Cultural Tour to Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan

Highlights: Spectacular views of Mt Everest (8,848 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m) and Lhotse (8,414 m); and a literal adrenaline-pumping landing on the roof of the world.

Travel by Druk Air / Bhutan Air Lines (Bhutan’s national airline) to Paro, the country’s only international airport. The flight is exhilarating to say the least, as the route runs parallel to the mighty Himalayas, enabling passengers to see the world’s highest peak, Mt Everest. The descent affords a panoramic view of Bhutan’s foothills, culminating into a thrilling landing at what is considered one of the world’s most challenging airports.

Meet your guide at the airport and head to the hotel for lunch. Devote the afternoon to sightseeing around the Paro valley, famed for its natural beauty, historical monuments, agricultural farms and quintessentially Bhutanese village communities. Visit the National Museum, formerly a watch tower, and then the “Castle on a Heap of Precious Jewels or Rinpung Dzong”. Visit the 7th century Kyichu Temple, believed to have been built on a site that resembled the knee of a giant ogress.

Overnight at the hotel.

Highlights: Hike to the Tiger’s Lair, the most famous Buddhist monastery in the Himalayas, built on a sheer rockface.

After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start hiking up to the temple renowned in the Himalayan Buddhist world as one of the most popular sites of pilgrimage. This five-hour round trip follows an ancient but oft-trodden footpath flanked by water-driven prayer wheels.

The temple, precariously perched on a hair-raising ravine about 1,000 metres above the valley floor, is considered sacrosanct as it was in a cave within this temple that the eight century tantric saint, Padmasambhava, subdued the evil spirits obstructing the teachings of the Buddha. The saint is believed to have come to Taktshang in a fiery wrathful form riding a tigress. Over the years, many Buddhist saints have meditated in and around the temple and discovered numerous hidden treasure teachings.

Visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong enroute. The fortress known as the “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”, and is a symbol of Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan invasions of the 17^th and 18^th centuries. We can also get a view of the sacred mountain, Jumolhari, along the way. Travel to Thimphu in the evening.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Highlights: The power centre and the capital city of the Happy Kingdom. Hub of commerce and culture.

There are great many places to see in Bhutan’s capital. In the morning we will drive to Buddha Point which provides a spectacular 360 degree close-quarter view of entire Thimphu and the adjoining areas. This is the site of the world’s tallest statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Our next destinations are the 12th century Changangkha Temple, the Takin Zoo, and the viewpoint at Sangaygang. On our way back to Thimphu, we will stop at a nunnery, the Folk Heritage Museum and the Textile Museum.

Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, travel to Dochula. The one hour drive from Thimphu offers a scenic view of the Eastern Himilayan Mountains. Another spectacular sight in Dochula is the 108 stupas.

In the afternoon proceed to Tashichho Dzong, a 17th century castle-fortress which today houses the offices of the King, Chief Abbot, and government ministries. We will also take the opportunity to see the nearby parliament complex, the School of Arts and Crafts, and the vegetable market. We can then spend the rest of the day watching an archery match and strolling around the town.

Overnight at Thimphu.

Our guide will drive you to the airport on time to catch your flight back home. Kadrinche and thank you! Hope you enjoyed Cultural Tour to Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.