This 4 day Bhutan in Brief tour will introduce you to the uniquely preserved culture and natural beauty of the Dragon Kingdom. Discover the attractions of the stunning Paro Valley including the ancient Kyichu Temple, Drukgyel Dzong, and the inspiring Taktsang “Tigers Nest” Monastery, perched on a rocky ledge 900m above the valley floor. Also includes a day excursion to explore the many sites of Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. There will also be time to indulge yourself with the spa, massage and wellbeing options available at your accommodations.
DETAILED SUGGESTED ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Fly into Paro Valley on our national carrier, Drukair. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane – a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of Bhutan. The concierge of Amulet Luxury Travel Bhutan will take care of all airport formalities whilst you enjoy the comfort of the VIP airport lounge services.
After some lunch, visit one of the holiest temples in Bhutan, Dungtse Lhakhang (temple). Dungtse Lhakhang was built in 1421 by the famous Tibetan Lama, Thangton Gyelpo (1385-1464), also known by the name of Chagzampa, ‘the builder of iron bridges’ or Drubthob, ‘the realized One’. It has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven and the paintings inside are considered to be some of the best in Bhutan.
Afterwards visit Kyichu Lhakhang. King Songtsen Gampo built this temple in 659 AD. It is believed to be holding down the left foot of a demon whose body is so large that it covers Bhutan. This Lhakhang contains a 5 meter-high statue of Guru Rinpoche and another of Tara, who represents one of the wives of King Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan.
If time permits, explore Paro town, either accompanied, or on your own. Please note that your personal guide and chauffer will be at your beck and call as and when you need his/her assistance. He/she will be just a phone call away (use the phone which will be provided to you upon arrival).
Return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro (Day excursion to Thimphu, Capital City of Bhutan)
Enjoy a day trip to Thimphu, a journey of approximately 1.5 hrs each way. Enjoy exploring some of Thimphu’s many highlights. These include the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who died in 1972.
Also visit Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu valley, the National Library featuring an extensive collection of ancient Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format, the School of Traditional Arts and the Folk Heritage Museum. Overnight in Paro.
Day 3: Paro (Hike to Taktsang Monastery, ‘Tiger’s Nest’)
Drive to the foothill of Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. There are two options available to enable you to reach Taktsang Monastery (Please note that riding pony downhill is not recommended). You can either choose to ride a pony or hike. It takes approximately one and a half hours uphill to reach the Taktsang cafeteria overlooking the magnificent Monastery perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. From here it is about another hour to a lookout point beside the monastery.
Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress. Guru Rinpoche then meditated in a cave for three months and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. According to Bhutanese tradition, the tigress was a form taken by one of Guru Rinpoche’s consorts for the occasion.
Return to Uma Paro for lunch before continuing on to explore Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the great “Unifier of Bhutan”. He constructed it to commemorate his victory over the Tibetans in 1644. Drukgyel Dzong was featured on the cover of the US National Geographic magazine when John Claude White published an article about Bhutan in 1914. In 1951, a butter lamp fell over and started a terrible fire which destroyed the glorious and magnificent Dzong. Now the Dzong is in ruins and its main courtyard is closed to all visitors.
Afterwards visit the Rinpung Dzong, also known as ‘fortress of a heap of jewels’. Built in 1646, the dzong stands on a hill above Paro, and features beautiful architecture and ancient frescos. If you wish, you can also enjoy an exploration of Paro Town at leisure. Overnight in Paro.
Day 4: Depart Bhutan
After an early breakfast you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your flight to your onward destination.
End of Service and Tashi Delek!
ITINERARY SUMMARY:
Day 01: Arrive Paro.
Day 02: Paro (Day excursion to Thimphu).
Day 03: Paro (Hike to Taktsang).
Day 04: Depart Bhutan.
TAILOR-MADE TOUR
Our many years of experience have enabled us to establish the network and knowledge that provide our clients with a more in-depth experience of Bhutan. All of our tours are tailor-designed by our specialist travel designers to ensure they perfectly suit client interests. This itinerary is designed to provide only an example of the kinds of accommodations, activities and experiences that we can customise for you.
INCLUSIONS
- Bhutan Government Tourist Tariff Royalty
- Visa fees
- Arrival & departure airfares to Bhutan including taxes
- Accommodation in superior standard hotels (and premium hotels and resorts where applicable)
- All meals in Bhutan
- Services of a professional, experienced and English speaking personal guide
- Experienced driver
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- All excursions, transfers, route permits and monument fees
NOT INCLUDED
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
- Expenses such as bar and laundry, cigarettes and other tobacco items, sleeping bags whilst on treks and other personal expenses.
- All add-on activities such as wellbeing and spa programs at premium hotels and resorts
- Telephone calls (except those made on the supplied mobile phone for contacting Amulet head office or your private guide)