The Dragon Jewels

On a clear day, the flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over foothills from Kolkata/ Delhi, the journey offers you wonderful views of the Himalayas and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival at Paro airport, immigration and custom formalities and then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Evening take a stroll around town’s main street. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Then walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, this Dzong now
houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs of the valley. Afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Then visit a traditional farm house which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. In the evening, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines
of the Kingdom. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch.
In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate a victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

After breakfast proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. En route stop
at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit to
Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for
Buddhist studies. Afternoon, in Thimphu, visit to King’s Memorial Chhorten and
Trashichho Dzong, beautiful medieval fortress/monastery. Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum followed by visit to local market. Overnight
at hotel in Thimphu.

Morning, Thimphu sightseeing, visiting National Library, Painting School and Traditional
Medicine Institute. After lunch, drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop
en route at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of
Bhutan. On arrival, check into the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Punakha.

Morning visit to Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress which has played important
role in building up of modern Bhutan followed by visit to local market. Then visit,
Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, the newly built stupa. After lunch visit Chimi
Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa
Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behavior to
dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is
also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have
children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a
child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple.
Overnight at hotel in Punakha.

Drive to Paro, visiting Semtokha Dzong en route. The Dzong, built in 1627, is the oldest in
Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture studies. On arrival in Paro,
check into the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for onward destination.