Meditation Tour

After breakfast, you’ll visit the watch tower of Paro Dzong, which is now the National Museum.
The museum preserves rare Bhutanese artifacts, remnants of the rich culture and history. After
this, continue to Rinpung Dzong (or Paro Dzong), which means “fortress of the heap of jewels.”
This particular complex has the administrative and religious headquarters for the Paro district.
From here, you can take a leisurely walk to the Pachu river and cross over a traditional cantilever
(wooden covered) bridge to the other side. Post lunch; take a short drive to Drukgyal Dzong, a
dilapidated fortress located around 16 km away from Paro. Although in ruins, this Dzong is a
significant historical landmark. It was at this fort that the Bhutanese decimated the invading
Tibetans and drove them back to their wilderness. From this place, the majestic peak of
Jumolhari, the ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be admired on a sunny day (Alt. 7,329 m /24,029
ft.). On the way back, don’t miss the ‘Kichu Lhakhang’, the oldest and the most sacred shrine of
Bhutan built in 8th century by Tibetan Monarch Songtsen Gampo.

This part of your journey takes you to Taktshang monastery (the Tiger’s lair). The trail to the
monastery passes through patches of a lush pine forest. You will stop at the nearby cafeteria for
rest and refreshments and continue the hike till you see what remains of the ancient Taktshang
monastery. Built in 1600s, this great monastery literally hangs from the edge of a sheer rock cliff
that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the
Tantric mystic, who brought Buddhism to the land, came to Bhutan flying on a tiger.

The next day, post breakfast, you’ll be driven to Thimpu. In Thimphu first you will visit to the
King’s Memorial Chorten(built in memory of the third king of Bhutan, who reigned from 1952-
72). After paying your tribute to the Long king, you’ll be taken to see the Changankha Lhakhang
monastery, the radio tower (one of Bhutan’s tallest buildings) and the zoological garden, where
you can see the national animal of Bhutan-Takin. After an enjoyable session at the zoo, you’ll
visit the Nunnery temple, the great National library of Bhutan containing rare, ancient religious
manuscripts and Bhutan’s School of arts & crafts (called the ‘painting school’ as well). Your
itinerary for the afternoon will include the Bhutan National institute of traditional medicine, a
paper factory and the splendid Tashichodzong.

On the 5th day of your visit, your Thimphu sight-seeing continues. Now you will delve in a little
history at the Textile and folk heritage museums, where a myriad of objects displayed tell
individual tales of Bhutan’s traditions and way of living. The Handicrafts emporium there offers
you a wide variety of exquisite hand-woven textiles and show pieces.
Bhutan posts: If you are a philatelist, you must have an idea about Bhutan’s reputation for its
colorful stamps on distinct topics. Don’t forget to pick up some rare stamps and postcards. And if
you have an inclination, you can visit the Bhutan National bank located nearby. After that, visit
the awe-inspiring Simtokha Dzong, the oldest and the mightiest fortress in Bhutan. Come back to
your hotel to relax for the day tomorrow.

Post breakfast, you will be taken on a drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, to view the 108
Bhutanese Stupas. If the weather remains fine, you can admire the glory of the snow-capped
Himalayan Ranges. After the stupas, you can further drive to Punakha and see the Punakha
Dzong. Situated amid Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River, it is one of the largest
Dzongs in Bhutan. You will have to take the suspension bridge to reach the Dzong. Named Druk
Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness), for many years till the second king
assumed power, the great Dzong was the seat of the Government. The war materials seized
during the Tibetan battle are kept here. Punakha still remains the winter residence of Je-Khenpo;
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the novel national Assembly here only in 1952. Take a
short evening hike to Chimi Lhakhang, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century. (The
monk is commonly known as the Divine madman for his thought, ‘Salvation through sex’). The
monk tended to subdue the devils with his ‘Magical Thunder bolt’. This particular Temple is also
called “The Temple of Fertility”. Sterile women from far and wide come to here to get blessed.
Pay homage and head towards your hotel at Punakha.

During the early morning hours, a short drive to Wangdue takes you to the WangdueDzong,
founded by Zhandrung in 1639. Situated on a hill commanding a breath-taking view of the
valley, it is believed that Bhutan’s protective deity, Yeshey Gonpo told Shabdrug Rimpoche that
if he constructs a dzong on this ridge, he would be able to command the entire country. The
literal meaning of Wangdueis’to bring under one’s power’. Have your lunch at Thimphu before
driving further to Paro.

Early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the Paro International Airport to see you
off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck)