Day 1 - Arrive in the Kingdom of Bhutan
Look out of the window on your flight into Bhutan and you will see the majesty of the mighty Himalayas. After a spiraling descent into Paro Valley (2,280m), Amitabha will receive you on arrival at Paro Airport. Drive to your hotel and freshen up before exploring Paro Valley. After lunch, we will take you sightseeing to the following places of historical importance:
Paro Dzong
Standing high over Paro Valley, this fortress is a landmark in Bhutan. In1644 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal initiated construction of this massive temple-fortress on the foundation of a monastery earlier built by Guru Rinpoche.
National Museum
The museum provides an excellent overview of Bhutanese history and culture. Shaped like a conch shell, it was completed in 1656. The museum holds the largest collection of artifacts, textiles and antiques in Bhutan.
Dungtse Lhakhang
This temple was built in 1433 by iron bridge builder, Dubthob Thangtong Gyalpo. The three floors represent hell, earth and heaven.
Kichu Lhakhang
This temple was built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body covers Bhutan and most of Eastern Tibet. This temple is one of the most spiritual places in Bhutan.
Free Time
If you are tired, retire early to recover from jet lag and/or time difference.
Day 2 - Continue Touring Paro Valley
Taktshang Lhakhang
Taktshang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, perches on a high cliff and marks one of the most important places in Buddhism. While flying on the back of a tiger, Guru Rinpoche identified Taktshang as a sacred place and meditated in a cave for three months. Today it's perhaps the best-known monastery in the world, because of its stunning location. The hike to Taktshang is a steep walk and takes 2-2.5 hours to reach.
Drukgyel Dzong
The ruins of Drukgyel Dzong lie just north of Taktshang. This dzong was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to defend against Tibetan invasions. The dzong's name 'Druk' (Bhutan) 'Gyel' (Victory) commemorates the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, you will get a spectacular view of Mount Jumolhari from here.
Day 3 - Thimphu - The Capital City of Bhutan
Thimpu
Drive 2 hours to Thimphu (2,320m), the capital city of Bhutan. On the way to Thimphu, on the opposite side of the river, you will see a temple owned by the descendants of Dubthob Thangtong Gyalpo (iron bridge builder). He was responsible for building numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan. After lunch visit some of the capital's attractions, according to the group's interests or have your own time to explore the town.
National Institute of Zorig Chusum
This institute was established to preserve and teach the 13 traditional arts in Bhutan, including painting, wood carving and sculpting, etc.
National Institute of Traditional Medicine
Established in 1988, traditional herbal medicines are prepared here and distributed nationwide. There is a daily clinic where doctors diagnose patients and prescribe appropriate traditional medicine or treatments.
National Textile Museum
Opened in June 2001, it is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Changing exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles woven by women and men.
Changangkha Lhakhang
Perched on a ridge above Thimphu Valley, this temple and monastic school was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who came from Ralung, Tibet. The central statue is Chenrezig, an 11-headed manifestation of Avalokiteshvara.
Trashichodzong
located on the banks of the Wang Chu (river) is Bhutan's administrative and religious centre. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, government ministries, the nation's largest monastery and headquarters of His Holiness the Je Khenpo (the chief abbot) and the central monk body.
Memorial Chorten
Located in the heart of Thimphu, this most famous chorten was built in 1974 in memory of the third King of Bhutan, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The deities depicted inside are the Nyingmapa tradition of Buddhism and teachings of Vajrayana (tantric form) Buddhism. It is a nice place to join the locals for circumambulation in the late afternoon.