4 Days Gateway to Bhutan
Day 1 (Paro, Thimphu)
During the flight on a clear day, you will get to enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjungha, and other famous Himalayan peaks including sacred Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake Peaks in Bhutan. Upon arrival at Paro Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The drive to Thimphu is about 1 an hour. On route, enjoy the view of the valley of Thimphu and river through a rather arid and Rocky landscape.
After lunch we will take you to visit the The King’s Memorial Chorten (built-in memory of The Third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery. In the evening visit the dzong (fortress). Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2 (Thimphu)
After breakfast you will visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in the country that was built in the year 1629, thereafter we will drive to Dochula Pass, the road climbs for an hour till you reach Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3150m dotted with colorful prayer flags and 108 Stupa. Weather permits, this pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the Eastern Himalayans. You may enjoy a hot cup of tea/coffee at Dochula resort. After lunch visit the traditional paper making factory and drive to Buddha point to enjoy the view of Thimphu valley and will visit The School of Traditional Arts, Mini Zoo to see takens, the national animal of Bhutan. Evening will be at leisure and you can stroll in the town, visit local handicraft shops, do shopping as you like. Overnight hotel in Thimphu
Day 3 (Tiger's Nest)
After breakfast, drive to Paro about an hour and hike up to the most famous Taktsang Monastery. The trail is through the meadow of pines, rhododendrons and oaks. It takes about 2 hours to reach the viewpoint. Visitors can take a short break along the way at the Café to have tea or coffee and for a good view of Monastery. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and mediated here for 3 months and subdued the local deity called singye samdrup and converted him to Buddhism. Later in the 17th century, the 4th Desi or temporal ruler of Bhutan, Tenzin Rabgye built a temple in 1692 in its present form, thus fulfilling the wishes of Zhabdrung Rinpoche who died before he built this temple. (Horse ride to the cafe is available and can be arranged at additional cost). On the way back drive to Drukgyal Dzong to enjoy the view of Mt. Jhomolhari and back to Paro valley, on the way will visit the oldest temple called Kyichu Lhakhang which was built by a Tibetan king in 7th century to subdue the demoness. In the evening leisure time in the town. Overnight in Paro.