4 Days Bhutan Tour

Day 1

Arrival in Paro, Bhutan

Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu In clear weather, Druk Air’s flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, it is a fascinating journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom. On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by our representative. On completion of airport formalities, there will be an interesting drive of about 1.1/2 hours duration to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan.

Day 2

Paro – Thimphu (55 Km, approx 1.30 hours ) After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress from where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, “mountain of goddess” looms directly over the Dzong.

Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo. One of the most sacred shrines in the country, it reflects the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watch Tower, it now houses National Museum of the country and boasts antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’ which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

Proceed on to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence). Three different style of chortens adorn the confluence. A short way beyond on the left, is Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the hill of excellent horse. It is private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. After the narrow, rock lined section of the road opens up as Thimphu approaches, Simtokha Dzong lies enroute. Simtokha means the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.

Hotels: Hotel Norbuling, Namgay Heritage, Taj Tashi Thimphu, Le Meridien Thimphu

Day 3

Tour of Thimphu

Thimphu – Paro After breakfast, sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes, visit National Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. The Arts & Crafts School, where young students learn the art of thirteen crafts of Bhutan. Also visit mask maker workshop and workshop for fine metal craft, weaving, ceramics and paper making. Then visit, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. Afternoon, visit Trashichhoedzong, ‘fortress of the glorious dharma’. It is the centre of government and religion, site of King’s throne room, National assembly hall, and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Also visit King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumbulated by His Majesty’s subjects, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras.

Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium and local shops if you like to browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials, and all manner of unique objects. Evening drive to Paro for overnight stay.

Day 4

Depart Paro

Today we will bid fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take an early flight back to Singapore. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek!

We end the day with a visit to Simtokha Dzong. Built in 1629, it was the first fortress of its kind in Bhutan and features beautifully painted Buddhist murals and carvings inside. Simtokha means “demon stone” and legend has it that the fortress was used to contain a demon inside a rock which was terrorizing the region. Today, it is home to one of the premier monk-taught Dzongkha learning centers, the national language of Bhutan.

Hotels: Hotel Norbuling, Namgay Heritage, Taj Tashi Thimphu, Le Meridien Thimphu