Among the Clouds

• Welcome to Paro. The last 15 minutes or so is amazing with snow covered peaks jutting majestically out of the clouds and then mountains either side as Druk Air zooms down the valley getting lower and lower and closer to the airport. On the view are settlements on the ground, the bare paddy fields, the meandering tracks, the river and streams, the trees and finally the town of Paro and the International Airport. Located at an elevation of approximately 2200 meter above sea level, this airport sometimes is called as “straight out of the fairy tales”.
• Drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. During this drive, you will pass through idyllic countryside giving some idea about what you might come across on your journey in the next 5 days. Thimphu (2,280m) is a small, bustling city in the heart of the Himalaya. Thimphu’s charm comes not only from its wealth of museums or places of historic interest, but also from the strong national character of its architectural style. Arrive Thimphu and then transfer to your hotel.
• Relax in Hotel Or Afternoon / Evening Leisure walks in the City.

• fter breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: the National
• Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum
• (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan's
• 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of
• the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. Then, visit the government-run Handicrafts
• Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you
• can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry,
• interesting items made from local materials.

• After Breakfast Drive to BBS Tower Area (Sangay Gang) to start a short hike(1.5 hr) to Wangditse
• Goemba, which was founded in the 18th century by the eighth desi (secular ruler). The hike will start
• from the BBS tower till Dechenphodrang Nunnery through the pine forest. On this trail you can also see
• and enjoy a beautiful Thimphu city view. While this is being done Hotel will organize Hot pack lunch for
• river side picnic. Come back to Hotel. Freshen up and then drive to the foothills of the Cheri Geomba to
• enjoy the afternoon along the river side. This is a must do

• Early evening visit the memorial Chorten. This large impressive monument
• with its golden spire was built in 1974 to honor the memory of the third King,
• His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928 – 1972).
• Built by his mother Her Majesty the late Queen Ashi Phuntsho Choden
• Wangchuck, the whitewashed chorten is decorated with richly carved
• annexes facing the four directions, and features elaborate mandalas, statues
• and a shrine dedicated to the popular third king. There are numerous religious
• paintings and complex tantric statues housed inside reflecting both peaceful
• and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities. Throughout the day people
• circumambulate the chorten, whirl the large red prayer wheels and pray in
• the adjacent shrine. The early morning and evenings is particularly tranquil as
• elderly people shuffle in and spruced-up school kids whiz in and out to pay
• homage.

• After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the
• view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road.
• If skies are clear, numerous peaks can be seen from this pass
• Evening drive past Trashichhoedzong, "fortress of the glorious religion". This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch's throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional But Later visit to Punakha Dzong, Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637
• by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region,
• Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and
• an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King.
• anese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

• One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since
• 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art,
• relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape
• augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.

• Hike to Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang is located on a high cliff towards the north of Paro town. It was
• first built in 1692, around the TaktsangSengeSamdup, a cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to
• have meditated for three months in the 8th century. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche (Guru
• Padmasambhava) flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet on the back of a tigress and subdued a
• demon. He then performed meditation in one of the caves here and emerged in eight incarnated forms
• (manifestations) and blessed the place. Subsequently, the place came to be known as the “Tiger’s Nest”.
• Guru Padmasambhava is known for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best
• known of the thirteen caves in which he meditated.

After breakfast transfer to airport to catch flight