This brief yet unforgettable experience will provide you with an insight into the life in Bhutan traveling through Thimphu the capital, Punakha the old capital and Paro known for the Tiger’s Nest Temple. Highlights in this tour include the Tashichho Dzong (the fortress of the Glorious Religion), the Punakha Dzong (the Palace of Great Happiness) and the Tiger’s Nest Temple
Altitude in Paro: 2,280m
Distance: 55km
Estimated travel time: 1.30 hour
Potential areas for photography
• Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels), National Museum, 7th century Kyichu Temple among several other ancient religious monuments and sites
• The ruins of Drugyal Dzong (currently it’s under construction) and Taktshang (Tiger’s Lair) Monastery, famed for its religious significance and architectural wonder
• Villages, farmhouses, people
Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of The Heap of Jewels) - Rinpung Dzong is an ancient fortress in traditional Bhutanese architecture with a complex of courtyards, temples, administration offices and open space surrounded by towering walls. All the buildings are equipped with huge windows with elaborate wooden carvings of traditional Bhutanese motifs. Paro Dzong is considered one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture and it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Bhutan. This impressive dzong is also seen during landing into Paro Airport.
National Museum of Bhutan – Ta Dzong. Originally built as a watchtower in 1649, atop a hill above the Rinpung Dzong, overlooking the whole picturesque Paro valley. Converted into a museum in 1968, its extensive collection includes astonishing antique thangka paintings, weapons and armor, and rich diversity of natural and historic artifacts.
Altitude in Thimphu: 2,320m
Potential areas for photography
• Tashichhodzong – the magnificent 500-year old seat of Bhutan’s governance and the palace/office of the king.
• Parliament Building – An epitome of modern Bhutanese architecture combined with traditional grandeur.
• Buddha – the world’s tallest Buddha built on the breast of a hillock which commands a spectacular view of the capital city.
• Sangaygang– The perfect viewpoint for Thimphu city.
• Memorial Stupa – the most beautiful stupa in Bhutan built in memory of the father of modern Bhutan, king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
• Vegetable Market – people from various ethnic backgrounds and diverse culture only.• Nation traffic control – Bhutan has only one busy traffic which is control by police man.
• Norzin Lam (street) – The busiest place in the capital
• Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, School of Art and Craft
Altitude in Punakha: 1,300m
Distance: 75 km
Estimated travel time: 3 hours
Potential areas for photography
• Semtokha Dzong, the oldest monastery fortress of Bhutan.
• Dochula, the 3,116 meter pass which provides a breathtaking view of the mighty Himalayas
• Different types of vegetation, from alpine to the sub-tropical, rare birds and flowers
• The Wangdue-Punakha valley, farms and villages,
• Chimi Lhakhang an ancient monasteries (the Temple of Fertility)
• Punakha Dzong, the old capital of Bhutan and Bhutan’s most prized monument
• The under construction of Wangduephodrang Dzong-fortress
• Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge –the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.
Dochula Pass - The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.
Chimi Lhakhang- Hike to the Temple of Fertility (altitude: 1,500m). An enjoyable hike, taking about 30 minutes through the rice and mustard fields and the uniquely decorated houses of Lobasa Village.
Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness). Built-in 1637, it is said to be the most spectacular dzong in Bhutan. Punakha Dzong was built at the confluence of two major rivers in Bhutan, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, which converge in this valley.
In addition to its structural beauty, until the mid-1950s, it still served as Bhutan’s capital and the seat of the government. All of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here, and it has witnessed the memorable wedding of the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema in 2011.
Distance: 125 km
Estimated travel time: 2.30 hours
Potential areas for photography
• Rare birds the birds of Heavenly (including the exotic black-necked crane) and animals, and beautiful alpine flowers.
• Pelela pass (3,390 meters), the Black Mountain range, hamlets along the way.
• Lawa la pass (3050 meters), yaks during months of January, February, March and September, October, November, December
• Views of Gangtay –Phubjikha valley
A pleasant hike through paddy fields and pine trees to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten.
•Gangtay monastery –one of the olden structure in country, Gangtey Goemba or ‘Gangtey monastery’- The only Nyingmapa monastery in this region, sitting on the crest of a hill on top of Gangtey valley. The monastery was built in 1613 following the prophecy of Pema Lingpa – the famous 15th-century treasure finder.
Altitude in Thimphu: 2,320m
Estimated travel time: 4.00 hours
Potential areas for photography
• Night view of Paro Rimpung Dzong from two different locations.
• Chelela Pass (3,988 meters) and from there stunning views of Mt Jomolhari (7,326 meters) which is revered as the Abode of Goddess Remati. Also, numerous species of alpine flowers, and birds like Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, and Kalij Pheasant
Kyichu Lhakhang- one of the 108 temples built throughout the Himalayas by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. The main chapel has roots as far back as the 7th century, with additional buildings and a golden roof added in 1839 by the penlop (governor) of Paro and the 25th Je Khenpo. Elderly pilgrims constantly shuffle around the temple spinning its many prayer wheels, making this one of the most charming spots in the Paro valley.
Traditional meal at a farmhouse learning about Bhutanese daily life. A traditional hot stone bath at the farmhouse after all the hiking is also an option provided for relaxation.
Highest altitude: 3,120m
Distance 4 Km (one way)
Potential areas for photography
Best from the bird eye view at early morning and around afternoon best from opposite of monastery.
Taktsang Monastery, or the Tiger’s Nest (highest altitude: 3,120m)- A 8 km hike that will typically take 5-6 hours ascending around 600m to reach the destination. An experience through dense enchanted forests and spectacular mountain scenery along the trail.
A stroll through Paro town.
