Visit Bhutan

DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT PARO

Fly onboard Druk Air to Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, which includes a few steep turns required to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. Upon your arrival, once you have cleared any airport formalities, meet our representative and take a transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, proceed to explore Paro Valley; starting of with a visit to the National Museum, which is a fascinating place housed in an old watchtower above the huge Paro Dzong monastery/fortress. The museum holds a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures ranging from ancient armour to textiles and thangkha paintings. Later visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, which is accessed by a flagstone path that rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge. The Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 02: PARO

Hike to Taktsang Monastery - Drive to Thimphu in the cool of morning. You will drive 12 km out of town towards Takstang, or the Tiger's Nest Monastery. The monastery is possibly the most famous in Bhutan, having been founded in the late 1600's, and perched on a high rocky ledge 900m above the valley floor allegedly at a place where Guru Rinpoche rested, travelling on a flying tiger. The monastery suffered a disastrous fire in April 1998, but great efforts are being made to repair the extensive damage. From the parking area it is a two hour walk, mostly through coniferous forest, up a steep path to the view point from where there are spectacular views of the monastery. The walk to a viewpoint and small cafe takes around 2 hours each way. The route is steep in places but straightforward. Some areas of the track are exposed to the sun so make sure to wear a hat. At the cafe, you can rest and a buffet lunch will be served. From this point, there is a superb view of the cliff face and monastery.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 03: PARO - THIMPU

Today proceed on a full day sightseeing tour of Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, which is situated on the west bank of the river Thimpu, in a wooded valley at an elevation of 2320 m. Prior to 1961, Thimpu was only an insignificant village, but since the country emerged from isolation its importance has grown and it has many official buildings. The Secretariat, King's Offices and some ministries are housed in the Tashichho Dzong, next to which one of the world's highest golf courses (9 holes). With a population of not more than 65,000, Thimpu is an easy place to wander around, and will enable you to appreciate the detail of Bhutanese architecture. A few miles south of the capital is Simtokha, one of the oldest complete Dzongs in the country, which dates back to the early 1600s, a period when Shabdrungs, the line of religious rulers originally from Tibet, ruled the country. Another important place to visit is the King's Memorial Chorten, which was built to honour the memory of the Third King.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 04: DEPARTURE FROM PARO

Today, take a transfer to the airport in time to board your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

SILVERLINE

City: Paro

RIVERVIEW

City: Thimpu

A view of the spiritual Rinpung Dzong Paro