Day 1 Thimpu Valley itinerary
2
Details
OCT 11th | MONDAY
INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL IN PARO & TRANSFER TO THIMPU VALLEY
Flight – TBA
Journey – 2 hours’ drive to Thimpu
Meals – Dinner
Welcome to Bhutan!
Once you've completed immigration procedures and collected your luggage, our representative will extend a warm welcome, presenting you with a traditional 'tashi khaddar' – a white scarf symbolizing an auspicious reception for guests.
Following this heartfelt greeting, you will embark on a road journey to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital town. The road takes you through the picturesque Paro valley, eventually leading to the convergence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers at a place called Chuzom.
The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. It is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
Post lunch embark on a brief drive north of the town to reach Buddha Dordenma, situated atop a hill within the serene Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. This remarkable statue brings to life an ancient prophecy originating from the 8th century A.D., which was unearthed by Terton Pema Lingpa, a discoverer of religious treasures. It is believed that this statue emits an aura of tranquillity and joy, extending its influence on the entire world.
Crafted from bronze and adorned with a layer of golden gilding, this colossal Shakyamuni statue stands at a towering height of 51.5 meters, solidifying its position as one of Bhutan's largest statues. Within the Buddha Dordenma statue itself, an astonishing 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, also cast in bronze and gilded, have been meticulously arranged.
Followed by visit to National Memorial Chorten, a striking white structure crowned with a golden spire, situated near the heart of Thimphu. It ranks among the city's most iconic landmarks, offering an ideal opportunity to engage with locals who gather to circumambulate the chorten, spin the large red prayer wheels, and offer prayers at a small shrine within the gates.
Later explore Trashichhoedzong, also known as ‘fortress of the glorious religion’, it was initially built in 1641 and later restored in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. The National Assembly Hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river from the Dzong. During the warmer summer months, the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its home in the Dzong.
Evening explore Thimphu city centre. Also visit Ka Ja Throm. Previously known as the Centenary Farmers Market (CFM), Kaja Throm marks a significant transformation in Thimphu’s urban landscape and designated as the Market Quarter where leisure, culture, knowledge, employment, and tourism economies converge. The upgraded Kaja Throm is a vibrant and bustling market centre where the modern and traditional elements of Bhutanese life converge.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m/7611 feet)
Activity Info
Schedule
Start Time
Oct 11