Daywise Itinerary

• DAY 1

  Arrive Paro by Air & Transfer to Thimphu

  On arrival at Paro Airport, (2200Mts). After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative and afterward drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel in Thimpu

• DAY 2

  Thimphu

  In the morning, visit the handmade paper mill, School of Arts and crafts (Closed on Saturday, Sundays & Government holidays) where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. Later visit national library & Simply Bhutan museum. Also, experience Archery at the Museum Itself. Later drive pass by memorial Chorten built in memory of the 3rd King. Visit Buddha viewpoint, Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, Enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept and Zilukha Nunnery. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

• DAY 3

  Thimphu – Punakha

  Today’s drive passes through Dochula pass (3100mts) making the most beautiful pass in Bhutan. 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, built over the pass by queen mother in 2003 marks the pass more important than another passes. When the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a photo break, we will continue our drive to the warm valley of Punakha. On arrival, check into the hotel. Afternoon, we will visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong, which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. The Dzong, showcase the finest example of the arts and crafts of Bhutan. Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from the hotel it is about 15 minutes drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1.1/2 hour walk, including both way). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

• DAY 4

  Punakha

  After breakfast hike up through fields of chilies, cabbages and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (approx. 2 hours round trip walk), a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. Afternoon visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery: Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang(Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig chanting chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambhava, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tesla Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

• DAY 5

  Punakha – Paro

  After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language. Later in the day after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Then 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, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

• DAY 6

  Paro: After Breakfast Excursion To Taktshang Monastery

  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 and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. On the way, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

• DAY 7

  Depart Paro

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