Day 01: Paro – Thimphu (D)
Arrive at Paro International Airport. The runway of the Paro International Airport hides deep within layers of mountainous terrain. Flying into Bhutan can be quite an adventure particularly the final approach to the airport as the plane glides and maneuver the mountains before aligning to the runway. After the touch down, your assigned guide and driver will meet you at the airport and you will begin your drive to Thimphu. It will be an hour drive. On arrival, you will check in to your hotel and post lunch, you will do some sightseeing in Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu (B/D)
After breakfast, drive to visit Memorial Chorten. Also known as Thimphu Chorten, this stupa is located at the heart of the Thimphu city and was built in 1974 to honour the third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (1928-1972) popularly known as Father of modern Bhutan.
Afterwards visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). It holds one of the largest Buddha’s statue in the country of 169 feet (51.5m), made of bronze and gilded in gold. Visitors can also get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from this point.
Then visit Changangkha Lhakhang. This temple is located above central Thimphu, built in 12th century by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo on a ridge overlooking the town. Local parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessing from the protector deity ‘Tamdrin’.
Later drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Takin Preserve. The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drukpa Kuenley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.
Post lunch, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following : the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, Textile Museum, which provides deep insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form, Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connect people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life.
Conclude the day’s sightseeing with visit of Trashichhoedzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. This is one of the most impressive buildings situated along the right flank of the Thimphu river built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who unified Bhutan and was later reconstructed in 1962 by the third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices.
Evening at leisure in Thimphu city centre. Also explore the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (B/D)
The ride to Punakha will begin early. En route, you will arrive at Dochula Pass at 3050 meters. If the weather permits, the significant elevation will offer you an unobstructed view of the entire eastern Himalayan range including Bhutan’s highest mountain Gangkhar Puensum. After a short stop at the pass, you will continue your drive to Punakha valley. At Punakha, you will visit the popular temple of fertility and the Punakha Dzong among other attractions. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 04: Punakha – Paro (B/D)
You will drive back to Paro early. It will be a three hour drive. Lunch will either be served en route or on arrival at Paro. In the afternoon, you will some cultural sightseeing. Attractions include the national museum, the Paro Dzong and exploring the quaint Paro town. Overnight in Paro.
Day 05: Paro (B/D) Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Considered the highlight of any trip to Bhutan, today you will hike to the most popular Tiger’s nest monastery. You will drive up to the base of the monastery and begin your two hour hike to the top. Lunch will be served at a cafeteria en route. On arrival, you will visit the monastery and spend some time taking in the impressive view of the valley below. You will then descend back to the base and drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Paro.
Day 06: Depart from Paro (B)
Transfer to Paro Airport
Included: Accommodation in Hotels for 05 nights, meals as specified in the itinerary, transportation using Air-conditioned private vehicle, local English speaking guides, entrance fees and all taxes.
Excludes: International flights, Visa, Insurance,Meals not included above, beverages during meals included in program, gratuities and any expense of personal nature.
Note: For Quotation please contact us.
