Beautiful Bhutan

After breakfast, we will drive to the Buddha statue, the biggest seating statue in the world. Here you will spend some time and Later in the day, we will visit Changangkha Temple built in the 13 century on a hilltop, Takin preserves, Zilukha nunnery, Traditional Art School, Hospital for Traditional Medicine, National Library, Textile Academy and Museum, Changlimithang ground where you may see Archery, Centennial farmers’ market, which is more vibrant over the weekend (Fri-Sun).

Buddha Dordenma,Great Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue located on Kuensel Phodrang ridge overlooking the city. It houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Great Buddha Dordenma itself, are made of bronze and gilded in gold. Construction began in 2006 and was complted in 2015.It is one of the the largest Buddha statues in the world at 52m tall.

 Traditional Hospital

Institute of Traditional Medicine Services, located near National Library supplies traditional medicines and medical services, trains doctors, and conducts research on traditional medicinal plants to identify the ingredients and develop new products. The Institute has a library dating back to around 1616, when Tibetan Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan. The books and recipes were collected from monasteries where scholars had preserved the medical lore. In 1967 the king directed the Health Department of Bhutan to establish a traditional medicine system for the welfare of Bhutanese people and to preserve the Bhutanese traditional culture. An Indigenous Dispensary was opened in 1968, staffed by doctors trained in Tibet. In 1988 it was upgraded to the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services. In parallel, smaller traditional medical centers have been opened across the country, and were available in all districts of Bhutan by the end of 2001. These centers are integrated into the National Health Service, and are attached to the district hospitals. The institute dispenses traditional medicines produced in its laboratories from minerals, animal parts, precious metals, gems and plants. Generally the patient should abstain from meat and alcohol during the medical course. Over 40,000 patients are treated annually by the institute's hospital in Thimphu and around 100,000 nationwide.

Zilukha Nunnery
Zilukha nunnery is located on the slopes, looking down at Golf course and Tashicho Dzong with around 70 or so resident nuns. The monastery was founded by later reincarnation of Drubthob Chakzampa, who in the 15 century was known all over Tibetan Buddhist world for building iron bridges and he is also considered the father of Tibetan Opera.

Takin Preserve

Originally a zoo, the Takin Preserve in Bhutan safeguards the nation's peculiar national animal, the takin. Legend claims Saint Drukpa Kunley created this cow-and-goat mix. After the takin proved too tame for the wild, Bhutan's fourth king established this sanctuary, aligning with the nation's environmental and religious values.

Painting School
The National Institute for Zorig Chusum Pedzoe (School of Arts and Crafts) is commonly known as "the painting school". It operates under the National Technical Training Institute and offers a six-year course that provides instruction in Bhutan's traditional arts and crafts called Zorig Chuksum - meaning 13 crafts.Tourists are allowed to visit the school and take a peek at the classes the boys attend. There is also a small shop at the school that sells the students' work.

Textile Museum
The National Textile Museum, which opened in June 2001, is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. The small shop features work from the renowned weaving centres in Lhuntshe Dzongkhag, in northeastern Bhutan. Each item is leveled with the name of the weaver and price. The textile museum's exhibition are centered around six major themes - warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibers and the royal collection.

Changlimithang Stadium
The national stadium occupies the site of the 1885 battle that helped establish the political supremacy of Ugyen Wangchuck, Bhutan's first king. It is now the site of the national archery ground, a large football stadium and parade ground, basketball, tennis and squash courts, as well as the headquarter of the Bhutan Olympic committee. It's always worth checking what event is taking place when you are in town.

Changangkha Lhakhang
Changangkha Lhakhang is an old fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu.Established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo. The central statue is Chenresig in a 11-headed manifestations, and the books in the temple are larger in size than usual Tibetan texts. There is an excellent view of Thimphu from the courtyard

After breakfast drive to Punakha crossing Dochula Pass. Stop at the pass to enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Bhutan’s snowcapped peaks along the Tibetian border over tea and snacks Later continue the drive to view through ever-changing vegetation bringing us to Punakha and Wangdue valleys

Road from Thimphu to Punakha

The drive from Thimphu to Punakha takes about 2.14 Hours , covering a total distance of 75 km. The road follows the Paro chu river till Chudzom and follow the Wang chu upstream until the little town of Simtokha and then turn right towards east climbing up to Dochula pass (3,080m), where you have opportunity to view the peaks of the eastern Himalayas. From Dochula the road descends into Wangdi and Punakha Valley at around 1400mts. After the junction at Lobesa, the road goes towards north passing the beautiful village and farmlands to Punakha.

Khamsum Yulley Chorten

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chörten, perched atop Nyizergang hill, is a sacred site accessible via a 40-minute uphill hike. Constructed in 2004 under the auspices of HM The Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, and following the guidance of Lopon Sonam Zangpo, this magnificent structure aims to bring global peace and clear obstacles for Bhutan. Its exterior resembles a pagoda-like stupa, while the interior houses depictions of Vajarakilaya mandala deities

Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring. Punakha Dzong also known as Pungthang Dechhen Phodrang(-˜The Palace of Great Happiness') located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chhu rivers was built by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal in 1637. All of Bhutan's kings have been crowned here.The Dzong houses the most sacred relics of the Drukpa Kagyu school including the Rangjung Kasarpani, and the sacred remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal . Punakha Dzong is 180m long and 72m wide and the utse (central tower) is six storeys high. .On 17th Dec, 1907 Ugyen Wangchuk was crowned here as the first King of Bhutan and on 13th Oct, 2011 the wedding of the 5th King, Jigme Kesar Namgyal Wangchuk and Jetsun Pema was held here.

Punakha Suspension Bridge
The suspension bridge behind the Punakha Dzong, connects the Dzong and the villages on the other side of Phochu river, which are Shengana, Samdingkha and Sangkha. The bridge spans about 180 mts and is one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.

Overnight stay Punakha.

The drive from Punakha to Paro takes about 4 hrs, covering a total distance of 124 km.

As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula.

Chimi Lhakhang, Temple of fertility: This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidences that many visitors dream came true however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama’s instruction. The hike though the lovely villages of Mesina gives truly amazing experience. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head.

Paro Airport View Point: It is located on the Hill overlooking the airport, this viewpoint offers the best view of the whole airport.

Ta Dzong unique (National Museum): Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit.

Visit 17th century Paro Dzong:  'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.  The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of ZhabdrungNgawang Namgyal.

Explore the tiny town: Tiny Paro town actually can offer lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries & temples. The countries only airport situated is in Paro. The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7300 meters.) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier, water forms the Pa Chu which is flowing through the valley.

This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang.

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple) Taktsang Hike, Spiritual Immersion: is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Alternative sightseeing includes

Kyichu Lhakhang: yichu Lhakhang is believed to be one of the 108 temples constructed in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. These temples were built to subdue a supine Ogress that hindered the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas. Kyichu is among the 12 main temples of the 108 and houses the original 7th-century Jowo Jamba Statue, along with eight standing bodhisattvas and statues of Zhabdrung, Guru Rinpoche, and Chenrizig with 11 heads and 1000 arms. Adjacent to Jowo Lhakhang is Guru Lhakhang, constructed by Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Wangchuk in 1971, featuring a principal 5-meter statue of Guru Rinpoche.

If skip the Tiger nest we suggest the alternative place to visit  - – Full Day excursion trip to Haa Valley

Chele-La-Pass, at an elevation of 13,088 ft., is considered to be one of the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. About an hour’s drive from Zhiwa Ling it passes through lush valleys, pine and rhododendron forest. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.The valley is also unparalleled in Bhutan in terms of the diversity of the folk culture, legends and shamanistic rituals. The shamanistic traditions is vividly practiced in almost all the communities, most notable of which is the annual ceremony to honour Ap Chundu, the guardian deity of the valley. The valley is also a paradise for nature lovers and travelling there is a very rewarding experience

After breakfast drive around an 30 min  to Paro international airport for your onward departure.