When you first arrive at Paro International Airport, you will be met by one of our delightful tour guides just outside the arrival hall. At 7,333 feet above sea level, the first thing you will likely notice is the effect of the high altitudes, so we will give you time to acclimate as we take a short drive to Thimphu and check into your hotel.
Tachog Lhakhang - In the 14th century an emanation of Guru Padmasambhava, the great Siddha Thangtong Gyalpo had been to many places and built about 50 iron bridges in the parts of this world, for the benefit of all beings. When the great Siddha was in Phagri in Tibet, the Haa Chundu and Paro Jodarkay requested him to come to Bhutan for the benefit of Buddha’s teaching and people. In Bhutan, the great Siddha had built about eight bridges and established several Lhakhangs, such as Deoeteng Lhakhang, Phurdo Geonpa, Mindral Goenpa, Bardrong Lhakhang, etc. Specially Dumtse Lhakhang at Paro Droelphug Jangsa was built for remedy of subduing Sadak and Lunyen in the country
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and the perfect location to transition from your familiar lifestyle to our unique country that is like no other place on earth. Here you will begin to appreciate our local customs as you get your first glimpse of monks dressed in traditional red robes, men in striped ghos, and women in brightly colored kiras. Once you settle into your hotel, we will begin to unlock the mysteries of Bhutan by touring Thimphu’s most important sites. The National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to memorialize Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the third king of Bhutan (1928-1972). A chorten is a stupa, or hemispherical structure, that is used as a place of meditation. The whitewashed building with a golden finial on top is a popular location for prayer as it represents the strength and kindness of our beloved third king.
On the weekends, Centenary Farmers’ Market is where farmers come to sell their vegetables, cheeses, grains, and the occasional yak leg. Across the street is the Kundeyling Baazam where you can bargain for local handicrafts, such as mala beads and prayer wheels. We will then take a scenic drive up to Buddha Point in the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park to see the 169-foot-tall bronze statue of the seated Buddha Dordenma. One of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, it sits atop a hill where you will see sweeping views of the valley and surrounding mountains. After returning to town for dinner, you can wander through the shops, bars, and cafes of Thimphu.
