In clear weather, Druk Air’s flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, it is a breathtaking journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport and after completing your Bhutan visa formalities, you will be met by a representative from Touch The Himalaya’s Recommended tour operator. Then travel to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan.
On arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel and after refreshments or lunch visit the following:
Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds.
Centenary Farmers’ market (if your tour coincides with Thu-Sun) where farmers would be selling their wide range of farm produces (vegetables from farms and wild ferns or bamboo shoots collected from the forest, flour, rice, roasted rice, rice flakes, spices, yams both cultivated and wild ones collected from forests, fruits, etc) and livestock products (mainly cheese and butter). Free interaction with people from the town as well as from villages come to this weekend market. The weekend market is from Thursday-Sunday (4 days).
Tashichhoedzong, a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into the present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.
Craft Bazaar where craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts.
In the evening you may visit local handicraft stores.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
