Historic Center Bhutan Tour

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world's highest peaks, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Your Bhutanese escort from The Bhutan Travel will greet you on arrival, and then drive you to the Paro National Museum.Lunch in the town. After lunch we will visit Paro Rimpung Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in this region.

Bhutan's most scenic icon and important place for pilgrimage and refuge for over 1200 years the Takshang or the Tiger's nest clings 200 meters on the steep cliff over Paro valley.
The place was first visited by Guru Rimpoche, the founder of tantric form of Buddhism in Himalayan countries in 8th century. It was said that he meditated there for about three months. After him, lots of high Buddhist priests came to meditate and had attended highest spirituality. The original temple was built in 17th century, but it was burnt by fire in 1998. The temple was rebuilt to its fullest glory in 2003. It is considered as the 10th holiest site in the Buddhist world.
The total hike will take you about four hours. From the parking, you will take about one hour to get to the tea house and then another one and half hours to the temple.
In the evening visit Kyichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in 7th century by the Tibetan king Songchen Gyampo.
Visit local farm house to experience local hospitality.

Dragon Leisure will drive to Thimphu Once we reach Thimphu we will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952 - 1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the textile museum, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the mini - zoo, which has the national animal of Bhutan: the Takin. From there we will visit the Zilukha nunnery temple, a traditional paper factory, the Tashichodzong (Fortress of Thimphu).

After breakfast drive to from Thimphu (hotel).En-rooted sightseeing in the valley of Wangdue Phodrang, it includes: visit to Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (from Outside) built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of Buddhist religion to the four points of the compass.
The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo chu & Tang Chu rivers .Drive further to Gangtey. While in gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson & reincarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re - incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery & is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. After lunch, explore the valley.

visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan's capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan's first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue. Also visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, the newly built stupa.

Drive to Thimphu from Wangdue. Thimphu Sightseeing.
Night Stay at Thimphu.

Departure