Paro - Thimphu
Welcome to Bhutan! Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After being met by Intrepid’s representative, drive to the capital Thimphu with an enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in the 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. On arrival into Thimphu, check in to your hotel. Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With a population of about 90,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. In the evening, go on an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area. Also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through examples of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials. LD