Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Your flight should afford breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks before you land in Paro, to be met and escorted to your hotel by our local representatives. After lunch you will visit the National Museum housed in an old watchtower on a hill overlooking the Paro Valley. Then visit the Rinpung Dzong, a massive fortress dating from 1645, and take some time to wander through the town and along the riverside. You may also want to try a traditional hot stone bath.

A 16km drive will bring you to the ruined fortress of Drugyal Dzong with fine mountain views on a clear day, and then to the massive Rinpung Dzong, dating from 1645. After a picnic lunch on the river bank or in the hotel, enjoy a two hour drive along the winding road following the river to the capital city of Thimphu. You will have some time to stroll through the town before dinner.

In the morning you will visit the Memorial Chorten; the traditional Painting and Wood Craft school; the ancient manuscripts of the National Library; and the Handicrafts Emporium, where you can shop for traditional arts and crafts. After lunch the tour moves on to Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, housing one of the largest Monastic schools. The afternoon will end with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, a huge fortress housing government Ministries, the office and Throne Room of the King. After dinner you are free to walk or shop in the town.

After an early breakfast, you will drive up to Dochola Pass (26 Kms.) to enjoy a spectacular view of the Eastern Himalaya and then continue to Dechencholing to view the palace of the Queen Mother and a beautiful private monastery on top of the hill. After lunch you will return to Paro and drive up to Satsam Chorten to view or, with enough time, climb up to, the picturesque Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of 900m.

You will be escorted to the Paro Airport for your return flight.