Beautiful Bhutan - Option 3

The most spectacular mountain flights you will ever experience in a life time. Flying in from the heat of the plains of India one can witness from the left side of the aircrafts window a series of the world’s highest peaks. Your pilot will announce the names of the peaks if the weather is clear. You will descend into the high mountains and as the plane lowers you will not find any airstrip or any city but instead you will enjoy the view of the approaching valley of Paro, the alpine forests, little monasteries, temples and farm houses. Before the plane touches the runaway you will get a glimpse of the fertile valley of Paro, the Paro Dzong and Paro chu(river). Our representative will be at the airport to assist you, meet and greet and transfer to the hotel and transfer to the capital city. Day at leisure. Overnight at Thimphu.

Morning transfer to Thimphu and when in Thimphu you got to prepare for surprises where this unique capital has no traffic lights but adopted its own version of the British – Indian colonial times traffic policemen who can startle you and memorize others with his elaborate hand gestures, sometimes he may be signaling stop when it looks like go but don’t worry you can observe the flow and notice his smile as you stare at him. Sightseeing includes the Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, Handicrafts Center to view the traditional arts, the indigenous Medicine Hospital, the Painting School and from the road point take a glimpse of Trashichho Dzong. Further drive uphill and visit Takin Zoo where you will find national animal of Bhutan. Afternoon visit National Memorial Chorten a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan and Buddha statue. Evening take a leisure walk to the main city from Clock tower square. Overnight at Thimphu.

• Morning half day excursion to Tango Chari monastery, 45 minutes drive towards north of Thimphu. These two monasteries are located in two opposite hills hike up to Chari monastery.
• Hike to Chari Monastery – was built in 1620 on a hilltop. A silver chorten or temple inside the monastery holds the ashes of Zhabdrung father Yap Temei Nima. The short hike starts by crossing a lovely wooden bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhu(river). If you are lucky and have never seen mountain goats this is the place and find out how mountain goats can walk on steep cliffs. Return to the city and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Thimphu.
• Tango Monastery located on the opposite side of the hill – is now an important centre for higher learning for monks and is associated with Lama Drukpa Kunley and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The three storied temple is dedicated to the body, speech and mind of the Buddha. The monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa in the 12th century. The short hike will take about 30 minutes walk through beautiful forest from the road point. The name Tango means head of a horse and here you could look out for a rock that looks like head of a horse.

• Morning drive to Paro valley and visit the National Museum housed in a round fortress called as the Ta Dzong considered to be one of the best natural history museums in Asia where it has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts. Just below Ta Dzong lies Paro Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang the monastery dates back to 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred.
• Afternoon visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th century fortress that used to keep invaders from Tibet and in 1951 the fort was destroyed by fire. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Paro.

Morning - if you are adventurous and physically fit you could hike or take a horse ride till (one-way) the world famous “Tigers Nest “or popularly known as “Taktsang” one of the popular spiritual heritage sites. It was here that the great tantric master Guru Padma Sambhava flew in from Tibet on a tiger to bring Buddhist teachings to Bhutan. (Round hike take 6 - 7 hours).Afternoon visit the town for shopping or leisure. Overnight at Paro.

Morning transfer to Paro International Airport for your next destination.