Distance: 52 km / 32 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour approx.
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of world’s highest glacial peaks of Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga, and our very own Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey.
As you enter the Paro valley, you will skim over forested hills with the silvery Pachu ( or Paro river) meandering down the valley below the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) on the hill above the town.
Upon arrival you’ll be received by our courtly guide who will help you settle into your comfortable bus, before proceeding to Thimphu, the capital.
Enroute stop to visit the Tamchog Lhakang and marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links from the famous Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
In Thimphu, you will check into your hotel for ashort rest, while our guide reviews the day’s sightseeing schedule. A visit to the Memorial Chorten, a sacred shrine built in the memory of the third king, is a must. Located close to the city-centre, it’s one of the most sacred monuments, where elderly Bhutanese, turning prayer wheels or counting beads, will be seen circumambulating it throughout the day.
Continue to Buddha Point and visit Buddha Dordenma – a gigantic statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha. The statue is filled with over one hundred smaller statues each of which like the Buddha itself, it is made of bronze and gilded. At the height of 59.5 metres, it is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world. Enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city and if time permits hike from Buddha Point to Changangkha.
In the evening, stroll down to the national stadium to observe a game of archery, the national sport of Bhutan, played over a 140m long field.
Drive or walk back to the hotel for a short rest before dinner at the hotel.
