07 DAYS
M3 Itineraries
Day 01
Transfer to Thimphu Valley/ Explore
1hr/54kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Tachogang Temple
- Kuensel Phodrang
On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by our representative. Drive from Paro to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
On the way to Thimphu you walk to Tachogang Temple. This temple is important because the man who taught building Iron-chain bridges lived here in the 15th century. We will actually walk over the bridge that was restored with the pieces iron-chain collected from across the country. So here we will get to compare the art of building wooden cantilever bridge to iron-chain bridges. Then continue to Thimphu and check in to hotel.
Later in the evening drive to Kuensel Phodrang, (Buddha Point) is another place from where one can get a complete view of the town of Thimphu. The point has the largest statue of the Buddha.
Day 02
Thimphu Valley Exploration
4/5hr hike up/down
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- National Memorial Chorten
- Institute for Zorig Chusum
- National Library
- Handicrafts Emporium
- Tashichho Dzong
Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.
Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visits to:
*National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace.
* Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as the Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. (Open Mon – Fri 10am – 3.30pm, Sat open from 10am-12pm, Closed on Sun & Govt. Holidays)
* National Library, which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. (Open Mon – Fri 09am – 04pm, Closed on Sat, Sun & Govt. Holidays)
* Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.
* Tashichho Dzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters at Punakha Dzong.
Day 03
Transfer to Paro
1hrs/65kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- National Museum
- Institute for Zorig Chusum
- Kyichu Lhakhang
This morning, set off for Paro after an early breakfast. On arrival, drive towards the north end of the valley to view the Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum(Closed on Govt.holiday) The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection.
Then walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. Built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, this Dzong now houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular center of all affairs of the valley.
Visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan
Day 04
Hike Taktsang
4/5hrs hike up/down
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Jhomolhari
02: Places and Temples
- Taktsang Monastery
- Drukgyel Dzong
In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest (4-5hours hike Up/Down) It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory.
After hike, take an excursion to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought off Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, “mountain goddess” can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.
Later on, take an evening stroll along the main street, and perhaps visit a few handicrafts shops, or take refreshments at a local café or bar.
Day 05
Day Excursion to Haa Valley
2hrs/106kms
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Jhomolhari
02: Places and Temples
- Haa Dzong
- Chele-la pass
- Lhakhang Karpo
- Lhakhang Nagpo
HAA (2,670m/8,811ft)
The high altitude Haa valley lies south of the Paro valley. The staple crops of this large, fertile valley are wheat, potatoes, barley and millet. Yaks are herded in the upper reaches of the valley, and yak meat from Haa is considered a great delicacy by the townspeople of Thimphu. A day trip to Haa with picnic lunch by the river near new Haa Dzong is very pleasant in the warmer months of the year, when one can drive from Paro to Haa over the Chele-la pass (3,810m/12,573ft). On a clear day there is a superb view of Mts. Jomolhari & Jichu Drake from the pass.
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch.
Continue to Haa Valley. On arrival, the principal attractions of a visit to Haa are the journey up and over the pass and the picturesque valley itself. Visits can be made to two famous monasteries, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to be almost identical to that of the Jowo temple in Lhasa. Legend has it that local deities assisted in the construction of Lhakhang Karpo.
Evening return back to Paro
Day 06
International Departure
After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.