DAY 01: Arrive Paro and travel to Thimphu (54 KM, 1 ½ hours)
Your exciting vacation in this land of happiness begins. After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour. Then drive to Thimphu and check into hotel.
After refreshment, you will visit Kuensel Phodrang (tallest Buddha statue) and enjoy the full view of Thimphu Valley below. Thereafter, visit National Memorial Chorten (stupa), Takin Preserve (national animal), Tashichhoe Dzong (fortress) and Craft Bazaar where you can buy art and craft product. Night halt at Thimphu.
DAY 02: Thimphu sightseeing
You will start the day with a visit to the Institute for Zorig Chusum (Arts & Crafts School or Painting School). Then relax at Coronation Park (located on the banks of the river near the city stadium) and then visit Folk Heritage Museum, Changangkha Lhakhang (temple) and finally the weekend market. Retreat at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 03: Thimphu – Punakha (71 km, 2 ½ hours)
This is an exciting day as you travel to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3140 m). In a clear weather, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. At the pass, you can see the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill adorned with prayer flags. At the same spot, visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery).
After a fun time at the mountain pass, proceed to Punakha. On the way, stop for lunch at Metsina village and then visit Chimi Lhakhag (Devine Madman’s Monastery) which is famously known for its fertility blessing.
Then visit the Punakha Dzong (fortress) located on the island of the Pho – Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The Dzong was built in 1637 to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. The day culminates with a short walk and free interaction at the Rinchengang & Lobesa villages. You sign off the day at a hotel in Punakha.
DAY 04: Punakha-Paro (135 km, 4 hr drive)
Return journey to Paro and check into your hotel. Then you will visit the National Museum housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower) and Paro Dzong (fortress). From the Dzong, walk further down to Nyamai Zampa, an oldest traditional cantilever bridge in Bhutan. The evening is set aside to visit Paro town and handicraft stores. Halt at Paro for the night.
DAY 05: Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa/ Tiger’s nest monastery.
Today is the hallmark of the tour. You will drive to base of Takshang Monastry which takes about 1 hr and then hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The round trip will take about 5 hours hike with rest and lunch. You will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. On the way back, you will visit Kyichu temple built in the 7th century. We call the day off after the visit.
DAY 06: Depart Paro
Drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. We hope to serve you again with our other exciting tour packages in the future.
