Day 01
Delhi to Paro with Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong
- Participants arrive at Delhi Airport, where the group gathers before flying to Paro, home to Bhutan's only international airport.
- On a clear day, Mount Everest greets us through the airplane windows as we descend dramatically between 4,000-meter mountain ridges.
- At Paro Airport, a representative of our company will welcome you and transfer you comfortably through the picturesque Paro Valley, often compared to a mini Switzerland, with its golden sunlit grass and grazing yaks.
- Paro Valley is home to some of Bhutan's oldest monasteries and temples. To the north, the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7,300 m) rises, and its glacial meltwater forms the Pachhu River that flows through the valley.
- After settling into the hotel, we have a briefing before heading to Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower above Paro. Built in the 17th century to defend against Tibetan invasions, the six-story structure with 2.5-meter-thick stone walls now houses the National Museum. Its exhibits include ancient weapons, pottery, traditional costumes, Buddhist relics, and two altars significant to pilgrims.
- From the museum, we descend to the second jewel of Paro Valley, Rinpung Dzong, meaning "Fortress of the Heap of Jewels." Built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung, the founder of Bhutan, this large monastery features 14 temples and altars, as well as administrative offices.
- The fortress is accessed via a beautifully illuminated bridge at night. Inside, the wooden galleries and walls are adorned with exquisite Buddhist murals. We return to Paro for an overnight stay at the hotel.
