9 Days Bhutan Tour: Kingdom of Dzongs & Road to Happiness

Welcome to Bhutan, the Last Shangri La in Pristine Himalayan Kingdom. Take a deep breath and enjoy the refreshing breeze in the happy country where 71% of the land is covered with forests. Your guide and driver in Paro will greet you at Paro International Airport, Bhutan's only international airport.

Then, you will head to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which is approximately 50km away and takes about 1.5 hours to reach. Unlike many capital cities dominated by skyscrapers and heavy traffic, Thimphu doesn't have traffic lights or a railway system. Surrounded by rolling mountains, Thimphu is known for its picturesque scenery, Bhutanese dzong, Buddhist monuments, and traditional arts and crafts. Thimphu is committed to preserving its cultural heritage and natural environment while slowly embracing modernity. (Note: The coverage of attractions on the first day depends on your flight arrival time. If you arrive in the morning, you should be able to visit all of the sites listed below. If it is in the afternoon, we might adjusted one or two to the next day.)

Once in Thimphu (2,340m), you can enjoy your exploration in Thimphu, including visiting the Buddha Dordenma Statue (Bhutan Point), the National Memorial Chorten, and Tashichho Dzong.

You will visit the iconic landmark of Thimphu city - the Buddha Point first. It is the largest sitting Shakyamuni statue in the world that completed in 2015. The statue embodies an ancient prophecy of radiating happiness and peace throughout the world. In addition to admiring its impressive height of 51.5 meters, constructed of bronze and gilded in gold, you will also be able to see 125,000 smaller Buddha statues placed within it. Moreover, from this vantage point, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Thimphu Valley.

The National Memorial Chorten is the most visited landmark in Thimphu. Constructed in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (known as the Father of Modern Bhutan), by his mother, it reflects the late king's vision of promoting world peace and prosperity. The Chorten follows a Tibetan-style architecture and is adorned with remarkable paintings and intricate sculptures. You can observe the traditional stupa design, featuring a pyramidal pillar topped with a crescent moon and sun.

Then, you should not miss the visit to Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), which has served as the seat of the government since 1952. This magnificent fortress-like structure is located on the western bank of the Wang Chu River. It seamlessly integrates with the entire valley and stands as the ultimate center of power in Bhutan. It houses the offices of the current reigning monarch, the Fifth King (Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck), as well as the ministries of internal affairs and finance. Additionally, it serves as the residence of the spiritual leader of Bhutan, the Je Khenpo, and hosts the central religious institutions of the country. During the summer season, the Je Khenpo resides in the Thimphu Dzong, while in the winter season, they relocate to Punakha Dzong. Walking around the Dzong, you will discover that it is an impressively large structure surrounded by well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens. Tashichho Dzong has two main entrances. One entrance leads to the administrative section in the south, while the other, situated in the north, grants access to the monastic quarter where the Thimphu Tshechu Festival and masked dances are performed. Note: The tourist opening hours of Thimphu Dzong are from 5 PM to 6:30PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends. It is required to have a tour guide accompany you for a visit to the Dzongs. Before entering for a visit, security checks are conducted.

For dinner, you can enjoy a dinner with a Bhutan Culture Dance Show (optional). Afterward, you can check in at your cozy hotel in Thimphu, where you can rest and adjust to any time difference.

Arrival Ideas:

Bhutan is situated between Tibet in China to the north and India to the south. To reach Bhutan, you can either travel by air to Paro International Airport, the country's only international airport, or by land through the entry points of Phuentsholing or Gelephu from India. Bhutan's national carrier, Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines, and other international airlines operate regular flights to Paro from major cities like Delhi (India), Kolkata (India), Bagdogra (India), Gaya (India), Guwahati (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), and Changi (Singapore). There are also some charter flights to Paro from Hong Kong (China) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) on a seasonal basis. Approximately 30,000 people arrive at Paro Airport every year.

Kind Reminds:
1. You can contact us to book your flight to Paro and land directly in Bhutan.
2. Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India (require a permit), require an E-visa (40USD/pax) before entering Bhutan. All nationalities are welcome to visit Bhutan, and there are no specific restrictions on granting visas to enter the country.
3. Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card.
4. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, which can be applied for and approved in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.

This morning, you will first pay a visit to the Bhutan Post Office Headquarters (General Post Office) first for fully functional stamp printed with a self-portrait. This post office is known for housing the world's largest photo book and an intriguing collection of Bhutanese stamps. It is the only place where you can obtain personalized stamps featuring your own face. (Open hours for the post office: Weekdays: 9AM - 5PM; Saturdays: 9 AM - 1 PM; Closed on Sundays).

Then, you can visit School for Arts and Crafts, also known as the Thimphu National Institute for Zorig Chusum, and delight in the abundance of Bhutan's traditional arts and skills. This institution showcases the mastery of the country's 13 arts and crafts, offering a captivating experience of Bhutan's rich artistic heritage. Students here undergo rigorous training for 4-6 years, mastering the techniques and artistic nuances of their chosen craft. The 13 art forms are Traditional Painting, Sculpturing, Wood Carving, Calligraphy, Papermaking, Bronze Casting, Embroidery, Weaving, Carpentry, Masonry, Bamboo and cane weaving, Gold/Silver Smithy, and Black smithy.

Afterward, you can further explore the Folk Heritage Museum. The museum was established in 2001 through the initiative of Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the Queen Mother of Bhutan. It is housed in a three-storied, 19th-century traditional house, offering visitors a glimpse into the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle. The museum showcases artifacts from rural households, including a collection of typical household objects, tools, and equipment.

In this afternoon, you will depart from Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass (74km, about 2.5 hours). Starting from the higher altitude and cooler climate of Thimphu (2,300m), the drive takes you along the national highway, ascending through the majestic Dochula Pass (3,120m). Upon crossing the pass, you'll descend into the warm and verdant Punakha Valley (1,330m).

Accommodate in Punakha.

After breakfast, you will explore the most beautiful Dzong of Bhutan. It is located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Pho Chhu (Father River). Dominating the river junction is the magnificent Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of Je Khenpo (head abbot of Bhutan) and about 1,000 monks. Occasionally, you'll spot monks draped in red robes passing by, their rhythmic chanting and prayers echoing in the air. Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan serving administrative and monastic functions holds a legendary tale. It is said that Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) prophesied the arrival of a person named Namgyal built a Dzong on a hill resembling an elephant. In 1637, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan, received a divine vision guiding him to construct a Dzong at this site. All of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here and In 2011, the Dzong bore witness to the royal wedding ceremony of His Majesty Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, the 5th King of Bhutan, as he married Queen Jetsun Pema. As the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, if you visit in April, you won’t miss the stunning violet blossoms of the jacaranda tree outside Punakha Dzong. The jacaranda typically blooms from late March to early May, During this time, the grounds of Punakha Dzong transform into a magical carpet of purple under the clear blue skies, creating a truly breathtaking sight. If you visit during the Punakha Tshechu Festival, you can enjoy the mesmerizing masked dances and witness the exhibition of a large thangka depicting the Zhabdrung (Shabdrung, the father of Bhutan) once a year. You can have fun with locals who flood here dressed in Bhutan’s national attire, with men wearing Gho and women wearing Kira.

After crossing the Bazam Bridge, you can walk inside the Punakha Dzong and take your time to admire this stunning example of Bhutanese Dzong architecture which was built of stone, pounded mud, and a considerable amount of timber (without nails, written plans, or designs). There is a six-story central tower called utse standing in the yard of the Punakha Dzong. As the highest architecture within the Dzong, utse houses the most sacred temples and shrines and contains important religious artifacts, thangkas, statues, and texts. This Dzong has three docheys (courtyards) instead of the usual two. The first (northern) courtyard is for administrative functions and houses a huge white Victory Chorten and Bodhi tree. The second courtyard houses the monastic quarters and is separated from the first by the utse. In this courtyard, there are two halls; one of Ugyen Wangchuck (the King of Bhutan) and another hall where the King was decorated in 1905 with the Order of the Knight Commander of the Indian Empire by John Claude White. In the third (southernmost) courtyard is the temple where the remains of the Pema Lingpa (a treasure revealer, Five Terton Kings) and Shabdrung (founder of Tshechu Festival and Bhutan National Dress) are preserved. At the south end, there is the kunrey, or "hundred-pillar" assembly hall with exceptional murals that depict the life of Buddha.

After that, you will pass near the village of Sopsokha, where a visit to Chimi Lhakhang is highly recommended. Here, you can witness the unusual traditional and cultural ceremonies. Reaching the monastery involves a short and delightful walk across rice paddies and through a small settlement of painted houses and lots of little craft shops. Constructed by the cousin of Drukpa Kunley, the temple was built to commemorate the victory of Drukpa Kunley (Mad Saint & Divine Madman) over the demon of Dochu La using his "magic thunderbolt of wisdom "(phallus). That is why you can see the symbol of the phallus scattered throughout. Chime Lhakhang is renowned as a sanctuary of fertility, and many childless women sought blessings from the lamas at the monastery. It is believed that these couples often find success in conceiving soon after their visit. If you are lucky, you may encounter the monks there blessing pilgrims or women who wish to conceive by tapping their heads with a 25cm wooden phallus. In Bhutan, it is common for local people to utilize the phallus symbol to ward off the evil eye and deter malicious gossip.

After, drive to Gangtey (74KM, about 2.5hrs). And stay overnight in Gangtey.

Phobjikha Valley is a U-shaped glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. The valley houses one of the impressive ancient Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan known as Gangtey Monastery, and as a result, some people refer to this entire region as Gangtey. Because of the large flock of black-necked cranes that winters here, it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country. It offers beautiful trails for hiking and nature walks, allowing visitors to experience its tranquility and natural beauty up close.

This morning, we will have a light hike on Gangtey Nature Trail (4km, 1.5-2 hours) that starts from Gangtey Monastery (3030m) and descends to Khewang Lhakhang (2850m). It is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. You can immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Phobjikha Valley(2840m) with farmhouses, dense pine forests, rhododendron forests, and bamboo plants on foot and get a glimpse of the rural and pastoral lifestyle. During the winter (between late October and late February), it may be a bonus to see the rare and endangered Black-neck Cranes. Tips: 1. Dress in layers and wear comfortable hiking shoes. The weather can change quickly in the mountains. 2. Respect wildlife and maintain the cleanliness of the trail.

Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goemba, Gangtey Gonpa) was first built in 1613 by Pema Thinley, the grandson, and re-embodiment of Pema Lingpa (the reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche, 1450-1521). It is a beautiful temple architecture that stands on the hilltop and is a great spot to view the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. The Monastery's history traces back to the prophecies made by the well-known Terton (treasure finder) Pema Lingpa in the late 15th century that a goemba (monastery) named gang-teng (hilltop) would be built on this site and that his teachings would spread from here. Now the Monastery is one of the main seats of the religious tradition based on Pema Lingpa's revelations and one of the two main centres of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism in the country. It is said that on arrival in the Phobjikha Valley in the last week of October, the black-necked cranes circle the Gangteng Monastery three times and also repeat the process while returning to Tibet. Bhutanese have great respect for these “heavenly birds”. Each year on Nov. 11, the Black-necked Crane Festival with local songs, dramas, and masked dances is held at the courtyard of Gangtey Goemba to celebrate the arrival of the endangered bird migrating from the Tibetan Plateau.

At the end of the trail, you will find Khewang Lhakhang, located on the east side of the Phobjikha valley. This 15th-century temple is one of the oldest in the valley and it showcases three impressive two-storey statues of the past, present, and future Buddhas (dusum sangay).

In the afternoon, we will drive to the Black-necked Cranes Information Center, which has informative displays about the black-necked cranes and the valley environment. You can enter the observation room and use the telescope and spotting scopes to watch the Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis). Every year (Oct. to Feb.), over 300 cranes migrate from Tibet to Bhutan for their winter months in Phobjikha Valley. It has been helpful for the center to protect and conserve the Black-necked crane and its species since 2003. It is a nice place to know more about the cranes and study their behavior.

After that, drive from Gangtey to Trongsa (about 80km, 2 hours). Set your sights eastward towards Trongsa Dzong. Traverse through the dense forests as you make your way to the majestic Pele La Pass, standing at an altitude of 3420 meters, serving as the gateway to Central Bhutan. From this pass, you will enter the expansive and captivating Mangde Chhu Valley, a land of open spaces and natural splendor. Along the journey, you will encounter the Chendebji Chorten, a magnificent white stupa constructed in the 19th century, inspired by Nepal's revered Swayambhunath. Continuing on, follow the winding zigzag road through the valley, treating yourself to a breathtaking view of Trongsa Dzong.

If time allows on this day, pay a visit and marvel at the grandeur of Trongsa Dzong, which boasts the most impressive architecture in Bhutan. It stands on the edge of a gorge, perched at an altitude of 2200 meters, with its narrow and sprawling design gracefully occupying the entire mountainside. Trongsa Dzong is not only strategically located and eye-catching but also steeped in a rich history. It is the birthplace of the current Wangchuck dynasty, with its first structure erected by Ngagi Wangchuck in 1541. The dzong holds close ties to the royal family, as it served as the seat of power for the first and second kings of Bhutan. Even the current fifth king previously held the position of regional governor of Trongsa before ascending to the throne.

Within the massive fortress of Trongsa Dzong, you will find an impressive collection of 23 temples, making it the largest dzong in scale among Bhutan's architectural wonders. Most of these temples are not accessible to the public, creating a labyrinthine maze of corridors, temples, offices, classrooms, and monk residences. Today, Trongsa Dzong serves as a museum, where the history of the Bhutanese royal family and sacred Buddhist artifacts are showcased. The pinnacle of the museum experience lies on the top floor, offering a mesmerizing 360-degree panorama of Trongsa's enchanting scenery. Standing on the circular top floor, you can admire Trongsa Dzong, the neighboring villages, and the majestic surrounding mountains, all captured in a single breathtaking view.

Stay overnight in Trongsa.

Today, you will travel from Trongsa to Bumthang. Along the way, you will pass Yongtong La Pass, standing at an altitude of 3425 meters, where you can catch sight of Tibetan stupas and prayer flags. This picturesque drive spans 80 kilometers, leading you towards the captivating cultural destination of Bumthang located in Central Bhutan.

On this day, you will focus your exploration on the highlights of Bumthang. This region is renowned for its rich historical legacy, encompassing legendary tales of Guru Padmasanbhava, Pema Linga, and other devoted treasure discoverers known as tetrons. It can rightfully be called the heart of spirituality in the Land of Thunder Dragons. Bumthang is a captivating blend of four magnificent valleys: Chumey, Ura, Choekhor, and Tang. This flat expanse of land is adorned with numerous religious establishments, creating a picturesque tapestry. Besides its pristine natural beauty, you will encounter friendly locals, clustered settlements, and a vibrant atmosphere, all of which have contributed to Bumthang's reputation as a must-visit tourist destination in Bhutan.

After breakfast, your first stop will be Mebartsho (Burning Lake). It is a sacred site where Pema Lingpa, a renowned treasure revealer, discovered sacred treasures, Mebartsho holds immense spiritual importance for Bhutanese people. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, Mebartsho offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. Visiting this holy site allows you to experience Bhutan's deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and connect with the local people.

Then, visit Kurjey Lhakhang. This temple complex holds great significance and is known for its expansive size, active religious practices, and cultural importance. It derives its name from the body print (kur) left by Guru Rinpoche. This is the very place where Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, successfully subdued the deity Shelging Karpo. During his profound meditation in this location, Guru Rinpoche left his physical imprint within the caves, giving rise to the name Kurjey, which symbolizes the fusion of "Kur" (body) and "Jey" (imprint). Kurjey Monastery covers a substantial area and encompasses three distinct temples within its premises. Kurjey Lhakhang comprises three buildings: Guru Lhakhang (built in 1652), Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang (built in 1900), and Ka Gon Phor Sum Lhakhang (built-in 1900). According to ancient tales, the revered Guru Padmasambhava (Rinpoche) meditated in this very place for a period of three months during the 8th century. The upper floor of Kurjey Lhakhang is adorned with 1000 small statues of Guru Rinpoche, adding to the spiritual ambiance. As you approach the entrance of the temple, you will be greeted by a majestic cypress tree, believed to have sprouted from Guru Rinpoche's walking stick. This sacred site is a must-visit destination in Bumthang, offering a profound and awe-inspiring experience.

Next, let's proceed to Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's most ancient temples. This remarkable temple is believed to have been constructed in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, on the same auspicious day as Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro. Its purpose was to subdue a Tibetan demoness, with the temple said to have pinned her left knee. Guru Rinpoche also visited this temple, and it underwent renovations by Sindhu Raja after the Guru revitalized his life force. Jambay Lhakhang exudes an unmistakable sense of antiquity, making it a truly captivating site in the valley. Inside the main Jampey (Jampa) Lhakhang, you will discover three stone steps that symbolize three different ages. The first step represents the past, the time of the historical Buddha, Sakyamuni. This step has descended into the ground and is covered with a wooden plank. The next step represents the present age and is level with the floor. Finally, the top step represents the future, signifying a new age. It is believed that when the step representing the present age sinks to ground level, the gods will assume human form and the current world will come to an end. Make sure to explore the inner sanctum, where you will find the central figure of Jampa, the Buddha of the future, depicted with his feet resting on an elephant. This section is the oldest part of the oldest chapel in Bhutan and holds great historical significance. As you take the inner kora path around the chapel, you will be surrounded by ancient murals depicting 1000 Buddhas, adding to the spiritual ambiance. Don't forget to also admire the Kalachakra Temple and two large stone chortens during your visit.

Later, you'll visit Jakar Dzong. According to legend, in 1549, a group of lamas gathered to find a suitable location for a monastery. Suddenly, a magnificent white bird took flight and landed on a hill spur. This extraordinary event was interpreted as a universal sign, leading to the selection of that very hill for the construction of the monastery, which came to be known as Jakar Dzong. The sheer magnificence and scale of Jakar Dzong, coupled with the stone pathway meandering through the verdant forest, have enchanted countless travelers. Established in 1549 AD under the guidance of Lam Ngagi Wangchuk, who journeyed to Bhutan to disseminate the teachings of Drukpa Kagyu, Jakar Dzong stands as a resplendent and formidable structure. Ascending to the top of Jakar Dzong, you'll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of the enchanting Choekar Valley in Bumthang.

After breakfast, you will depart from central Bhutan and head back to Western Bhutan. Along the way, you will make a stop in Wangdue Phodrang. The distance from Bumthang to Wangdue Phodrang is approximately 200 kilometers, and the car journey takes approximately 6 hours.

Upon your arrival in Wangdue Phodrang, make sure to visit Rinchengang Village, one of the oldest villages in Bhutan. This quaint clustered village is renowned for its mastery of traditional stonework. The village's fame stems from its deep-rooted cultural heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship displayed in its traditional stonework. Situated across the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, with the Punatsangchhu River flowing alongside the highway, Rinchengang Village is nestled amidst hilly terrain. From a small hillock, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the majestic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, while traditional houses grace the landscape, adding to its picturesque charm. Rinchengang Village is also known for its warm and welcoming locals, who eagerly share their cultural traditions with visitors. By immersing yourself in the village, you can gain insight into the authentic Bhutanese way of life. Explore the narrow alleys and cobbled streets that wind through the village, passing by traditional houses adorned with intricate carvings and paintings.

Stay in Wangdue Phodrang.

After breakfast, you will begin your return journey from Wangdue Phodrang to Paro (110km, about 3 hours). After arrive in Paro, you will have the opportunity to visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong). This magnificent fortress stands tall and proud, serving as a beacon of history and culture in Bhutan. Rinpung Dzong was constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651), a pivotal figure in Bhutanese history who is revered as the founder of the modern Bhutanese state and a national hero. His enduring legacy continues to shape the country's identity and cultural landscape. Located near the pristine Paro Chu River, Paro Dzong can be accessed via a traditional wooden cantilever bridge, providing you breathtaking panoramic views of the enchanting Paro Valley.

If you hike a little further, you will reach the Bhutan National Museum (Ta Dzong), which holds the distinction of being Bhutan's tallest building. Originally constructed in 1649 as a watchtower overlooking the Paro Dzong, it was later transformed into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968. At the museum, you can immerse yourself in a rich collection of ancient artifacts such as pottery, armor, thangkas, masks, stamps, photographs, statues, costumes, relics, stone axes, and religious paintings.

Note:  Please note that Paro Dzong is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends. If you can't make it to the opening hours, we suggest visiting the Paro Local Market instead. It's a place where locals and tourists alike come to shop for traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and other local produce. It offers a glimpse into the daily life and culture of Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Paro.

This morning, you will enjoy the exciting hiking tour to Tiger's Nest, the landmark of Bhutan and the most famous holy monastery in the country. It is about a 12km drive (over 0.5 hour) from Paro city to the start point of the Tiger's Nest hike route.

Usually, it may takes about 2.5 hours to reach Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) on foot. The entire Tiger's Nest Hike takes around 5 to 6 hours, with about 4.8km of uphill trekking and about 4.8km of downhill walking. You have the option to rent a horse at the designated place if you prefer. Riding a horse (self-payment required), it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the halfway point on the mountainside. From there, you need to say goodbye to your horse and hike for another 1.5 hours to reach the Tiger's Nest Monastery. At the halfway point, there is a Taktsang Cafeteria where you can have a buffet lunch and enjoy coffee and tea. What is more it is the first viewpoint where you can look up at Tiger's Nest Monastery, the incredible religious site of Buddhists. As the viewing position ascends, the outline of Tiger's Nest Monastery becomes increasingly clear. On the journey ahead, you can enjoy the hike in Bhutan’s forest and will see more and more prayer flags and prayer wheels, left behind by the Bhutanese people who come here to worship. You will also have a panoramic view of the beautiful Paro Valley below. If you visit in April, you will have the opportunity to see the high-altitude rhododendrons blooming, creating a stunning display of red clouds amidst the mountains.

Then, you will stand right opposite the Taktsang Goemba (Tiger's Nest Monastery) and admire Bhutan's most iconic cultural landmark, which is renown as one of the world's top ten super monasteries. The Tiger's Nest (3,120m) is sited on the side of a cliff at a height of 900m above the Paro Valley (2,270m). According to legend, the Indian sage Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche, the founder of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and the builder of the first monastery in Tibet - Samye Monastery) arrived at the location of Tiger's Nest Monastery in the 8th century. It is said that he rode a tigress and subdued demons before spending 3 months meditating in the mountain caves here. This eventually led to the formation of the present-day Tiger's Nest Monastery. Throughout history, this place has been considered a sacred site by Buddhist luminaries. However, it wasn't until 1692 that the current structure of Tiger's Nest Monastery took shape. In 1998, a devastating fire caused significant damage, but it was reconstructed in 2005, closely resembling the original architectural design. If you are interested you can hike into the monastery to explore more (no photo inside). Today, Tiger's Nest Monastery, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bhutan, is revered as the holiest pilgrimage site for Bhutanese people to visit at least once in a lifetime.

After completing the Tiger's Nest hike, you will proceed to Drukgyal Dzong, where you will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Mount Jomolhari (7,570m). Known as the "Mountain Goddess" and the tallest mountain in Bhutan, Mt Jomolhari is considered a sacred abode for deities and spirits, earning the title of "Sacred Mountain". Know as the Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa, Drukgyal Dzong was believed to have been built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who is the unifier and founder of the Bhutanese nation-state. The building was used as an administrative centre until 1951, when a fire caused by a butter lamp destroyed it. In April 2016, to celebrate the birth of the Dragon Prince, Gyalsey His Royal Highness Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, as well as to commemorate the arrival of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to Bhutan in 1616 AD and the birth year of Guru Rinpoche, then Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay announced that the dzong will be restored and reinstated to its former glory upon the command of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar.

Then, it is time to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of the Thousand-armed and Thousand-eyed Avalokiteshvara. It is one of the 108 Buddhist temples built by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century (around 659 AD), and it is believed to have been constructed to subdue the left leg of the Tibetan witch. Kyichu Lhakhang is also one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist temples in Bhutan and serves as a venue for important celebrations of the Bhutanese royal family. In the main hall of Kyichu Lhakhang, you can see the revered statue of an eight-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha, believed to have been created during the same period as the Jowo statue in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet. It is considered a national treasure of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Apart from housing many precious historical artifacts and Buddhist scriptures, the temple also enshrines the relic stupa of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991), a renowned master of the Nyingma tradition. Additionally, there is a piece of iron chain forged by Tangtong Gyalpo, who was the former head of the four major Tibetan Buddhist schools and is known as the Iron Bridge Living Buddha and the father of Tibetan opera.

If time permits and you are interested, you can also visit a local farmhouse, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer. Finally, head back to Paro for an overnight stay.

Optional Bhutan Paro Experiences:
1.Bhutan Traditional Hot Stone Bath (1 hour).
2.Lighting butter lamps for blessings at Kyichu Lhakhang (108 lamps).
3.Dinner with Bhutanese Culture Dance Show.

Kind Reminds:
1. The best time to visit Tiger's Nest is from March to May and from October to December. After noon, the monastery will be hidden in the shadow of the cliffs, so it's recommended to depart early if you want to capture good photos.
2. Tiger's Nest offers horse riding services to go uphill, but the horse ride is only available up to a designated point. From there, you still need to hike to reach the monastery. When descending, you must walk the entire way as horse riding services are not provided.
3. Mobile phones and backpacks are not allowed inside Tiger's Nest Monastery. Personal belongings can be stored at the entrance. If you wish to light butter lamps, make sure to have some cash ready before storing your belongings.
4. Along the way, you may encounter stray dogs. Please be mindful, give them space, and avoid disturbing them.

Happiness is a place, wish you had get your happiness philosophy from the beautiful Himalayan country with us. It is time to end your 9-day Bhutan Tour. Your guide will escorts you to Paro International Airport for your flight to your next destination.

Extension Ideas:
If you plan to continue exploring neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, the Himalaya countries, or Asia, such as Thailand, Nepal, India, or China, don't hesitate to let us know. We can customize your itinerary and assist with travel arrangements.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your Bhutan tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!