Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of the government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s Royal family, the Civil Service, and Foreign Missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for several internationally funded development projects.

Today’s visit will include:

Buddha Dordenma statue sitting on top of a hill overlooking Thimphu. The Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is one of the tallest in Asia (51.5 m).  The site of Buddha Dordenma offers unobstructed views over the capital town. (Open/Close: Mon-Sun: 9am-5pm)

Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre: Weaving is predominantly a woman’s domain, but this private weaving center is different as it is owned and run by Mr. Kesang (a man – which is very rare in Bhutan).  He weaves, creates new and unique patterns, comes up with unusual color combinations and is very involved.  The center frequently produces ceremonial textiles for Bhutanese Royals, including the traditional outfit for King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema’s highly publicized October 2011 marriage. (Closing based on owner’s discretion, in such an event we will replace with another site)

Memorial Chorten, the building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity.  Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument dedicated to peace. During the mornings and evenings, it is a bustling place where people of all ages circumambulate the chorten/stupa, pray and prostrate at the shrine, turn the big prayer wheels, offer butter lamps, bask in the sun as they socialize and mingle. (Closes daily at 8 pm)

Zorig Chosum, (also known as the painting school) offers a six-year course in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The students follow a comprehensive course that starts with drawing and progresses through painting, woodcarving, embroidery, and statue-making. This is a great opportunity to interact and photograph the students while they practice their skills in the classroom. (Open/Close: Mon-Fri: 0930am-0430pm/Closed on Sat, Sun, Govt. Holidays, School Break Jul, Jan-Feb).

National Library: The National Library was established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures which form a significant part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. It now houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format, with some works several hundred years old. This collection, known as the Choekey Collection, mainly comprises Buddhist literature written in Choekey, the religious script of Northern Buddhism, but also includes works written in Tibetan and in Dzongkha, Bhutan’s national language. The library also displays the one of the biggest books in the world – “Bhutan” (a former Guinness Book of World’s Record holder). Besides its sheer size and weight, the continuously printed images (printed on a roll of paper longer than a football field and with a gallon of ink) are spectacular – vivid colors and human size portraits. (Closed Sat, Sun, Govt Holidays)

Traditional Handmade Paper Factory, witness the process from start to finish. The paper is made from the barks of the black Daphne tree. The thicker paper is used for scriptures and the thinner ones are used for wrapping gifts and various other purposes. In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Drive (3 hrs/76 kms) over the high mountain pass of Dochu La Pass (3,050m) where on a clear day, there is a panoramic view of the towering snowcapped Himalayan peaks.  The pass is marked by 108 stupas built by the Queen Mother. Punakha is in a sub-tropical valley with warm summers and pleasant winters. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, when the seat of government moved to Thimphu.

On arrival, visit Chhimi Lhakhang (temple), a 30 – 40 minute gradual walk through a village and paddy fields. Situated on a hillock below the village of Metshina, the temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman). The temple is popular among women who have difficulties conceiving children.

Later visit Punakha Dzong (fortress), which is strategically built at the junction of the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) river.  Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong/fortress has been fully restored to its former glory. Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Today’s sightseeing includes:

Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. The temple houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, one of the biggest in the country. The statue was handcrafted exclusively by local artisans. The temple houses a complex for higher studies and meditation center for nuns. Apart from religious trainings, the nuns are also provided skills such as embroidery, tailoring and statue making.

Explore the picturesque villages of Talo or Nobgang, the ancestral home of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan. The villages are scattered along a ridge above the Punakha valley at an altitude of around 2,800m and known amongst Punakha villages for their neat and clean appearance. The women here are particularly known for their beauty.

Nalanda Monastery to visit the monks who are pursuing higher Buddhist studies and learning English as well. You may interact with the monks and chat with them. They will be more than happy to practice their English language skills with you. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast proceed to Paro once again crossing over Dochu la Pass.

Continue to Paro (4hrs/130 kms). This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends.  It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries and the country’s only airport.  Mt. Jhomolhari (7,300m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River). The Paro valley is one of the kingdom’s most fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan’s famous red rice from its terraced fields.

In Paro, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country. The temple is one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness in the 7^th century. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Then proceed to visit the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps, and a small natural history collection. (Closed on Govt. Holidays)

End the day with a visit to a Farmhouse to share a cup of traditional butter tea with the family. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Tiger’s Nest monastery (total hike time 4-5 hrs), most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, is spectacularly located on the side of a cliff 900m above the valley floor. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months, hence its name ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The principal temple of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory. A pilgrimage to Taktsang is the dream of a lifetime for the devout.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight.