Changangkha-Lhakhang
Bhutan-land
Woman-and-Child
Happy-Old-Men3
Trek-Flags

Window to Bhutan

An adventurous journey enabling you to experience the rich culture of Bhutan.

A visa is required for all nationalities except Indian citizens. A&S Signature Journeys undertakes to handle your visa which will be issued on arrival.

Highlights

Experience breathtaking views of the Himalayan Peaks and the sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake.
Explore the Paro and Thimphu valley.
Visit ancient monasteries and Dzongs.
Hike through lush green valleys and villages.
Hike to the magical ridge top “tigers nest” of Taksang Monastery.

On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by our representative. Head out through idyllic countryside of terraced rice fields interspersed with rhododendron and pine forests for a 1.3-hour drive to Thimphu. En route, you see first examples of Bhutan’s remarkable traditional architecture, one of the country’s unique cultural treasures. Even the most remote village farmhouses are hand-crafted using the same ancient methods used to create Bhutan’s religious fortress-dzongs. In the afternoon, visit the Tashichho Dzong. The ‘Fortress of the glorious religion’ houses the throne room of His Majesty the king, the main secretariat building and the central monk body. Its courtyard is open to visitors during the off-office hours. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2

Thimphu Sightseeing

Enjoy a full day sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the King’s Memorial Stupa built in 1974, Changangkha Lhakhang, Jungshi Paper factory, the National Library that houses the worlds largest book, ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, Painting School famous for traditional thangkha paintings, visit the Folk Heritage Museum founded by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The museum is one of a kind that portrays the lifestyle of a genteel family in the Thimphu valley in the olden days. Visit the Choki Handicrafts shop where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are displayed and can be purchased. The shop is closely linked to Choki Traditional Art School – many of the goods are produced in the school itself and all proceeds go towards the upkeep of the school and the provision of tuition for the students. Overnight in Timphu.

Day 3

Paro

Drive back to Paro. Visit Ta Dzong, built in 17^th century as a watch tower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17^th century to defend valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative centre and home of monastic community. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of the Kingdom is another place of interest. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Day 4

Hike to Taktshang “Tigers Lair”

Hike to the famous Taktshang Lhakhang “The Tigers Lair”. Clinging to a black rock face, 3000 feet above the valley floor, nestles Taktshang Lhakhang, one of the holiest and the most beautiful site of Bhutan. Taktshang, the tiger’s lair, acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8^th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress. He meditated at the site for three months, from where he used the religious cycle of the Kagye to subjugate the Eight Categories of Evil Spirits, and thus converted the region to Buddhism.
The hike to the Monastery is a gradual climb through the quiet approach path winds through lush meadow, oak and rhododendron forest, past quaint hamlets, fluttering prayer flags and rotating prayer wheels. The hike takes you about 4-5 hours from the car park. Afternoon of leisure/shopping. Overnight in Paro.

Day 5

Departure

Drive to Paro International Airport for flight back home.

Inclusions

Meet and greet on arrival at Airport.
Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner).
Entrance fees where applicable.
Tours as indicated in the itinerary.
Professional English-speaking guide/driver guide.
Transfers
Travel Protection is offered on all packages at an additional cost.