DAY 1 => Arrival in Paro | Transfer to Thimphu | Welcome to the Land of the Thunder Dragon
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and meet our local representative, who will assist with your transfer to Thimphu. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, giving you the opportunity to explore the local market in Thimphu. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 2 => Thimphu City Tour | Discover Bhutan's Cultural Heritage
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then get ready for a local sightseeing tour. The driver will pick you up from the hotel to explore the National Memorial Chorten, the grand Buddha Dordenma Statue, and the Motithang Takin Preserve. Next, visit the Tashichho Dzong, followed by a stop at Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. You will also visit the Handicrafts Emporium and enjoy shopping for souvenirs at the local markets in Thimphu. Return to the hotel for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.
Local Sightseeing
You’ll proceed to visit the National Memorial Chorten that was built in the honour of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Also visit the largest Buddha Statue that overlooks the beautiful Thimphu Valley and the Motithang Takin Preserve, the humble abode of Takin, the national animal of Bhutan.
Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government, and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).
Later drive to Simtokha Dzong the oldest Dzong of Bhutan built by Zhabdrung in 1627 and finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs at the local markets in Thimphu.
DAY 3 => Transfer to Punakha | Where Two Beautiful Rivers Meet
Start your day with a delicious breakfast. After check-out, your driver will pick you up from the hotel for your transfer to Punakha. On the way, make a stop at Dochula Pass, followed by a visit to Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong. Afterward, the driver will drop you off at your pre-booked hotel in Punakha, where you can complete the check-in formalities. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Local Sightseeing
If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula Pass to view the Higher Himalayas.
Visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as “the Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley who subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunderbolt”.
Visit Punakha Dzong, situated between Pho Chu (the male river) and Mo Chu (the female river), which for many years until the time of the second king, served as the seat of the Government.
DAY 4 => Transfer to Paro | Paro Sightseeing
Start your day with a hearty breakfast. Afterward, the driver will pick you up for your transfer to Paro. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and take some time to rest. Later, visit Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress and Buddhist monastery, followed by an exploration of Kichu Lhakhang, which was built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo Namgyal. After your tour, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Paro Sightseeing
Firstly you will visit the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong a fortress and Buddhist monastery, now in ruins, located in the upper part of the Paro. Built by, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate.
Spend some time exploring the ramparts and on a clear day, experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari.
On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.
DAY 5 => Hike to Taktsang Monastery | A Scenic Journey to Tiger's Nest
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, then embark on an exciting excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Start from the base of the trail and enjoy a 6.5 km hike through picturesque pine forests, passing vibrant prayer flags along the way. Stop for a rest at the Taktsang Cafeteria midway before tackling the final 700 steps to the monastery. After exploring the sacred site, return to your hotel for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.
Hike to Taktsang
The trail climbs through a beautiful pine forest and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags to reach Taktsang Monastery.
The Monastery was built around Guru Rinpoche's meditation cave & clings to the edge of a rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.
You can then visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum below which is the Paro Rinpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”).
Proceed for a short walk to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge.
DAY 6 => Departure from Paro | Wave Goodbye to the Land of Thunder Dragon
Enjoy the morning with a delicious breakfast. Check out from the hotel and the driver will help you with the transfer back to the Paro International Airport with a huge smile.