On arrival, guests will be received at the airport by representative who will be your tour guide and companion for the whole duration of your tour in Bhutan.

Drive to your hotel in Thimphu. After refreshing yourselves and having lunch, visit the following

The Kuensel Phodrang or the Buddha point is the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue, the statue is 167 feet high. The statue is situated on top of a hill overlooking the city of Timphu, it can be accessed by road and is about 15 minutes away from the city‟s center. The word Kuensel means everything is clear and from this place you will sure enjoy a great view of the Thimphu Valley on both sides. Overnight Stay in Thimphu

Motithang Takin preserve: The Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Thimphu Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin Bhutan‟s national animal. It was originally a mini zoo, but it was converted in a preserve later on as the Takin.

Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory: This is a private factory and they manufacture a special watermark paper as well as products such as lampshades, envelopes and other objects made of traditional Bhutanese paper.

Folk Heritage Museum: The folk heritage museum was open to the general public in 2001 upon completion. It treasures troves of culture and rich Bhutanese heritage provide rich insights into the Bhu tanese ethos.

Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery is a Buddhist monastery in the small Himalayan country of Bhutan. The nunnery is located in Zilukha overlooking Tashichodzong and is a few minutes’ drive from the town. It is popularly known as the Zilukha Anim Dratshang. It was built in 1976 by the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo, Drubthob Rikey Jadrel.

The Bhutan Textile Museum or the National Textile Museum is a national textiles museum in Thimphu, Bhutan, The objective of setting up the museum is to promote Bhutan's achievements in the field of textile arts and to sustain and promote interest of the weavers to continue the traditional textile patterns. The museum also envisions to become the centre for textile studies and research. The purpose is also to promote the history and culture of Bhutan.

Coronation Park, also known as the Centenary Park is located at the entrance of Thimphu on the banks of Wangchu (River). It is a popular picnic spot adorned by a statue of Buddha which is placed at the centre of the park. With beautiful varieties of flowers, sixty species of plants and

trees, the park is also lined with a number of benches around it. The view of the river and the magnificent Buddha statue is picturesque and sublime.

Have you ever been to a farmers market? It is a market where the farmers display their vegetables and other produce straight from the farm. Apart from the lure of fresh vegetables, these kinds of markets attract people because of the vibe surrounding them. There are many reasons behind visiting farmers markets, from supporting the local community to the variety in choices that you are offered. The Centenary Farmers Market is one of the places to visit in Bhutan where you can get this wonderful experience. It is located below the main town, in close proximity to River Wang Chhu. It is the largest farmers market in Bhutan which attracts farmers from all over the country, all of whom gather to sell their fresh farm produce directly to the customers. Its popularity has increased over time, and today, it is a big hit among visitors. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Post breakfast, drive till Dochula, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 m), where on a sunny day, you can get stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. The Dochu La Pass is probably the best known mountain pass in Bhutan. Located at an altitude of 3150 meter above sea level, the Dochu La Pass is about 30 kilometer away from the capital city Thimphu and the road to Punakha. On a clear day the pass offers visitors a spectacular view of the majestic eastern Himalayan Ranges.

Once in Paro, check-in at your hotel and visit the following

Ta Dzong (National Museum): The name Ta Dzong translates to ‘watch tower’ and it served the function of watch tower for the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Back in the day, similar look-out points were built for other dzongs (fortresses) to counter any approaching hostilities, for those were the days of frequent strife. Overnight stay in Paro.

Have early breakfast and drive up to the base of Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).The most famous and sacred site among all the places in Bhutan. Guru Padmasambhava is said to have come riding on a flying tigress to this place and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The walk is about 2 hours till the top through wide pathways which was built during the restoration works. One hour into the climb there is a tea point from where you get a very good view of the monastery, they also serve lunch here. From there it’s about another 45 minutes climb to the 2nd view point and the highest point in the hike.

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Post an early breakfast drive up to Chelela pass, which, at 3800m, is the highest motorable paved road in the country and is about 25km from Paro town. On a clear day the pass offers

stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey and if you are lucky you can even see Mt. Kanchenjunga at a distance.

From the pass it’s downhill till you reach Haa, if you feel energetic you can go and visit Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple) a little further up, about 10 minutes hike. Haa valley is small and beautiful and is said to be a Hidden Land, a valley protected and blessed by Guru Rinpochhe. This valley wasn’t open to tourists until a decade ago. The Indian Army’s base HQ in Bhutan is in this valley, and they have occupied the Dzong as their administrations centre. You can visit the Dzong where the Indian Army has even setup a CSD and non-CSD canteen, the central tower is still managed by the Central Monastic body.

Have lunch in Haa and drive back up to Chelela Pass, and then down to Paro valley. Overnight stay in Paro.

TASHIDELEK

THANK YOU FOR VISITING BHUTAN