3 Days Short Bhutan Tour Itinerary
Arrival at Paro airport. You will be received by a representative from Tour Bhutan. Thimphu includes: visiting the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan. His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The inside paintings and statues provide a very rare insight into Buddhist Philosophy. Then visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts followed by a visit to the Painting School, famous for carving and freehand art, and the Folk Heritage Museum.
After lunch, visit the largest Buddha Statue overlooking Thimphu valley. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), built-in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961 by the Late King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wang chuck, who is regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. Then visit Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Visit the Tiger nest temple. A very special day, with an excursion, to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery – After breakfast, a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, and from there a 2-hour horse ride to the view point of the monastery. The trail climbs through a beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery.
The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort.
After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built-in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the center of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. In the evening, drive to Thimphu. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Today is your last day in Bhutan. Your 3 days short Bhutan tour ends here with our guide and driver seeing you off from Paro Airport.