Glimpse of Happiness - 5 Days

Fly on the wings of Dragon to international airport in Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day, the panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational, including Everest (if you are flying from Delhi and Kathmandu), but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. On arrival in Paro you will be received by Bhutan Hallmark representative and drive to Thimphu by private vehicle. Depending on arrival time, we can proceed for city sightseeing or relax in the hotel. Visit interesting weekend market (Thu-Sun). Vegetable vendors from different pockets of the country come to sell their products. In the evening we will explore the city by walk or visit TashichhoDzong, which houses throne room of His Majesty the King. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m.

In the morning, we will visit handmade paper mill, School of Arts and crafts (closed on Sundays, government holidays) where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. We will also visit to enjoy archery match and national library before lunch. After lunch, drive pass by memorial chorten built in memory of the 3rd King. Visit Buddha viewpoint, ChangangkhaLhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept and Zilukha Nunnery. Overnight in Thimphu.

After the breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and retrace the drive to Paro. On arrival in Paro we will visit National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit 17th century ParoDzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Evening stroll old Paro town and visit into some local handicraft stores or we will provide the options to enjoy other activities while in Paro. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m.

After the breakfast, we will drive to Ramthangka from where we will hike to Taktsang Monastery or often called Tiger Nest Temple which is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (also known as Guru Padmasambhava) meditated. The 8th century old monastery is perched on a rock overlooking a sheer drop and clings seemingly impossible to a cliff of rock at 900m above the valley floor. For entire Buddhist around the world, it is place of pilgrimage but for a tourist, it is one of the must visit place before we die. The hike is almost 2 hours walk, uphill at 30 to 40 degree inclined for an average hiker however we might take full day depending on your pace. First of half of the hike which we pull-up, up to cafeteria feels never ending however from the half way due to magical structure right inform us, we are all energized to push further and you actually feel very near. Finally you are done and filled with joys of happiness to be at Taktshang. For the return journey, we actually feel like walking down very fast. After the lovely hike, you need to have relaxing massage at the hotel/enjoy dipping yourself into the hot stone bath (both available on extra cost). Overnight in Paro