Introduction Tour to Bhutan
4 Nights / 5 Days

Kolkata - Paro - Thimpu

Day 1 : ARRIVE KOLKATA
Arrive Kolkata - meet & transfer to hotel.
Overnight : Hotel in Kolkata

Day 2 : KOLKATA - PARO (BHUTAN)
Early morning transfer to International airport for flight to Paro.
Depart by Druk Air
Arrive Paro - meet & transfer to hotel.
In the evening visit to Paro market and take a stroll through town's main street.
Overnight : Hotel in Paro

Day 3 : PARO - THIMPU ( 60 Km, 2 Hours )

After breakfast drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress from where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' looms directly over the Dzong.
Along the way, see the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo. One of the most sacred shrines in the country, it reflects the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

After lunch, visit to Ta Dzong, originally built as Watch Tower, it now houses National Museum of the Kingdom and boasts antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning 'fortress of the heap of jewels' which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the lofe of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

Thereafter proceed to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. the road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence). Three different style of chortens adorn the confluence. A short way beyond on the left, is Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the hill of excellent horse. After the narrow, rock lined section of the road opens up as Thimphu approaches, Simtokha Dzong lies enroute. Simtokha means the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.
On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. Evening, time for exploratory walk before dinner.
Overnight : Hotel in Thimpu

Day 4 : THIMPU - PARO
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes, visit to National Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. The Traditional Medicine Institute, where centuries old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practised. The Painting School, where young monks learn the art of Buddhist thangkha. Also visit mask maker workshop and workshop for fine metalcraft, weaving, ceramics and paper making. Then visit, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.

In the afternoon, visit to Tashichhodzong, 'fortress of the glorious dharma'. It is the centre of government and religion, site of King's throne room, National assembly hall, and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
Also visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumbulated by His Majesty's subjects, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras.
Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium and local shops if you like to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials, and all manner of unique objects.
In the evening drive to Paro.
Overnight : Hotel in Paro

Day 5 : PARO - KOLKATA DEPARTURE
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination