Bhutan Karma Trails

The Last Shangrila, Bhutan

Day 1: (Paro2280m – Thimphu 2300m, 1hrs)
Arrive at Paro International air-port. Most of the flights to Bhutan are from Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi and Kathmandu in general. You must present Bhutan visa clearance at the time of the boarding. The visa will be emailed to in advance prior to departure from home. Upon arrival you must go through the immigration and customs formalities. Once completed meet our guide and driver outside the terminal. After a brief introduction you will be transferred for sightseeing. Visit the National museum at Paro Ta dzong, the museum contains many different kinds of mask which are worn by the monks during the festival. Among other collection includes various artefacts, scroll paintings as old as the 7th century, history about the kings, flora and fauna are put on display. Later, we drive 1hr drive to the Capital city. En-route stop over the 15th century “Iron bridge” below the Ta-cjov lhakang and enjoy the serene landscapes and the turquoise rivers. Another 15mins drive you will reach Chunzom, a hub of road network. Look out for three different styles of construction of stupas built in Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepalese style.
Visit the a typical Bhutanese farmhouse at Wang simu, take a short 20 min walk down the rice fields where you will be able to visit one of the oldest Bhutanese home probably about 900 yrs old which stand still after the massive recent earthquake. 15century old Changankha Lhakang is the only temple that has the statue of the Compassion Buddha held fully seated unlike the others where they are all seen in a standing.
Overnight at Khang Residency, Dorji elements (or) similar.

Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing
Begin your day visiting the Buddha point at kuensel phodrang, 51m tall giant statue of Buddha Doderma which considered the biggest statue of its kind in the world. The 13 arts and craft school, popularly known as the painting school. National library to witness the world’s largest book. Folk heritage museum, textile museum & National memorial stupa, National textile museum and National Institute of Traditional Medicine. Evening take a leisure walk for more interacting with the locals and visiting local store for souvenirs. Visit the most colorful weekends market here in the capital. The drubthob nunnery at Zilukha that houses upto more then 60 nuns mostly originated from Tibet in early 1960’s. Gayuel Lhendrup weaving centre at Changzamtok is a place where one will be able to see sophisticated textiles hand-woven by Bhutanese girls producing the best designs and patterns depending on the intellectual abilities and capability. The arts and crafts bazaar along the norzin lam. Next stop at Takin preserve centre at Motithang.
Overnight at Khang Residency, Dorji elements or similar.

Day 3: (Tiger’s Nest Hike, 4hrs – Paro2280m)
Retrace your way back to Paro and hike to ‘Tigers Nest’, it is a total of 4hrs hike. From the base it takes about an hour to the tea house and another hour up the ridge till the monastery. Porter ponies are available for ride till the tea house as well but it requires advance booking. For more adventurous day you can also plan to climb the highest mountain top beyond Tiger’s nest for yet another thrilling wild experience for about an hour or two depending on how fast you can walk to Taktsang Phelphug, Zangtopelri. After the fatigued hike to tigers nest, if you may a Herbal Hot Stone Bath can be arranged at a local farm house. The ruins of Drugyal Dzong is considered as the most historic sites whereby the Bhutanese militia led by the Zhabdrung claimed victory against the Tibetan Mongol allies from the north frontiers that’s been a threat to the Bhutanese integrity.
Overnight at Hotel drukchen, Ravens nest Resort or similar.

Day 4
Depart to your next destination.