Itinerary

1. Day 1: Paro International Airport - Thimphu

   • Meet the tour representative at Paro International Airport and transfer to Thimphu. En-Route Sightseeing. 
   • Check-in at the hotel in Thimphu.
   • Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring Thimphu, both by vehicle and on foot. Your options include visits to the National Memorial Chorten, the celebrated Royal Textile Academy (closed Sun/PH) and the Takin Preserve – home to Bhutan’s most unusual national mammal.

   Overnight Thimphu.

2. Day 2: Explore Thimphu

   • Have breakfast, and visit GNH Center for Meditation (Subject to Appointment availability). 
   • Go sightseeing in Thimphu valley, including a 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. 
   • Visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.
   • After lunch, drive to Sangaygang view point (2685 meters) to have a view of the whole of Thimphu valley and walk through hundreds of colourful prayer flags that dot the hill overlooking the valley.
   • Drive to Takin Reserve Centre. The takin, the national animal of Bhutan, can be seen here. This particular animal is found only in the Himalayan region.
   • Head to Changangkha Monastery. This monastery is built on a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley, and it was built in the 15th century by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo. Many parents of Thimphu take their newborn babies to this monastery to be blessed by a high lama. 
   • Try your hand at Archery, a very popular sport among the Bhutanese, which is also the National Sport. Afterwards, visit King's Memorial Chorten, continuously circumambulated by people murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. The construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan's third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk ('the father of modern Bhutan'), as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
   • Conclude the day with a visit to Trashichhoedzong. This impressive fortress/monastery houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and the central monk body.

   Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2320m)

3. Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha Valley

   • Have breakfast and drive to Punakha via Dochu La Pass. En-route visit Simtokha Dzong.
   • Arrive at Punakha valley. Then stop, and visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman or Mad Monk), which has a very colourful history and is an easy 20-minute walk across paddy fields. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing) from the resident monk. 
   • After lunch, enjoy an orientation tour of the valley, including the nunnery, and, time permitting, consider a visit to the traditional village of Talo, where you can wander through the serene grounds of the monastery with its beautiful gardens.
   • Visit the dramatic Punakha Dzong, which formerly served as the seat of government and is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body). This is Bhutan’s most spectacular Dzong and an excellent example of how a medieval fortress and a centre of both monastic and administrative functions have adapted and evolved for modern-day use.

   Overnight in Punakha Valley.

4. Day 4: Punakha Valley to Paro Valley

   • Depart Punakha early morning for your transfer westwards to the Paro Valley, once again traversing Dochu La and arriving in Paro town in time for a late lunch. 
   • Enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town, including Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge and the National Museum, to view the fine collection of ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and other artefacts. 
   • Walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ('fortress of the heap of jewels), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore, such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, and scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandalas.
   • Wander along the main streets, which offer good shopping for jewellery and handicrafts.

   Overnight in Paro Valley.

5. Day 5: Tiger's Nest Hike

   • Have breakfast and start the excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. In this serene and peaceful environment, you can practice meditation alongside experienced Buddhist monks for your inner peace.
   • Try your hand at Archery with a traditional bow and arrow.
   • Visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, on the way back. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

   Overnight at the hotel/home/farm stay. (Altitude 2280m)

6. Day 6: Depart Paro

   • Have breakfast at the hotel, and drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.