Mysterious kingdom of Bhutan

Arrive at Paro International Airport (2200 metres), where you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to our hotel in Thimphu (2334 metres), the capital city of Bhutan. Freshen up at the hotel before setting out on a day of sightseeing. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the impressive seat of the Royal Government of Bhutan, which houses the offices of His Majesty the King, the throne room and the secretariat. If we’re lucky, we may be able to experience the flag ceremony that takes place during official occasions. In the afternoon we’ll visit the Memorial Chorten built in honour of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. In the evening, explore the main strip of this bustling city and visit the handicraft emporium which showcases traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles and woodcrafts.

We’ll start today at Ani Gompa, where you’ll be able to witness the simple lives of the nuns, based around meditation and prayer. From this vantage point there are also good views of the valley and the Thimphu Chuu river. Next we’ll visit the Dordenma Buddha, the largest statue of Buddha in Bhutan. The stunning 51 metre statue heralds the entrance to the Thimphu Valley, and the complex has many good luck symbols. Once it is fully completed it will have a library and meditation centre with a unique collection of Buddhist scriptures. In the late afternoon return to the hotel.

After breakfast we will take a spectacular drive to Punakha, the former capital. On the way we will pass through several picturesque villages and cross the Dochula Pass at 3200 metres. If it is a clear day you will be able to see Mount Gangkhar Puensum (7541 metres), the highest mountain in this region. When we arrive, we will visit Punakha Dzong, the second oldest dzong in Bhutan, which was once home to over 500 monks. It is also the winter home of His Holiness Jhey Khenpo, the Chief Monk of Bhutan; as well as the wedding venue of their Majesties the King and Queen.

After breakfast we’ll transfer to Paro, a beautiful farming valley with charming houses, orchards and farmlands. This is one of the best preserved of all the valleys in the country. When we reach Paro, you’ll have time to rest and acclimatise to the altitude. We’ll then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the famous Buddhist Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. This is one of the oldest and most holy temples in Bhutan, and the main Jho statute is believed to be just as sacred as the Lhasa Jho. In the afternoon we’ll visit the architectural marvel of Rinpung Dzong, the ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’ that towers over the town. The dzong was built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. Some of the scenes from the 1995 film ‘Little Buddha’ by Bernardo Bertolucci were filmed here.

Today we’ll visit one of the most impressive sights in Bhutan, the Taktsang Monastery. This architectural wonder, also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery’ is perched 900 metres up a sheer cliff face that overlooks the Paro valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche miraculously flew here on the back of a tigress, where he then meditated in a cave for three months before converting the Paro valley to Buddhism. We’ll drive to the base of the Tiger’s Nest walk and take the spectacular trek up to the cafeteria viewpoint. Those who wish to visit the monastery itself can hike further to the height of 2980 metres (approximately two hours). After visiting the monastery, you can opt to visit Drukgyel Dzong (also known as the Victorious Citadel), the Ta Dzong Museum, or enjoy an optional hot stone bath in a traditional Bhutanese bath house.

After breakfast we will transfer you to Paro airport for your departure flight to Delhi. We hope you enjoyed your time with us in Bhutan, and we hope to see you again on another Ekno Travels experience.