Marvels of Bhutan

​Day 1: Discover Thimphu

Descend into the fascinating Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. On arriving at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your private guide with a traditional white scarf of auspiciousness and transferred to Thimphu. On the way stop at Tachhog Lhakhang, a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). Immerse in the invigorating ambience of the medieval surrounding of this place. The cool-sweeping breeze and bright colored prayer flags is a feast to the eye. Arrive at Thimphu at an altitude of 2,300 MASL, sprawled along the Wang Chhu (Thimphu River). Drive to the vibrant Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang. Apart from the serenity of the place the view of Thimphu valley is amazing from this spot. Visit the exquisite fortress of Thimphu Tashichoe Dzong- a master piece of Bhutanese architecture and the seat of the administrative and monastic body including the office of the king of Bhutan. Visit the local archery ground where the locals celebrate the national sport in high spirits with a dance and song on every hit. As the sun sets behind the horizon, take a stroll around Thimphu and absorb the magical atmosphere of the capital city whilst taking in the sight of the contemporary Bhutanese life. Duration of Drive: 1.5 hours (54Km) Overnight: Hotel, Thimphu

​Day 2: Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Venture through the pristine environment of the Tiger’s Nest monastery. Get rewarded to an overwhelming sight of the monastery resting on the edge of a cliff at 900 meters above Paro valley. Tiger’s Nest Monastery or Taktsang Goemba is one of the holiest and the most beautiful sites of Bhutan and acquires its name from the legend of its foundation. It is beleived that Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived to this site from Tibet on the back of a flying tigress and blessed the entire place in the 8th century. The hike can be divided into several stages so it is not as ardous. The first stage is the trek to the cafeteria (where lunch will be served later today) situated on a rocky outcrop across a ravine from the monastery. This leg of the trek takes approximately 45 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on your level of fitness. At the Cafeteria we can stop for some tea or coffee and biscuits whilst pondering the journey ahead, with the marvel of the monastery overlooking the rest point from a distance. The 2nd stage of the walk is from the cafeteria to the lookout, opposite to the monastery. This may take close to one hour. At this point some may be content to snap photos and return to the cafeteria. The next stage is the trek/climb down the 475 steps in the cliff face to the bottom of the ravine which crosses over a stream and a waterfall before the path ascends onto another 300 odd steps to the entrance of the monastery. Once here, we should be able to enter into the monastery and view the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated. (Cameras are not allowed inside the monastery). Visit the 7th century Kichu Temple and learn about the stories related to the construction of the temple. Evening free or can visit the Paro town with a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings or take a scenic walk along the Paro River. Hike Duration: 4-6 hours Overnight: Hotel in Paro

​Day 3: Departure

At the end of your trip, our guide and vehicle will drive you to the Airport and bid farewell.