Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu
After your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and drive 60km (45mins) to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu and check into your hotel. Depending on your flight arrival time, sightseeing will begin today or you will dine at your hotel and rest for a full day tour the following day.
Overnight at Thimphu | Altitude: 2400m
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
First site today will be Kuenselphodrang where the largest statue of Buddha Dordenma in the world sits overlooking the valley. The rest of your tour today features Traditional Arts and crafts school, Textile Museum, & handmade paper factory. We then visit the Takin Zoo to see the national animal of Bhutan – the Takin. Our last stop will be Tashichhodzong – the administrative state office & houses the Golden Throne of the King. In the evening, you have some free time to visit the craft bazaar & explore.
Overnight in Thimphu| Altitude: 2400m
Day 3: Dochu La Pass & Punakha
This morning we drive for about 2hrs (86km) to Punakha across Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft). The highest point on the road is marked by a large Bhutanese chorten and prayer flags fluttering on the hill. On a clear day, there is a breathtaking view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas from this spot. On arrival, we first visit Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is the winter seat of the Head Abbot, and was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century. This is also the place where the current king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck wed a commoner, now queen, Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. Check into your hotel and relax.
Overnight in Punakha | Altitude: 1300m
Day 4: Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Today, you have an option in the morning walk across beautiful rice paddy fields and hike up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten (30mins) OR you have an option to go white water rafting on the MoChhu River of Punakha OR cover both. (Additional Rafting cost is $100 per boat that can carry a maximum of 6adults).
After lunch, we head out to the local town, stroll around and visit a local farm by walking through paddy fields.
Overnight in Punakha | Altitude: 1300m
Day 5: Chimmi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) & Paro
Today we trace our steps back towards the capital city for lunch and then to Paro. Before leaving, we visit Chimi Lhakhang, which is known as the temple of fertility. Stop for lunch on route at Thimphu and continue drive towards Paro. On reaching Paro, we visit Rinpung dzong, which houses the local government offices & monastic body of Paro.
Overnight at Paro | Altitude: 2200m
Day 6: Tigers Nest
This morning, we embark on one of the highlights of our trip. Start early morning to hike approximately 2.5hrs uphill along dirt tracks to Taktsang (translated as Tigers Nest) Monastery. Those who cannot hike all the way up can enjoy a spectacular view of the temple from the half point cafe.
After visiting the temple, lunch will be served at the half-point cafe. Horses are available for transport up until the half point. Good hiking shoes/shoes with good grip is recommended for this.
After the hike, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country. Then we return to hotel to freshen up and have some free time to pack up and head to town for a farewell dinner.
Overnight at Paro | Altitude: 2200m
Day 7: Depart
This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.