Highlights: Paro Rimpong Dzong (Castle on a heap of Jewels), culture, architecture, history The flight will be one you will remember forever, because of the adrenaline rush you will experience at the views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake. The landing at Paro, considered one of the most challenging is an enthralling experience. Our company’s representatives will receive you at the airport. After a brief stopover in a hotel, your Bhutanese expedition will begin with visits to places of historical importance in Paro. Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress): A 17th century product of Bhutanese architecture, the Fortress is today the seat of the district’s administration as well as the monastic body. The popular Paro Tsechu (festival) is held in the courtyard of the Dzong. Kyichu Lhakhang (Monastery): One of Bhutan’s oldest temples built in 659 AD by Songsten Goempo, a Tibetan King. Legend says that the temple is one of the 108 temples build around the Himalayan region by the King in a day. The temple is said to be build on a surface resembling the left knee of a giant ogress. Several great Buddhist saints, including Guru Padmasambhava visited the temple. Others: You will also visit the National Museum of Bhutan (formerly Paro Ta Dzong (Tower), and take a stroll around Paro town. You will move to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital in the evening and visit the majestic and historic Tashichho Dzong. Tashichho Dzong: The country’s main secretariat building, built in 1642, it is today the hub of Bhutanese polity. This massive structure houses the office of the King, the Throne Room, some government Ministries and the State Monastic Body. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and senior monks. Night halt will be at a hotel in Thimphu.

In the morning we will visit places of cultural and historical office in the capital. Memorial Chorten (Stupa): Your day will begin with visits to the Memorial Chorten, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful stupas built in memory of the Father of Modern Bhutan, Third King Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck. Buddha Point: The next visit will be to Buddha Point, where the gigantic Buddha Statue stands. Changangkha Lhakhang: A 13th century monastery, built by Phajo Drugom Shigpo and later embellished by his son Nyima, the monastery is believed to be the protector of all people born in the Chang valley. Others: We will also be visiting the Takin Zoo, taking a drive to Sangaygang, a point from where you can have a bird’s eye view of Thimphu valley, Handicraft’s center, the Local Bhutanese Paper making factory, a Nunnery and the Arts and Craft School. After lunch we move to Punakha, a drive of about 3 hours. In about 45 minutes, we will reach the Dochula Pass (3,100m).

Dochula Pass On a clear day we can have a breathtaking glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range that consists of snow capped peaks with elevations ranging from 6000m to 7554m. Apart from this, the 108 stupas (chortens) there and the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang add to the beauty of the pass. The Pass is also exotic in flora and fauna. The onward drive is a gradual ascend through beautiful forests of rhododendron and fields of dwarf bamboo, green meadows, beautiful wildflowers, gushing waterfalls and constantly changing vegetation. Lunch will be served at Lamperi. Two hours further is Punakha, which was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and still is home of the Chief Abbot during the winter months. Punakha Dzong (Fortress), built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stands like a giant ship on an ocean from afar. Build at the confluence of two rivers, Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river), the Dzong was destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897. However, it has now been restored to its original splendor. The Dzong is an epitome of Bhutanese architecture. Before reaching Punakha, you will visit the ruins of Wanduephodrang Dzong (Fortress), which was destroyed by a tragic fire in 2012. It was built in 1638 by the Zhabdrung. Night halt will be at a hotel in Punakha.

It will be an early morning four hour drive back to Paro. On the way, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, “The Temple of Fertility.” Chimi Lhakhang: This is a 15th century temple dedicated to Lam Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madmonk), where the Phallus is still worshipped. Barren women from all over the world come to receive blessings from a Phallus. You will then halt at Dochula Pass and have a last glimpse of the beautiful peaks and stupas. After a brisk break at Paro, we will drive to start the hike to one of Bhutan’s most sacred and religious heritage, Taktshang Monastery or the “Tiger’s Lair.” Tiger’s Lair Perched some 1000 meters on a hill overlooking a valley, it is believed that the great Indian Saint and Buddhist Master, Guru Padma Sambhava flew on a tigress in a wrathful form to this place in 746 AD, to subdue evil forces who were obstructing the spread of Buddhism. The trek, which will take about five hours (up and down) is an unforgettable one and promises every visitor an enthralling experience. Drugyel Dzong,”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa” The evening will be dedicated to visiting ruins of the Drugyel Dzong,”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa” located 16 Km. from the Paro town, which was built to celebrate the victory of the Bhutanese forces over the invading Tibetan troops. On a clear day, one can view Mount Jomolhari ("Mountain of the Goddess") standing at an altitude of 7,329m/24,029ft. You could take a leisurely walk through Paro town in the evening.