Glimpse of Bhutan

Flying into Bhutan is considered one of the most scenic flights offering magnificent views of the Himalayas and some of the world’s top ten highest peaks. Your flight culminates in an exciting descent past forested hills dotted with traditional farm houses and monasteries as you fly into the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

 After completing airport formalities, you will be welcomed by a Sunyata Travel representative and drive together by private vehicle to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The representative will assist you with all check-in procedures at your hotel, and provide insights into Bhutanese cultural norms and etiquette for visiting cultural and religious sites based on your itinerary. 

 You will spend the rest of the day exploring the main attractions in the capital city – taking in the unique mixture of modern development alongside ancient architecture and traditions.

Early morning drive towards Dochula Pass (3200m) – stopping here briefly to take in the stunning view of the highest mountain peaks of Bhutan and the beauty of the 108 chortens (stupas), mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. Continue to the sub-tropical valley of Punakha. 

Return to Thimphu city and visit the National Textile Museum to view beautiful displays of ancient and modern textiles, and explore the rich traditions of Bhutan’s national thagzo (weaving) and tshemzo (embroidery). The museum also features a special collection of royal attire and antique textile artifacts exclusive to Bhutan. Across the courtyard f the building is the Royal Textile Academy conservation center, where you can watch a small group of weavers working their looms.

Early morning drive to Buddha Dordenma, located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park overlooking the southern entrance to the Thimphu Valley. This massive statue of Shakyamuni is 51.5 m tall, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world.

Continue drive to Paro and first visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century.

After lunch, visit The National Museum housed in the Ta Dzong. The ancient structure was originally built as a watchtower and has been renovated to serve as the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967. The National Museum’s extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings and statues, textiles, weaponry, armor, ancient household items, and natural and historic artifacts that covers more than 1,500 years of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.

After the museum tour, walk down a hillside trail to visit the massive 15th century Paro Dzong also known as “Rinpung Dzong”. As you walk along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard, you will find murals illustrating key Buddhist teachings and cosmology such as the Wheel of Life, Life of Milarepa, Four Friends, and many more.

Evening stroll through quaint Paro town.

Early morning hike (approx. 2 ½ hours) to Bhutan’s most famous and incredible sight, the Taktsang Goemba also known as the “Tiger’s Nest Monastery”. The iconic monastery is perched on the side of a cliff at 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche (“Precious Master” from Tibet) arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave for three months when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. This site has been recognized as a prominent and sacred Buddhist site – visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. 

Suggested activity: Relax and enjoy a traditional hot stone bath after the day’s hike at the hotel or a farmhouse for a more authentic experience (additional cost may apply).

Farewell dinner with your guide.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for departure flight. Our Sunyata representative will bid you farewell and safe journey. Thank you for trusting us with your “kora” or journey to Bhutan.