Stopover Bhutan: A Glimpse of Dragon Kingdom

Bangkok – Paro flight included.

Upon arrival at Paro, meet your guide and driver outside and drive to visit the National Museum for a brief and clear introduction on Bhutanese religion, monarchy, flora and fauna, etc. before continuing to drive further to the capital city Thimphu (65 km / 40 mi, 1 hr drive).

On the way, stop to visit the 13th century temple of Tamchog Lakhang, which lies across the river and takes about 10 – 15 min. walking. The temple was built by the famous Tibetan Iron Bridge Builder – Thangthong Gyalpo, who was an architect, physician, teacher and a saint! The temple is still maintained by his descendants.

After lunch, go for walking tour to Thimphu Town. Thimphu is one of the only two capitals in the world without any traffic lights. Visit the memorial chorten (shrine) of the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorje Wangchuk.

Overnight in Paro at the Khang Residency or similar

After breakfast, set out to explore the wonders of the tiny Himalayan capital. If we are in Thimphu during the weekend, it’s worth visiting the Weekend Market (open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday). We will also attend the archery matches (if any in progress) in the neighboring ground. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Next, visit the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center that produces traditional hand-woven textiles on site, and has a selection of cloth and ready-made garments for sale. Then, cross the Wangchu River and visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where you can witness the traditional paper making method. Drive uphill to the Kuensel Phodrang and see the 60 m tall statue of Buddha Dodenma, believed to be the largest statue of its kind ever to be built in the world. Kuensel Phodrang offers a perfect viewpoint, overlooking the panoramic view of the valley below.

Later, take a brief 10 min. trek around a small enclosure in the pine trees to spot Takins – the national animal of Bhutan, which are believed to exist only in Bhutan. After that, stop at the Zilukha Nunnery in Drubthob Goemba, a residence of 40 – 65 nuns. Return to the town and visit the National Institute for Arts and Crafts, which offers a 6-year course on Bhutan’s traditional arts that includes painting, wood carving, embroidery, and statue making. Nearby is the Folk Heritage Museum – a 3-storied rammed mud and timber building which is a replica of a century old traditional farmhouse. Touring this living museum will give you a glimpse into the way most Bhutanese lived back then, and how many rural people live today.

Next stop will be the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, that prepares and dispenses traditional herbal and other medicines. If you want a more active day, go for hike to Tango Goemba Monastery. It takes 90 min. from the base of the hill to reach the monastery. Once at the top, you will see the impressive monastery. Sip tea with monks and learn about the monastic life. Teach the monks some English and learn some Bhutanese phrases. Return trek down will be much quicker.

On the way back to hotel, stop to visit the impressive Trasichoe Dzong that houses the Royal Throne, National Assembly and the seat of Chief Abbot of the central monastic body.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu

In the morning, make an excursion to Dochula Pass and retrace drive to Paro. Check in at the hotel in Paro and visit the ancient Kyichu Temple, one of the 108 temples that King Songsten Gampo of Tibet miraculously built in a single night during the 7th century in order to subdue a female demon.

Next visit Dungtse Temple, believed to be built on top of the head of a tortoise-shaped demon that was blocking the way of good fortunes in to Paro Valley. Non-Buddhists may or may not be allowed inside.

Finally, visit a typical farmhouse and receive close insight into the daily lifestyle of local Bhutanese.

Overnight in Paro at Hotel Drukchen or similar

Following an early morning breakfast, go for hike to the famous Takstang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The monastery, precariously perched on the edge of a 4,000 ft high cliff above the valley floor, creates an impressive sight, and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. It takes roughly about 2.5 hrs up, and about 1.5 hrs to go down. With prior arrangement, you can take pony ride until about half the way up, but for the balance of the trail and return trip down, the pony ride is not advisable.

Optional: Traditional Herbal Bath – with advance notice, you can experience a traditional Hot Stone Bath in a farmhouse. Hot stone bath is a Bhutanese traditional method of curing arthritis, skin ailments, joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorders, arthritis, and many other minor diseases. Even you don’t have any of these ailments, after a laborious day of hiking, you will feel relaxated from the hot stone bath. It costs around US $30 per person, and an advance notice is required.

Overnight in Paro at Hotel Drukchen or similar

Paro – Bangkok flight included.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to next destination.