6-Day Tour Of Paro, Punakha & Thimpu With Healing Hot Stone Bath
Description
Get an insight into western Bhutan and experience the medieval way of taking a hot stone bath. Cure your diseases and soothe your body after a long day. Visit historic buildings like the Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong. Immerse yourself in the Tibetan culture as you enter the magical monastery Taktshang.
Highlights
- Marvel at the Himalayan Ranges from Paro Valley
- Relish in a healing hot stone bath
- Learn about the paper making process in a local factory
Itinerary Expand All Collapse All
-
Day 1: Arrival in Paro expand_more
Meet your local tour guide after arriving in Paro for pick-up and transfer.
Enter Paro valley and sweep past forested hills with the slivery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) on the hill above the town is a fine sight.
Visit Ta Dzong which was built as a watch tower and converted into National Museum in 1968, it boasts antique thangkhas, textile, historic artifacts etc
Proceed to the Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) a monastic fortress built in 1644. The fortress defended Paro valley from many Tibetan invasions of 17th–19th century and from the Dzong, walk down across Nyami Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and then drive to town.
Have your lunch and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the two oldest Lhakhang in the country built in 659A.D by the Tibetan King Songsten Gyampo.
Overnight at hotel in Paro.
-
Day 2: Taktshang & Drugyel Dzong expand_more
Hike to Taktsang. The magical monastery known as Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) was built in the 1600s. It’s a 3 hr walk uphill to the Monastery. The view of Taktshang monastery built on the cliff is a spectacular sight. It is also a great pilgrim site for Buddhists.
Drive to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined fortress which was built in 1649 to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invasion of 1644.
Indulge in a hot stone bath. This is very popular in Bhutan, as it is believed that it cures many diseases and gives you relaxation when you are tired and also helps soothe body ache.
Overnight at hotel in Paro
-
Day 3: Punakha expand_more
Enjoy your breakfast and drive to Punakha, which takes about 4 hrs from Paro.
Pass through Dochu-la pass. The highest point on the road is marked by 108 little chortens 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.
See the Punakha dzong.
Visit Chimmi Lhakhang, which takes 20 min walk from the road and it was built by Lam Ngawang Chogyal the elder brother of Drukpa Kuenley in the year 1499.
Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
-
Day 4: Thimpu expand_more
Have your breakfast and visit Wangduephodrang Dzong and drive to Thimphu the capital.
See the school for arts and crafts where the children were taught to master the 13 types of arts and crafts of Bhutan.
Continue to the post office which has Bhutan's beautiful stamps.
The national library is another sight to see the collection of Bhutanese scriptures some dating back from the 8th century.
Visit the Folk heritage museum which is a replica of a medieval farm-house and is patronized by HM the Queen Sangay Choden Wangchuck to protect the textile heritage of Bhutan. There are some old collections along with the display of vegetable dyes and materials used for Bhutanese textiles.
Stop at the traditional paper factory displays the Bhutanese papermaking in process. Stroll in Thimphu town.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
-
Day 5: Return to Paro expand_more
Admire the Memorial Chorten which depicts the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in the year 1972.
Go on an afternoon drive to Paro.
Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
-
Day 6: Departure expand_more
After an early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for your flight.
What's Included
- English-speaking local tour guide
What's Excluded
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Know before you go
- It is believed that Guru Rimpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. Taktshang was damaged severely by fire in 1998. However, it is now rebuilt and was consecrated in the year 2005.
- A low-lying subtropical valley, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monk body. Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, has played a prominent role in the civil and religious life of the Kingdom. Damaged by fire, flood and earthquake over the centuries, it has now been fully restored in its original splendour.
Meeting Point
Paro, Bhutan
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.Price Details
Per Person | |
1 To 4 | USD 1440 Per Person |
This is a private tour |