Antique Bhutan

Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the
immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where our dedicated team will welcome
you with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow
Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards Thimphu river taking us to the heart of
capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is very scenic and picturesque as we pass by some of
the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isina etc until we enter welcome gate in Thimphu. En-route we
will stop over Tachogang Lhakhang: En-route to Thimphu, stopover for little leg stretch walk crossing
Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending your arrival time. We will explore the city
by walk: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of
modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts.
Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world
without traffic lights. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m

Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the
country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs
and shopping centers. However, it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of
modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The
Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the
southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Simply Bhutan: Simply Bhutan is a living museum and photo
studio that gives a good guided introduction to various aspects of Bhutanese traditional lives. Visitors
are greeted with a shot of local arra (rice spirit), before being guided through mocked-up village scenes.
Along the way, you can dress up in traditional clothes, try out archery and hear songs sung by
Bhutanese women as they build houses out of rammed earth. Zilukha Nunnery: Built more than half a
century ago, Zilukha Nunnery is also known as Druthob Goemba. Housing around 60 nuns in its
premises, a visit to the site energizes the soul because of its peaceful surroundings, which lures one’s
mind to never leave the site. From here, the spectacular view of Tashichho Dzong can be captured in a
camera to make for a beautiful photo album. Kaja Throm: The riverside Farmer’s Market, one can get
fresh farm produce, food & snack stalls, fun art installed by VAST Bhutan. A lively place to spend time.
Overnight in Thimphu

Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over Dochula pass which takes about two hours.
After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the
warmest places of Bhutan. Dochula pass: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180
degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very
clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the
108 Chorten gracing the mountain pass. Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness).
Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji
Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see
Dzong of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making
the most photogenic Dzong of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Suspension Bridge: Punakha suspension bridge is
considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the Dzong with the villages
Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages,
locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of
true Bhutan. In order to access the suspension bridge from the Dzong, one must walk past the King’s
palace and the cremation ground. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m

As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further
to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the
great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. After our breakfast, retrace the
drive back to Paro via Dochula and Thimphu. En route stop at Lamperi Botanical Park, it is a paradise
for nature lover. The visitors can view 38 out of Bhutan’s 46 species of rhododendron or spot some of
the 220 species of birds. There are 21 animal species known in the park which has deer, tiger, leopard,
red panda and also the wildcat. Paro Airport View Point: It is located on the hill overlooking the
airport, this viewpoint offers the best view of the whole airport. Ta Dzong unique (National Museum):
Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong
located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best
collections of all-time historical items making worth for a visit. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong: 'Fortress
on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls
that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.
The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the
order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Explore the tiny town: Tiny Paro town actually can offer lot
more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and
imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around. Overnight in Paro, altitude
2200m

This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline
river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many
souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Taktsang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest
Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang
translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly
to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two
hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Overnight in Paro