Bhutan Package- 5 Star Package

Fly into the Himalayas by Air, Bhutan's National Air Carrier. The green walls of the hills known as doors or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climb continually higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibetan border. Silvery rivers thread the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountain sides and to the north, the great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalaya rise up into the sky. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, watch tower, now the National Museum, above it. Received by our representative at the airport and after completion of airport formalities, transfer to Hotel in Thimphu. Evening free for leisure in Thimphu City. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

The Simtokha Dzong:  built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, functions as a monastic and administrative centre and is the oldest Dzong which has survived in its original form; Namgyal brought into vogue, for the first time in Bhutan, this concept of the "Dzong" as castle monastery. An attack on the Dzong was made by five disgruntled lamas in collaboration with an invading army of Tibetans who were against the Buddhist practices of the Dzong under the control of Zhabdrung. They were defeated and Palden Lama who was the leader of the invaders died in the battle. Another attack on the Dzong in 1630 by the Tibetans was successful for a while till part of the Dzong caught fire and with the roof collapsing all the invading forces were killed.

National Library: which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion;

Institute for ZorigChusum (commonly known as Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; (Saturday & Sunday & Govt. Holidays closed)

The Motithang Takin Preserve:  For animal lovers, Motithang Takin Preserve is one of the best places to visit in Thimphu. This attractive preserved area was built as a small zoo but later it was converted into an animal preserve centre. Takin -The national animal of Bhutan, lives in the Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King ("the Father of modern Bhutan") and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Lord Buddha Statue (KuenselPhodrang):  The Buddha Dordenma is located amidst the ruins of Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

On completion, it will be one of the largest statues in the world, at a height of 169 feet (51.5 meters), accommodating 100,000 8-inch tall and 25,000 12-inch tall gilded Buddhas respectively in the interior. The statue is surrounded by 943 acres of forest area that comprises the Kuensel Phodrang nature park.

Dochu-la Pass: Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

Punakha Dzong: It is the most beautiful Dzong located in two rivers named Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) in Punakha, Mo Chu is widely preferred for first-timers, kids and elderly people. Upon visiting the Punakha Dzong, visitors will not only be mesmerised by the Bhutanese architectural marvel but will get an opportunity to explore the sacred history of this ancient place.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - One of the oldest suspension bridges in the world, Punakha Suspension Bridge in Bhutan was believed to be built by the Buddhist Monk, ThangtongGyalpo. This ancient hanging bridge is draped with prayer flags all along and provides a perfect spot for bird watching and nature photography. This historical bridge is worldwide known for its picturesque appearance. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Then walk down the trail to visit RinpungDzong, meaning ("fortress of the heap of jewels"), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas. Overnight stay in Paro.

Paro Airport View:  This is one of the most stunning airports in the World and also the country’s first and only international airport. With a breath-taking view, this airport became a must-visit place in Paro.

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the country, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, SongtsenGampo. a Dzong originally built as a Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Hike to Taktsang Monastery this most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, is spectacularly perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the Paro valley floor. Taktsang is a place of pilgrimage which Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months, hence its name, "Tiger's Nest". The site, which has long been recognized as a most sacred place, was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. The principal Lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking renovation work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former.

Overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast excursion to Chele la (pass) at an elevation 3,988 meters is considered to be one of the highest memorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour's drive along a thickly-forested road, is this Pass-a botanical paradise. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Here, visitors can see cascades of wild roses; purple and yellow primulas; and swathes of deep blue iris covering the forest floor. The top of the pass bloom with rhododendrons in a variety of colours-pale pink, deep pink, burnt orange, mauve, white and scarlet

After breakfast, proceed to Paro airport to catch a flight.

Tour Ends With Scenic Memories