Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing (54 km, 1 hr. drive)
- Meet and greet at the airport and drive to Thimphu
- On the way, a short stop to view Tamchog Monastery
- Dinner and overnight in Hotel Tashi Yoedling - Room type: Executive room
Tamchog Monastery:
This Monastery was built in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo, popularly known as "The Iron Bridge Builder". He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which 8 were built in Bhutan.
Day 2 : Thimphu sightseeing
In the morning, visit:
- National Memorial Chorten - built in honor of the Third King of Bhutan, the Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
- Tallest statue of the Sitting Buddha (Buddha Dordenma) in the world (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang
- Takin Preserve Center (a queer-looking animal believed to be a mix of a goat and a cow and has baffled the zoologists). The Bhutanese believe that this animal was created by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (The Devine Madman)
- Dupthob nunnery - one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan
- Sangaygang view point
After lunch, visit:
- National Postal Museum where you can print your pictures on the official Bhutanese stamps
- Craft Bazaar where you can buy Bhutanese handicrafts and artworks
In the evening, visit:
- Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body including the summer residence of Je Khenpo (The Chief Abbot of Bhutan)
- Then free stroll in the town (Thimphu City)
- Dinner and overnight in Hotel Tashi Yoedling
Day 3 : Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing (76 Km, 2 ½ hrs. drive)
- After early breakfast, drive to Punakha
- A short stop on the way to explore the beautiful Dochu La Pass (3140 m) with 108 stupas. If the weather is clear, you can also view the panoramic Himalayan ranges
- Visit the Royal Botanical Garden at Lam Pelri where you can find 39 species of Rhododendrons
- While in Punakha, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong
- After lunch, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery
- In the evening, walk the Longest Suspension Bridge in Bhutan (160 meters)
- Dinner and overnight in Hotel Vara - Room type: Standard Deluxe.
Punakha Dzong: This Dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha is the winter residence of Je Khenpo (The Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Punakha is also the ancient capital of Bhutan until the rule of the Second King of Bhutan. The first national assembly of Bhutan was convened here in 1957. The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetian forces are preserved here.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery: This Monastery was built in 2004 by Her Majesty the Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck which overlooks Punakha Valley. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions. This monastery was built for the world peace and long life of His Majesty the King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
The longest suspension bridge: This bridge is considered the longest in Bhutan and connects the two sides of the Po Chu River. You will also get a great view of the river, valley, temple, and a good boost of adrenaline. In the early years, the bridge was made for the Lamas of Punakha Dzong who often crossed the river to visit nearby villages.
Day 4 : Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Paro (132 km, 3 ½ hour drive)
- After breakfast, visit Chimi Lhakhang monastery (Temple of Fertility)
- Drive further to Paro. On the way, we take a view of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
Chimi Lhakhang monastery (Temple of Fertility): Built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as "The Divine Madman". The Temple is also called "The Temple of Fertility". He traveled throughout Bhutan and Tibet as a "Neljorpa" (Yogi) using songs, humor, and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings of Salvation through sex.
In the afternoon, visit:
- Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Rinpung literally means "The Heap of Jewels". The Dzong presently functions as the Administrative Centre of the Paro district
- Ta Dzong built in 1649 is an ancient watch tower that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan
In the evening, visit:
- A typical Bhutanese Farmhouse
- Dinner and overnight in Tashi Namgay Resort - Room type: Standard Deluxe
Day 5 : Paro Sightseeing - hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- In the Morning, drive to Satsam Chorten and a 2-hour hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
The Iconic Tiger's Nest monastery (Taktsang): The Primary Monastery was built around Guru Rinpoche's meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop (Governor) of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padma Sambhava, the Tantric Mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan flew here on the back of a Flying Tigress, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort.
NB: You can hoist prayer flags near the Tiger's Nest, and offer prayers inside the monastery.
In the afternoon, visit:
- Kichu Lhakhang - built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetian King Srongtsen Gampo. He built 108 Temples in a single day to pin the Ogress to the earth forever and at the same time, convert the Tibetian people to Buddhism. Six of these Temples lie in Bhutan; the most prominent of them are Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang and Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. Kichu Lhakhang is said to hold the left foot of the Ogress and Jambay Lhakhang pins the left knee
- Drugyel Dzong built in 1647 by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This Dzong served as the defense post against the Tibetian invasion in ancient days. It was destroyed by an accident fire and is now under repair
In the evening:
- Stroll in the town for shopping and photography
- Dinner and overnight in Tashi Namgay Resort
Day 6 : Paro – Departure
- After breakfast, drive to Paro and farewell (reporting time is 3 hours before departure)
NOTE: Drukair/ Bhutan Airlines flight fares and entry fees for Museum & Monuments/ festival visits are not included in the cost
Nature of Tour: Private trip with your own driver and guide