+975 77898242
[email protected]
While flying, if the weather is good, you can see amazing sights of the Himalaya Mountains, like the special peaks called Jumolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. When you land in Paro, Kuzu Travel will welcome you and take you to your hotel.
Paro International Airport (Google Map)
Upon your arrival in Paro, take the opportunity to acclimatize and explore the cultural richness of the region. Visit the following significant places:
1. **Paro National Museum:** Shaped like a conch shell and completed in 1656, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of Bhutanese history and culture. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, textiles, and antiques.
2. **Paro Dzong:** Towering over the Paro Valley, this fortress is a Bhutanese landmark. Constructed in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it stands as a massive temple-fortress on the foundation of an earlier monastery built by Guru Rinpoche.
3. **Paro Dungtse Lhakhang:** This unique three-storied chorten-shaped temple, built in 1421 by Thangtong Gyelpo, aims to subdue an ogress. Restored in 1841, it features paintings depicting the progressive stages of Tantric Buddhist philosophy and important deities of the Drukpa Kagyudpa School.
In the evening, embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.
After an early breakfast, embark on a picturesque drive towards Punakha, crossing the scenic Dochula Pass. If the weather is clear, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the great Himalayan ranges from Dochula pass.
Upon reaching Punakha, engage in a beautiful hike to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten. This chorten was constructed to dispel negative forces and foster peace, stability, and harmony. The Chorten stands prominently in the upper Punakha Valley, offering breathtaking views across the Mo Chhu and towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. The journey starts from the village of Nezigang, taking you through cultivated fields and charming hamlets to reach the Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten, an intricately designed shrine built by the royal family. Enjoy the rainbow of Guru Rimpoche images and the panoramic vistas of the Punakha Valley.
After the hike, descend and follow ancient riverside trails, passing by whitewashed farmhouses. En route, visit Punakha Dzong, strategically located at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it served as the religious and administrative center of the region. Despite facing damage from fires and earthquakes, the Dzong has been meticulously restored by the present King. Punakha Dzong is open to visitors during the Punakha festival and in the summer months when the monk body relocates to Thimphu.
Overnight stay in Punakha.
After an early breakfast, explore various attractions in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Here are some options for your visit:
1. **Changangkha Monastery:**
– Built in the 12th century, this ancient temple is one of the oldest in Thimphu.
– Perched high on a spur, it was chosen by Lam Phajo Drugom Zhipo.
– The monastery houses Chenrizig (Avolokitesawara), an 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation, as the central statue.
– Inside the monastery, find large prayer wheels and smaller ones on the walls. The main guardian deity is named Dom-Tshang.
2. **Buddha Dordenma:**
– Visit the Great Buddha Dordenma, a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue celebrating the 60th anniversary of the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
– The statue, made of bronze and gilded in gold, is located amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking Thimphu.
– Construction began in 2006, and the completed work is one of the largest Buddha rupas globally, standing at 169 feet. It contains 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas.
3. **Thimphu Chhodzong:**
– Explore the Thimphu Dzong, also known as Tashichho Dzong, a fortress and Buddhist monastery.
– It serves as the seat of the government and houses the throne room of the King.
4. **Bhutan Postal Museum:**
– Visit the Bhutan Postal Museum, established in November 2015 to celebrate the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
– Learn about Bhutan’s progress and development through the evolution of communications and the postal system. Explore anecdotes, artifacts, and a rich assortment of stamps.
5. **Takin Reserve:**
– Head to the Takin Reserve to see the national animal, the Takin (Burdorcastaxicolor).
– Learn about its association with religious history and mythology.
– The Takin is a rare mammal found above 4000 meters in the north-western and far north-eastern parts of the country. Witness these unique creatures that feed on bamboo and can weigh over 200 kgs.
After a day of exploration, overnight in Thimphu.
After breakfast, embark on a journey to the base of Taktsang Lhakhang, Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, and religious site. Taktsang, also known as “The Tiger’s Nest,” clings to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The temple was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D.
Legend has it 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 to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since, attracting many famous saints who traveled to meditate in this remarkable location.
To reach the temple, visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours through beautiful, shady pine forests. The trek offers stunning views and is an essential part of the Bhutanese experience.
After the Taktsang trek, visit Paro Kichu Lhakhang. Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body covers Bhutan and most of Eastern Tibet. This temple is regarded as one of the most spiritual places in Bhutan.
In the evening, explore Paro town, experiencing its unique charm and perhaps doing some last-minute shopping for souvenirs.
Overnight in Paro, reflecting on the spiritual journey and natural beauty experienced during the day.
As your Bhutanese adventure concludes, your guide will escort you to Paro International Airport in the morning. With warm wishes of Tashi Delek (Goodbye and Good Luck), you bid farewell to the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan. May the memories of the stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and spiritual moments stay with you as you embark on your journey back home. Safe travels!
