DAY 01 ARRIVE PARO (DRUK AIR)
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction
to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the worlds highest peaks,
give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. A tour guide from Sambara Tours & Travels, who will be
your personal host throughout your stay in Bhutan, will be waiting to assist you with customs and
immigration formalities, and then drive you the short distance to the Hotel.
DAY 02 PARO sightseeing
Your journey into the Thunder Dragon kingdom will truly begin with a drive in the morning to the ruins of the
Drukgyal Dzong 18 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father
and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative
reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the rampart and on a clear day
experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jumolhari (7,314 m). We then drive back for an unhurried
stroll through Paro town before proceeding to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon we drive to the
Ta Dzong, and ancient watch-tower, which now houses the National Museum. A relaxed evening at hotel,
sumptuous meal including (for the adventurous!) authentic fiery hot local cuisine, and a warm bed.
DAY 03 PARO EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG (Tigeršs Nest) MONASTERY - THIMPHU
A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang monastery a labour
of devotion and faith! After breakfast a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten from where we walk up to the
Taktsang viewpoint. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish
moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshment at the
Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach,
Taktsang monastery. Built in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that
plunges 900 m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought
Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers don't seem so
impossible after all. Lunch at Taktsang Jakhang and then back to Satsam Chorten for the 2 hour drive to the capital,
Thimphu. Overnight at hotel absorbing the sights, sounds and scents of Bhutan.
DAY 04 THIMPHU sightseeing
After breakfast we visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honor of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and
the Dupthop Lakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with
ancient manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions
in the art of painting thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch we drive to the Traditional
Medicine Hospital where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, and to Lungtenzampa to observe
traditional gold and silver smiths at work. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the
national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).
The Tashichho Dzong is open to visitors only in winter when the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body move to Punakha the ancient
winter capital of Bhutan. We finally visit the Handicraft Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu.
DAY 05 THIMPHU - PARO AIRPORT
We leave Thimphu early to catch your onward flight from Paro airport where our STT
representative will bid you farewell at Paro airport. Good-bye and happy journey back home.
Tashi Delek.
home
