6-Day Bhutan Sightseeing Tour with Tiger's Nest and Dochula Pass

• Arrive at Paro Airport and then drive to Thimphu.

• After checking into the hotel, meet the tour representative and drive to the capital city, Thimphu.

• On the way to Thimphu, visit Tamchhog Lhakhang, which is located on the opposite side of the river. This is a temple built by Thang Thong Gyalpo of Tibet, who was responsible for building numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan.

• Stop at the Kuensel Choling viewpoint - a place from where you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley. It is again a short drive from the town. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

• Visit Memorial Chorten - it was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan.

• Last stop for the day will be Tashichho Dzong - Fortress of Glorious Religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

Stay overnight in Thimpu.

• Hike to Cheri Monastery (Includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji wildlife sanctuary): Hike for about 1 hrs (to and fro) leads to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body here. A chance to spot birds such as Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, Ultramarine Flycatcher.

• Visit the paper factory. The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age-old tradition that originated in the 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper is a valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high in esteem both at home and in the outside world.

• Go shopping in the weekend market: Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the people crowd the stalls dressed in full colour and gather to meet and to barter, much like the street markets in London!

• Take an artistic route to the Bhutan Crafts bazaar.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

• Begin the morning driving towards Gangtey.

• Come across a pass known as Dochula (3140 m), from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens-  108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.

• Move on to the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black-necked cranes.

• Visit the Punakha Dzong (fortress): It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung, which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of the second king, it served as a seat of the king.

Stay overnight in the Gangtey.

• Hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of fertility): This Temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road – wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses, and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits.

• Later drive to Paro and visit Rimpung Dzong: The Bhutanese Dzongs are huge architectural structures constructed for a variety of functions throughout the country, from administrative buildings to monasteries and temples, yet they are carefully and thoughtfully designed and are strikingly beautiful. The Rimpung Dzong, known as the “fortress of the heap of jewels” in the picturesque setting of the Paro valley, was built in the time of dynamic spiritual and political leader Zhabdrung. Once a year, as part of the Tsechu festival, one of the oldest Thongdol (gigantic scroll paintings) is ceremonially unfurled here.

Stay overnight in Paro. 

• Go on another morning hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800 m up a seemingly sheer cliff. Although it was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998, it has now been restored to its former glory. It is believed that in the 8th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimpoche/ Padmasambhava (2nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands.

• Visit picturesque farmhouses dot the valley amongst fields and hillsides. Enjoy the hospitality of the Paro farmers. The two to three-storied Bhutanese farm houses are handsome in appearance, with colourfully decorated outer walls and lintels, and are traditionally built. A visit to a farmhouse gives an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of a farming family. (If you take a hot stone bath in the farmhouse, it will cost an extra US$25 per person.)

• Later stroll around the town and see how locals live.

Stay overnight in Paro. 

• Leave for the airport after breakfast.