Our Bumthang Owl trek begins with a scenic flight to Paro. This flight offers magnificent views of the Himalayas. Further, the flight to Paro gives an astounding view of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (8,848.86m/29,031ft). Moreover, landing in the Paro Valley is a perfect entry into the world of Bhutan. You can feel its pure air and a sense of serenity. Besides that, you can witness the fields of green and brown covering most of the valley floor. Here, you can also see hamlets and isolated farms dot the landscape.
After some refreshments, we will begin our Paro sightseeing tour.
Our sightseeing trip starts with a visit to Paro Dzong. Paro Dzong is the Fortress of a Heap of Jewels. So, the full name of Paro Dzong is Rinpung Dzong. It is one of the finest models of traditional Bhutanese architecture. This structure is a large dzong- a Buddhist monastery and fortress. Paro Dzong is also listed as a tentative site in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO formation. Further, resting beyond Paro Dzong is its watchtower renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum.
It is an unusual round building, built in the shape of a conch shell. Also, its displays include an inspiring combination of ancient and modern thangkas (Buddhist paintings) as well as fearsome festival masks. Besides that, we will also visit the Kyichu Monastery, via the Drugyel Dzong ruins. Kyichu Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. It was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. After exploring these astounding sites of Paro, we head back to the hotel. But, on our way back, you'll cross Nyamai-Zam. Nyamai-Zam is a traditional wooden covered bridge that spans the Paro River. We will spend the first night of the Bumthang Owl trek in Paro.