Glimpse of Bhutan Tour

After breakfast drive to Thimphu city and visit the following:

Buddha Point /Kuenselphodrang: This massive Buddha statue is 51.5 meters in height and it is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.

The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The term ‘chorten’ literally means ‘ seat of faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments the ‘Mind of Buddha’. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation, especially in the evenings, at the National Memorial Chorten.

The School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

After lunch, we will drive to Punakha (75 km from Thimphu) across the Dochula pass (3,050m) which heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Until 1955, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and still, it holds the winter seat of Chief Abbot.

Overnight in Punakha

In the morning, we will visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten followed by a visit to 17th-century PunakhaDzong, which looks like a giant ship rocked on a still mass of water from far. Built on the confluence of two rivers, the Pho (male) and Mo (female) rivers, the Dzong served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still home to the Chief Abbot in the winter months. It was built in 1637 by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal and has played a prominent role in the civil and religious history of the Kingdom. Destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully restored in its original splendor and visit suspension bridge.

On the way back to Paro, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple where the Phallus is worshipped and associated with Lam DrukpaKuenley, the “Divine Madmonk.”

Overnight in Paro

After breakfast, we drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip.) The trail is along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels.

Mediating in Taktshang Monastery can be a very good experience of mediating in a most important and revered Buddhist Monastery in Bhutan.

As you reach Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktshang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.”

The next stop will be at Kyichu Monastery, one of Bhutan’s oldest, built-in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Songsten Goembo.

Overnight in Paro

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro international Airport for your onward destination.