Bhutan - the Land of Thunder Dragon Tour

City sightseeing tour to world heritage sites; Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath(known as a monkey temple among westerners).The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast with fantastic centers of cultural and spiritual significance - Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world. Stay overnight in hotel.

Upon arrival at the Paro International airport, our guide will meet you and transfer you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After checking in at the hotel, we will head for the Buddha Dordenma Statue, which is under construction and will be the largest Buddha in Bhutan after completion. We will visit the Takin Sanctuary where you can observe this unique national animal at close range, a must see for all visitors to Buhtan. From there we will visit the Zilukha Nunnery and the Bhutan Post Office Headquarters, where travelers like to have stamps made with their photos on them. To avoid having to stand in line to have your pjcture taken, we recommend that you bring an SD card or USB with the photo you want to use. It will cost you $4 (US) for 12 stamps. Today's last destination is the Thimphu Dzong (Trashichho Dzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu, which now houses the offices of the King.

Today we visit Punakha, the former capital city of Bhutan. It is 77 kilometers from Thimphu and it takes around 3 hours to drive there. On the way, we will stop at Dochula Pass, for a coffee break and to admire the 108 grand stupas. On a clear day there are great views of the Bhutan Himalaya from the cafeteria. As we continue, we see Chimmi Lhakhang, a Buddhist monastery standing on a round hillock that was blessed by the Devine Madman. Now it is a sacred place, particularly for women seeking blessings to have children. Continuing we reach today's highlight Punakha Dzong, the second of Buddhist's dzongs with majestic structures. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha valley, the dazong is a six-storied structure with a scenic and mountainous background. It was the seat of Bhutan's government until 1955 when the capital was moved to Thimphu. Nearby we will visit the longest bridge in Bhutan, a Suspension Bridge spanning the Mo Chu River. We will spend the night in Punakha.

After breakfast, we drive back to Paro, which will take about 3 hours. Today's sightseeing tour starts from Paro Dzong, also named Rinpung Dzong. It is one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan and the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. It was built in 1644 as a fortress and Buddhist temple, and is now the local religious administrative center. The annual Paro Tshechus, held here in spring, is the most important local religious festival and attracts thousands of visitors. Later we visit Ta Dzong at the top of the hill above the dzong. It was originally the watch tower of Paro Dzong, now it houses the National Museum with over 3000 art treasures. Our next stop is the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan where the royal family's most important celebrations are held. Our last stop of the day is a typical local farmhouse where you can have some homemade wine and chat with the family members to learn more about their life.

This morning we visit Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries. It has long been recognized as a holy place as it was said that in the 8th century, the Guru Rinpoch flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a tiger and then meditated in a cave here. This site is located in the rocky cliffs over 900 meters above the floor of Paro Valley. It is about a two-hour strenuous hike to get there, however, it is worthwhile for the spectacular view and historical interest. After that we go to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, which was built to honor the memory of Bhutan's victory over the Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, you can appreciate the stunning distant view of Mt. Chomolhari behind the ruins. 

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport and see you off. Thanks for choosing our Bhutan vacation package. Hope you have a nice trip home!