Arrival in Paro

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Paro. Upon arrival, proceed to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Enjoy your first-ever authentic Bhutanese cuisine before visiting the The Centenary Farmer’s Market, a weekend market famous for its agricultural products. Next, visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the King of Bhutan. Thereafter, head to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, where you can catch a panoramic view of Thimphu Valley and admire the 169-feet bronze Buddha Dordenma Statue, the largest statue in the country.

Thimpu

In the morning, head to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where you can catch a glimpse of apprentices honing their skills and knowledge in 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Next, visit the Folk Heritage Museum to discover the traditional lifestyle of Bhutanese in the olden days. Then, make a stop at the local post office where you can get your personalised stamps at your own expense. Continue on to the Royal Textile Academy to witness the traditional art of weaving. Then, proceed to visit National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built to honour the late 3rd King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Thereafter, visit Changangkha Lhakhang, which was built in the 12th century and is the oldest temple in Thimphu. Proceed to the authentic Bhutanese crafts bazaar and Norzin Lam where you can purchase handicrafts, garments and accessories at your own expense.

Depart Thimphu and continue to Punakha. Cross Dochula Pass and visit the Druk Wangyal Chortens, which the construction of 108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. Enjoy spectacular view of The Himalayas if the weather is clear. Along the way, stop at Sopsokha village and take a stroll through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Thereafter, visit Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers.

Punakha to Paro

This morning, make your way back to Paro, home to many old Bhutanese monasteries. Visit Paro Penlop Dawa Penjor Heritage Farmhouse, an 18th century farmhouse inaugurated recently as a heritage farmhouse with various historical and religious artefacts. Thereafter, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan. End your day with a visit to Drugyel Dzong, the victory fortress built in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644.

Sightseeing around Paro

Embark on a scenic drive up to Chelela Pass, the highest pass in Bhutan at 3,988 metres above sea level to catch a glimpse of Paro Valley on one side and Haa Valley on the other. Next, visit Ta Dzong, which houses a fascinating collection of costumes, art, religious paintings, relics, national stamps and handicrafts. Thereafter, visit Rinpung Dzong, which was built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders and had now been transformed to serve as an administration centre and school for monks and a venue of the annual spring festival.

Sightseeing around Paro

After breakfast, embark on a hike to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, Taktsang Lhakhang, which means Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Clinging precariously to a granite cliff 800 metres above the Paro Valley, legend has it the great Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava flew to this spot on the back of a tigress. The monastery was first built in 1692 at a cave where the Guru meditated in the 7th century A.D. Thereafter, spend the rest of your day at leisure. You may wish to enjoy a relaxing Hot Stone Bath or head to the main street of Paro to pick up some souvenirs at your own expense.

Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.