Bhutan Sojourn

Situated in the north-western part of the country, the enchanting valley of Paro is rich in culture, scenic beauty and abounds in myths & legends. The valley is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, the country international airport and the national museum. Afternoon visit to Rinpung Dzong, meaning (fortress of the heap of jewels), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Part of Bernardo Bertolucci's movie, ˜Little Buddha," was filmed inside this dzong. Then drive to 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Later in the afternoon, drive end of the Valley to the base of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th-century fortress burned down in the early 1950s. Here we will also see the beautiful typical farmhouse. Bhutanese farmhouses are very colourful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. The majority of the population of Bhutan continues to live as it has for centuries - in small isolated farms and hamlets, surrounded by terraced fields of rice, maize and buckwheat. Also visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts. Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2280m)