Bhutan Bliss: 4-Day Quick Escape

Fly on the wings of Dragon to international airport in Paro, On a clear day, the panoramic views of the Himalaya 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 Heavenly Bhutan team and drive to Thimphu by private vehicle. En-route we will stop over Tachogang Lhakhang for taking beautiful photo of suspension bridge built over Paro River for the temple otherside. We will also stop over at Chuzom meeting point of two rivers Thimphu and Paro before emerging ourselves into the modern city of Bhutan-Thimphu. 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 Tashichho Dzong, which houses throne room of His Majesty the King. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m.

After breakfast visit Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue) world's largest sitting Buddha statue which gives awesome views of Thimphu valley, National Memorial Chorten (Stupas) which remembers the father of modern Bhutan. Later visit Changangkha Monastery the oldest temple in the valley, Sangaygang View Point often known as BBS tower and lovers point. Later, we will 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 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicraft stores or we will provide the options to enjoy other activities while in Paro. We will enjoy outdoor activities like playing archery, khuru (dart) and wearing Bhutan national dress. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m.

After the breakfast, we will drive to Ramthangka from where we will hike to Taktshang Monastery or often called Tiger Nest Temple which is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (also known as Guru Padmasambhava) meditated. The eighth 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 halfway 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. En-route visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one from the 2 oldest Buddhist temple in the country. Overnight in Paro.