Bhutan: The Land of Thunder Dragon

The flight towards the Himalayan kingdom, Nepal reveals stunning views of the great peaks Mount Dorje Lakpa, Mt Ganesha, Mt Purbi Chhyachu, Mt Langtang, etc., (weather permitting).

You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. After customs, immigration procedures and baggage claim, a representative from Sampurna will greet you upon leaving the arrivals terminal, welcoming you and transferring you to your hotel (Check-in: 1400 hours).

(Optional: Early morning you could take an optional Mount Everest flight tour – The Highest Mountain on Earth).

Visit Kathmandu Durbar square (The World Heritage site), the most important monument of the Nepalese capital in an open-air museum, the Kumari Palace (Living goddess) where the Kumari acknowledges their greetings from her balcony window, filled with the temples, courtyards & palace of the Malla Kings, who ruled over the city. The palace is known as Hanuman Dhoka, the statue of the Monkey god adjoins the palace entrance. The palace’s main courtyard is where the Kings of Nepal were crowned and had their coronations solemnized.

Next to the palace, we have a gigantic figure of Kal Bhairab (the God of Destruction) and beautiful temples. 

Visit Swoyambhunath Stupa with its 2,500-year history, UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient religious complex mobbed by monkeys and soaring above the city on a lofty hilltop, the fascinating, chaotic jumble of Buddhist and Hindu iconography. Even the 2015 earthquake failed to topple Kathmandu's best-loved temple, you could see ancient carvings everywhere and the smell of incense and butter lamps, the mystical atmosphere is heightened by devotees who make a ritual circumnavigation, spinning the prayer wheels set into its base of this famous stupa, and surrounded by beautiful typical houses of the priest, Chaityas and monastery. 

We will visit Patan Durbar Square (World Heritage Site), the city of fine arts & crafts in metal, stone, and terracotta, officially known as Lalitpur Metropolitan City and one of the largest cities in Nepal, it is famous for its rich cultural heritage, where you will see in its ancient palace with golden gate and window, temples of Krishna, Shiva, Golden temple (Hiranya Barna Mahabihar) as well as monasteries & beautiful courtyard. Overnight at hotel.

In the morning at the arranged time, transfer to the airport for departure to Bhutan, on arrival you will receive at Paro Airport (7,000ft) and then transfer to Thimphu, drive through the beautiful valleys of Paro and Thimphu to the capital of Bhutan - Thimphu. 

Upon arrival at Paro Airport (7,000 ft), you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The drive offers beautiful views of the Paro and Thimphu valleys. Thimphu, located at over 2,500 meters above sea level, lies in a fertile valley crossed by the Wangchu River.

In this area are the current royal residence and the summer residence of the monastic body and the Chief Abbot.

Visit Kuensel Phodrang (2,655 m) – home to the Great Buddha Dordenma, a 51.5-meter statue built “to bestow blessings, peace, and happiness to the whole world.” The statue, set amid the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, houses over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues and offers magnificent panoramic views of Thimphu Valley.

Next, visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of His Majesty the Third King. The paintings and statues inside provide deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. This famous stupa is always lively with pilgrims from across Bhutan.

Then visit Tashichho Dzong, the most prominent landmark in Thimphu, meaning “Fortress of the Glorious Religion.” It serves as the seat of the religious and administrative center, housing the offices of the Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance, as well as the Throne Room and offices of His Majesty the King of Bhutan.

Later, enjoy some free time to explore the local handicraft market.

Full day visit in Thimphu, first we proceed to Changangkha Lakhang/ temple is one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu Valley, founded by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, founder of the Drukpa lineage in Bhutan, the temple houses a statue of Avalokiteshvara with a thousand arms, as seen the prayer mill and sacred writings unusually large in size,

Visit Kuensel Phodrang 2,655 m - the largest Buddha statue of 51.5 meter, "to bestow blessings, peace and happiness on the whole world" is still under construction amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, Buddha Dordena on Mt. offering the magnificent view of Thimphu Valley, The statue houses more than one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues;

Visit of the “Motithang” small zoo to see the national animal "Takin". Later we visited the National Library to see the large collection of traditional books, you can even see the display of the model of the Punakha Dzong and Chorten architecture, national museum where you can see the typical Bhutanese house and their way of life, the School of local arts and crafts,

Visit Tashichodzong, (Thimphu Dzong) impressive fortress-monastery, situated on the banks of Wang Chhu. It is home of the National Assembly and the summer residence of capital's venerated monastic community. The Dzong is the impressive result of a redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned by the Third King, HM Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, an office that has been combined with royalty since the creation of the monarchy in 1907,

It is currently secretary of the government, could visit only with special permission according to time,

In the morning, you will make the 1 ½ hour road journey to Paro, we explore the cultural treasures of Paro Valley, one of the most beautiful and historic regions of Bhutan. We begin with a visit to Rinpung Dzong (“Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”), an impressive 17th-century fortress-monastery that serves as the center of religious and administrative life in the valley. A short walk across the traditional wooden bridge offers great photo opportunities of the dzong and surrounding landscape.

Next, visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong), housed in an ancient watchtower overlooking the valley. The museum exhibits a rich collection of thangkas, traditional costumes, weapons, and artifacts that reflect Bhutan’s heritage and natural history.

Continue to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century. It is believed to subdue a giant demoness that once covered the Himalayas. The temple’s serene atmosphere and ancient murals offer a glimpse into Bhutan’s deep spiritual roots.

Later, enjoy a stroll through Paro town, where you can explore local handicraft shops, traditional architecture, and cafés. Optionally, visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery to sample Bhutanese craft beer made with local ingredients.

Morning transfer to the base point of Taktsang Monastery. From here, we begin a 2–3 hour uphill hike (optional by horse) to reach Taktsang Palphug Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of the most sacred and iconic pilgrimage sites in Bhutan, perched dramatically on a cliff about 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Built in 1692, the monastery surrounds the cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days, and three hours in the 8th century. He is credited with bringing Buddhism to Bhutan and is revered as the country’s spiritual protector.

After exploring the monastery and enjoying the magnificent views, we hike 1.5–2 hours downhill back to the base. Lunch is served at a cafeteria located midway, offering a scenic view of the monastery.

In the afternoon, visit Drukgyel Dzong, meaning “Fortress of the Victorious Bhutanese.” Though in ruins, it stands as a symbol of Bhutan’s triumph over Tibetan invasions. 

On a clear day, this site offers breathtaking views of Mount Chomolhari (7,329 m), known as the “Mountain of the Goddess.”

Breakfast, in the morning free for personal activities, later at the arranged time, transfer to the airport for final departure to connect onward flight to Kathmandu. After immigration formality on arrival, as you exit the airport terminal you will be greeted and welcome by a Sampurna Adventure personal & transferred to your hotel, Spend the rest of the day at leisure for personal activities, overnight at the hotel.

Leisurely breakfast, In the morning free for personal activities, we can explore the narrow lively, and endless streets of Thamel town where we will find all kinds of good restaurants, typical Nepali handicrafts, fine jewelry, clothing, and trekking gear store, later at the arranged time transfer to the airport for final departure to connect onward flight. We wish you a safe flight and hope to serve you back in near future. End of Service.