Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Paro, Transfer to Thimphu Valley (1 hr/54 kms)

   • On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, meet your Ati Jong representative. Then, drive from Paro to Thimphu, the modern capital city of Bhutan for an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
   • On arrival, check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha (51.5 metres), sitting on top of the Kuensel Phodrang hill. This site offers unobstructed views over the Thimphu Valley.
   • Free or program may be arranged, according to choice. In the evening, drive to Mini Zoo where Takin, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen. This particular animal is found only in the Himalayan region and the head of this animal looks like that of a goat and the body of a cow/yak.
   • Before sunsets, drive to Sangay gang viewpoint (2685 m) for views of the whole Thimphu valley and walk through hundreds of colourful prayer flags that dot the hill overlooking the Thimphu valley.

   Overnight at the hotel.

2. Day 2: Thimphu Valley Exploration

   • Thimphu is the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government.Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu Valley with your Bhutanese tour guide includes visits to:
     • National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect 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 peace.
     • Folk Heritage Museums: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
     • Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism, and Himalayan culture.
     • National Library: The library holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back to several hundred years, and also consists of modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion.
     • Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as the Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
   • In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street.

   Overnight at the hotel.

3. Day 3: Transfer to Paro (1 hour/65 kms)

   • In the morning, drive to Paro and visit Ta Dzong, which was formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps, and a small natural history collection.
   • Visit the Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking the Paro valley. Built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, this Dzong now houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs of the valley.
   • Visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. 

   Overnight at the hotel.

4. Day 4: Taktsang Hike

   • In the morning, take an excursion to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, the founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. The main structure was severely damaged by a fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory.

   Overnight at the hotel.

5. Day 5: Depart from Paro

   • After an early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for the return flight to onward destination.