Arrival in Bhutan and Journey through Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro
Day 1
Arrive in Thimphu (55 km, 1 1/2 hours).
After finishing your immigration formalities, we will drive to Thimphu and visit the following places.
1. The Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the third King, who reigned from 1952 to 1972.
2. Visit Tashichho Dzong, which has been the seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the King, the secretariat, and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Other government departments are housed in buildings nearby.
Day 2
Thimphu to Punakha (76 km, 3 1/2 hours).
After breakfast, cross the Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres. In fine weather, you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges, including the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mt. Gangar Punsum at 7,520 metres. In the afternoon, we will then hike up to the beautiful temple called Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It is another 45-minute uphill walk through the rice fields, and the return portion downhill takes around 30 minutes.
Visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho-Chu (male) River and the Mochu (female) River.
Day 3
Punakha to Paro (135 km, 4 1/2 hours).
After breakfast:
1. Visit the Divine Madman's Monastery, Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where couples unable to conceive come here for blessings, then drive to Thimphu and visit.
2. Kuenselphodrang, where the largest Buddha statue in the country is perched on a hillock overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Also, if interested and if time permits, take a leisure walk through Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and enjoy the nice view of the entire Thimphu Valley below.
Day 4
Paro.
Day hike to the viewpoint of Taktsang Monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra payment. The hike, which is all the way uphill, takes about 2 to 3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 metres above the Paro Valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism were subdued, and the Paro Valley was converted to Buddhism. During the end of the 17th century, a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated, and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their lifetime.
Day 5
Departure.
After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight.
