Bhutan Delight Ex Paro

Welcome to your ‘Bhutan Delight Ex Paro’ tour. On arrival at the airport in Paro, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Thimpu – the modern capital city of Bhutan. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Overnight in Thimphu.

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After breakfast, proceed on a city tour of Thimpu visiting places like – The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, National Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma Statue.
The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory was established in 1990 to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho using traditional techniques that have been practiced for generations.
The large Tibetan-style National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (the father of modern Bhutan). This whitewashed chorten with its golden spires, features elaborate mandalas, statues and a shrine dedicated to the popular third king. The religious paintings and complex tantric statues inside the monument reflect both peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities. Located atop a hill in Kuensel phodrang Nature Park, the Buddha Dordenma Statue overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. Made of bronze and gilded in gold, the Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni statue. It is the largest Buddha statue in the world at a height of 169 feet. Sitting upon a large meditation hall, there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, also cast in bronze and gilded in gold, that have been placed within the main statue.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the local markets. Overnight in Thimphu.

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This morning, drive to the valleys of Punakha, en route visit the Dochu La Pass and Chimi Lhakhang Temple.

Located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu, the Dochula pass at an altitude of 10,130 ft. offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas. The pass is marked by an array of prayer flags and 108 chortens (stupas), known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens.

Later, visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple, also known as Chime Lhakhang is a small Buddhist monastery. It is dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint, popularly known as the; Divine Madman. It lies in the fertile Lobesa village of Punakha Valley. On arrival, check in the hotel in Punakha. Later in the afternoon, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Built in 1637-38, this massive architectural edifice is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. In addition to its structural beauty, it is renowned for containing the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan as well as a sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani, a self-created image of Avalokiteswara.

Note: The Punakha Dzong is closed in winter months when the monk’s body is in Punakha. All visits to Dzong and Monasteries are limited till the courtyard only.

The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Punakha.

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After breakfast, drive to Paro, en route visit Paro Dzong. Situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley, Paro Dzong is one of Bhutan’s most impressive and well-known Dzongs and the finest example of Bhutanese architecture. The Dzong houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts and is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs of the valley. On arrival, check in to the hotel in Paro. Later in the afternoon, visit Drukgyel Dzong. Located on a ridge in the upper Paro valley, about 18 km from Paro town, the ancient ruins of Drukgyel Dzongor the fortress of the victorious Bhutanese; are considered as the most beautiful and famous archaeological sites in Bhutan. The evening is at leisure. One can visit the local markets of Paro. Overnight in Paro. (B, D)

After breakfast, drive till the base of the world famous Taktsang Lhakhang (5 hours to 6 hours hike up and down). Taktsang Lhakhang also known as the Tiger’s Nest, is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site and temple complex in Bhutan. Visible from afar, this stunning and highly revered monastery is perched on a high granite cliff at an altitude of 10,236 ft., overlooking the northern Paro valley. According to legend, this cliffside fortress was where Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. It has been recognized as a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled here to meditate.

Also, visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of Bhutan’s two oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 7th century.

Imp note: The people who will not able to visit Tiger Nest will be on leisure basis.
The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in Paro.

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Today, bid farewell to your ‘Bhutan Delight Ex Paro ’ tour, as you are transferred to the airport in Paro for your onward journey.