Overview:
You will be picked up from the Paro airport on Day 1 and transferred to Thimphu, where you will visit the Tashichoe Dzong fortress. On Day 2 you will enjoy a Thimphu city tour before transferring to Paro. You have two options on Day 3: you can drive to the sacred and stunning Chele La pass, or hike to the famous Tiger's Nest, a monastery clinging to the side of a mountain. Your adventure will end on Day 4 with a drop-off at the Paro airport.
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Paro Airport Pickup & Transfer to Thimphu (D)
The most spectacular mountain flights you will ever experience in a lifetime. As you fly into the country over the hot plains of India, you can admire the world’s highest peaks. Awe at the beautiful scenery as you descend into the high mountains approaching the Paro Valley with alpine forests, temples, monasteries and farms and glimpses of the Paro Dzong Fortress and Paro Chu River. You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Thimphu. In the evening you will take a visit to the Tashichoe Dzong (the Fortress of the Glorious Region). Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing & Transfer to Paro (B/L/D)
Start your day off this morning by having breakfast and then embark on a city tour of Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. Visit the King's Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan, and the Buddha Point, where you will be amazed by a 169-foot statue of Buddha. Visit the National Library, home to ancient Bhutanese scripts and the biggest book in the world. After discovering the Takin Preservation Centre you will be transferred back to Paro. During the tour lunch is included. Overnight in Paro.
Day 3: Sightseeing around Paro (B/L/D)
Option 1: Drive to Chele La Pass (3988 m)
Visit Kila gompa on your way to Chele La pass, a favourite place for many visitors and one of highest motorable passes in the country. For the Buddhists, it is a sacred place and is decorated by numerous prayer flags. For naturalists, the Chele La ridge offers gardens of Himalayan flowers, plants and special pheasant species. Water is scarce on these ridges and it is recommended to bring extra water supplies with you. In the evening you will be transferred back to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Option 2: Hike to the Tiger's Nest
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) is among the top 20 places to visit in the world. Paro is a valley of religion and ancient myths. The most famous landmark, Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), stands on a granite cliff about 1000 metres above the valley floor. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, a famous Buddhist saint, flew to Paro on a tigress and meditated at Taktsang. The monastery is considered a national treasure of Bhutan. The hike to Taktsang takes around 2.5 hrs to reach the cafeteria, from where you can enjoy great views of the monastery. Those interested can walk 45 minutes further uphill to get a closer view of the monastery. The journey back to the main road will take less than 1.5 hrs. After lunch in the hotel, take a walk in Paro Bazar for shopping. Overnight at a Hotel in Paro.
Day 4: Paro Airport Drop-off (B)
After breakfast you will be transferred back to Paro International Airport. An escort will help you with exit formalities and will then bid you farewell.
Visas:
Please note that the Bhutan government is very strict with visas, and will grant you permission to be in the country ONLY for the duration of your tour. You WILL NOT be able to stay in the country for any additional days before or after your guided tour.
