorig Chusum:
The institute is commonly known as the panting school. The institute teaches the techniques of traditional paintings, sculptures and other forms of traditional arts and one can view the students at work. The showrooms also sells the good value pieces made by the students.
Heritage Museum:
The museum is a three storied building, the ground floor resembles barn, the upper floor resembles store and the top most floor resembles living and dining area. The museums displays various materials related to the Bhutanese culture and way of life. Exhibitions includes rural household’s artifacts, equipment, objects and tools. The museum regularly holds events for education and culture demonstrations. It regularly holds buffet lunch and dinner.
Tashichhodzong:
Tashichhodzong is a Buddhist monastery situated on the northern edge of Thimpu on the western bank of Wang Chu. The dzong was the site of lavish formal coronation of the fifth king in 2008 and hosts the colorful Tsechu festivities. The original upper dzong was destroyed by fire three times as well as seriously damaged by an earthquake.
Handicrafts Emporium:
This government-run souvenir emporium has fixed prices and takes credit cards. There are a wide range of products under one roof, including traditional boots, bamboo baskets and festival masks. It closes an hour earlier from November to February.
Later in the evening, you will take a two hours’ drive back to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03- Excursion to Taktsang Monastery (5 hrs walk).
Morning take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (5 hrs walk). Tigernest monastery is the famous Buddhist monastery of Bhutan located in the Cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The temple complex was built in 1962 around Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. It is believed that Padmasambhava flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tigress from Khenpajong.
Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 04 – Paro-Ktm
Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport to board the flight. Your escort will assists you with departure formalities and bid you farewell.