Paro To Thimohu

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - Upon arrival, meet your dedicated guide and driver who will accompany you throughout your journey. Your adventure begins in Thimphu, a delightful city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, and possibly the smallest capital in the world. The drive to Thimphu takes about an hour. En route, visit Tachog Lhakhang, a temple housing unique statues.

Tachogang, meaning “temple of the hill of the excellent horse,” was constructed in the 14th century by Thangtong Gyalpo after a vision of the spiritual horse Balaha, an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, during meditation. Legend has it that he decided to build a temple at this location, including one of his renowned iron bridges. The original bridge was destroyed by floods in 1969, but a traditional-style bridge with iron chains was restored in 2005. Thangtong Gyalpo was a master architect who constructed 108 iron bridges across Tibet and Bhutan. The temple is privately managed by his descendants.

Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten) - This distinctive structure, the National Memorial Chorten, gleams with white and gold spires. Built in 1974 to honor Bhutan’s third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Father of Modern Bhutan, it is a major attraction in Thimphu, located on Doeboom Lam in the southern-central part of the city. Unlike other stupas, the Memorial Chorten does not contain human remains; only a picture of the Druk Gyalpo adorns the ground floor. The Chorten was constructed to represent the mind of the Buddha, fulfilling the wish of Jigme Dorji after his passing, by his Queen mother Ashi Phuentsho Choden Wangchuck.

Buddha Dordenma - Buddha Dordenma is a colossal Buddha statue in the East Himalayan mountains of Bhutan. This statue is a top tourist attraction in Thimphu, featuring the enormous Shakyamuni Buddha. It is situated on a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, facing the entrance to Thimphu Valley, greeting every visitor upon arrival.

The Shakyamuni Buddha statue stands on the remnants of the palace of Sherab Wangchuk, the 13th Desi Druk of Bhutan. Completed in 2015, its immense size astonishes all who see it. The statue reaches a height of 51.5 meters, making it one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.

Changangkha Lhakhang - This popular fortress-like temple, perched on a ridge above central Thimphu, is a hub of pilgrim activity. Established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo from Ralung in Tibet, it is a traditional place for parents to seek auspicious names for their newborns or blessings for their young children from the protector deity Tamdrin (located to the left in the grilled inner sanctum, next to Chenresig). Be sure to enjoy the excellent view from the back kora (pilgrim path), with its beautiful black and gold prayer wheels.

Motithang Takin Preserve - The pride of Thimphu, Motithang Takin Preserve is a protected area where Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, is preserved. A half-hour walk here reveals many exotic birds and animals roaming freely in their natural habitat. Overflowing with tranquility, the wildlife here is exquisite and a must-see.

Located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, the Royal Takin Preserve was initially a mini-zoo but later transformed into a wildlife preserve. The king deemed it unfair to confine the national animals within boundaries and declared the area a wildlife preserve, allowing the animals to roam freely.

National Library and Archives of Bhutan - Established in 1967 with a small collection of precious texts, the National Library was initially housed within the central tower of Tashichodzong. It later moved to a building in the Changgangkha area of Thimphu. The archive rooms now house many important documents, including old records, letters, and around seven thousand significant photographs. The archives also contain microfilms of many other important documents. Particularly rare and important books and manuscripts from the National Library collection are kept in secure and controlled facilities.

National Folk Heritage Museum - Located in the Kawajangsa area, the Folk Heritage Museum is a 5-minute drive from the main town. Constructed in 2001, the museum aims to educate people about Bhutan’s rich culture and heritage and showcase authentic Bhutanese rustic life.

The museum is creatively housed in a three-story old Bhutanese house. The typical Bhutanese architecture is awe-inspiring, with its mud-made exterior and old household objects inside, making it a must-see illustration.

Currently, the museum continues to operate as a platform showcasing rural traditions and practices to educate visitors about Bhutan’s native customs.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum - The institute plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts. Zorig Chusum translates to the thirteen arts and crafts. Many of these skills were pioneered by great Buddhist saints as their contribution to promoting Buddhism. Sacred Buddhist sites across the country and other architecture display art forms such as calligraphy, painting, sculpting, and masonry, highlighting the significant role they have played in creating Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage.

National Textile Museum - The RTA operates a state-of-the-art museum to display its collection of artifacts, enhancing the understanding of Bhutan’s rich textile traditions and way of life. The museum consists of two galleries: the upper gallery, which permanently displays various types of textile weaves in the country, and the lower gallery, which showcases temporary exhibitions on special themes. These temporary exhibitions usually run for nine months.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong) - Tashichho Dzong, meaning ‘fortress of the glorious religion,’ was built in 1641 and reconstructed into its present form by the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (Father of Modern Bhutan) between 1962 and 1969. Located along the bank of Wangchu (Thim Chhu), it is an architectural marvel housing the throne room, the office of His Majesty the King, and the ministries of home affairs and finance. It also serves as the summer residence of the central monastic body. This fortress was constructed without using any nails. By nightfall, the dzong is illuminated with white and red lights, giving it an elegant glow.

Punakha

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - Tashichho Dzong, meaning ‘fortress of the glorious religion,’ was built in 1641 and reconstructed into its present form by the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (Father of Modern Bhutan) between 1962 and 1969. Located along the bank of Wangchu (Thim Chhu), it is an architectural marvel housing the throne room, the office of His Majesty the King, and the ministries of home affairs and finance. It also serves as the summer residence of the central monastic body. This fortress was constructed without using any nails. By nightfall, the dzong is illuminated with white and red lights, giving it an elegant glow.

Dochula Pass - Dochula Pass, located along the Thimphu to Punakha road, is a mountain pass in Bhutan. Situated at an altitude of 10,300 feet, Dochula Pass is the highest motorable point in Thimphu. Overlooking the snow-capped mountains, Dochula Pass is marked by 108 memorial chortens or stupas.

Adorned with colorful prayer flags, Dochula Pass is considered a historic and religious site in Thimphu. With the surreal view of the shimmering Mt Gangkhar Puensum looming over the surrounding Thimphu Valley, Dochula Pass has become a must-visit place in Bhutan and a favored sightseeing spot in Thimphu.

Punakha Dzong - The Punakha Dzong, known as the palace of great happiness or bliss, serves as the administrative center of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan. Constructed by Ngawang Namgyal in 1637–38, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. The dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Rangjung Kasarpani and the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal and the tertoen Pema Lingpa.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - The suspension bridge, nearly 250 meters long, is located near Punakha Dzong and is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning the Po Chhu River. Surrounded by mountains, the bridge offers breathtaking views and connects to nearby villages. The drive from the dzong takes you past a royal palace and a cremation ground.

Phobjikha

Gangtey Monastery - Gangtey Gompa is the only Nyingmapa Monastery in the western Himalayas of Bhutan and the largest Nyingmapa monastery in the country. A few kilometers beyond the monastery lies the village of Phobjika. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. Additionally, Gangtey Monastery is home to the rare black-necked crane, which migrates from the central Asiatic plateau to escape harsh winters.

Paro

Rinpung Dzong - The stunning Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress) is located close to the main town and is about a 15-minute journey. The Dzong boasts remarkable Bhutanese architecture. Although it may appear smaller than some other Dzongs in the country, a walk inside reveals its vastness. The Dzong is connected to the other side of the land by an authentically designed bridge.

Paro

Departure

Paro - Depart towards your next destination. Today marks the farewell of your magnificent tour, so please take a few moments to share your experience. You can rate and review us on Facebook, Google, and Instagram. Your feedback will assist us and future travelers. If you have any comments, feel free to email us anytime.

• Private transportation
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• All Fees and Taxes

Samlha Tours and Travels is a renowned travel agency in Bhutan, specializing in crafting personalized journeys for those seeking an authentic Bhutanese experience. The company is committed to offering genuine and tailored travel experiences. It provides tourism services that uphold the principles of “value, responsible, and sustainable tourism” through dependable, personalized, and professional services for all its valued clients. The aim is to establish a company dedicated to delivering an unforgettable “Travel experience in Bhutan” with the support of its devoted, well-trained, and highly professional team of experienced staff and access to top-notch facilities. Samlha Tours and Travels will guide guests to the unique wonders of Bhutan—whether it’s admiring the stunning snow-capped mountains, trekking through pristine natural forests, participating in vibrant Buddhist festivals, or simply finding peace and tranquility. Through Samlha Tours and Travels, guests have uncovered some of Bhutan’s best-kept secrets.

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