The Dragon Kingdom Tour

Arrive at Paro International Airport. Your guide will meet you and take you on a short one-hour drive along Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. You can stop on the way during the drive to take in the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge builder. Take a late afternoon walk around town and soak in the atmosphere of this magical capital with its busy shops and bazaars and photogenic citizens in national dress.

Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu. Meals: Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we visit the Weekly Market, the revered Memorial Chorten and the School of Traditional Arts. And depending on your interest and consultation with guide, you could visit:

• Changangkha Temple: Perched on the hilltop overlooking the town, devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the prayer wheels.  The temple also contains beautiful wall paintings and hundreds of religious scriptures written in gold
• Buddha Dordenma: You can take in more of the sights and culture of the capital, with a visit to this huge statue which commands a tremendous view of Thimphu valley. The huge 3-storey throne holds several chapels and the body itself is filled with 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha
• Takin Reserve: You can visit here showcasing the unique national animal, the Takin
• Pangri Zampa monastery:  College for traditional astrology
• National Textile Museum or Folk Heritage Museum: Browse the striking collection of intricate textiles
• Tashichho Dzong: Built in 1641, which housed the original National Assembly and is now home to Government offices, the throne room and offices of the King.
• Bhutanese Handicraft Market: If you would like to view or buy Bhutanese handicrafts, you may like to visit the new market which has an array of stalls run by local handicraft shops selling purely home made articles with no imports.

(Tell your guide what takes your interest.)

Overnight in Thimphu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning drive to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochu La pass at 3050m, where we stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges.  You will notice the change of climate and vegetation as we approach low-lying Punakha at 1250m.  Take a pleasant walk for an hour or so across terraced fields to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley).  Then, we visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”.  Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu. 

Overnight at a hotel in Punakha. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we return to Paro. It is situated in a beautiful valley at 2280m and is a fitting end to this charming kingdom. On the way, visit the Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, dating from 1629 AD).

In the afternoon, you can visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. You can also visit the National Museum. This was previously housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower) built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war, in an unusual circular construction resembling a conch shell. You can see a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artifacts – costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps. Near to the museum, you may also be able to see a demonstration of traditional wood turning skills by local artisans who make traditional wooden bowls and cups – and you can try your hand as well if you wish.  Then, you visit a local farm house for tea or dinner allowing you to experience traditional Bhutanese village life. Take the opportunity to try the restorative properties of a hot stone bath!

Overnight at a hotel in Paro. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a day walk to the ‘Tiger's Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900m above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress.  He subsequently meditated here for three months.  It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery or have a picnic lunch. Late afternoon, we visit the orphanage in Neyphug Monastery. Together with the children and monks, we play a game called "Khuru", a darts-like game that is very popular in Bhutan.

Overnight at a hotel in Paro. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport and fly back home or Kathmandu with great memories of your trip.

Meals: Breakfast

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