After breakfast, you’ll explore Thimphu, taking in the serene beauty of Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). This point offers breathtaking views of the Thimphu Valley, and you’ll have the opportunity to pay your respects to the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan.
Next, you’ll visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, a place of continuous prayer and a symbol of world peace and prosperity. King’s Memorial Chorten was continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
You’ll also explore the National Library, home to an extensive collection of invaluable Buddhist manuscripts. A visit to the Institute for Zorig Chusum, known as the Painting School, will give you insights into Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts. Here students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. You’ll also have the chance to explore the Textile Museum, which showcases one of Bhutan’s most distinctive art forms. Lastly, Simply Bhutan, a living museum, offers you a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.
Later drive to Paro. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as the Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The museum houses a vast collection of antique Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, household items, and a rich assortment of natural and historical artifacts. Following this, you’ll take a short walk to Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), a fortress with a long and fascinating history. The interior wooden galleries feature exquisite wall paintings that depict Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, and scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas.
You’ll spend the night at your hotel in Paro.
Insight – It’ll take you around 1.5 hours (55 km) to reach Paro from Thimphu.