Gateway to Bhutan
Enjoy and admire the many cultural sites in Bhutan’s capital Thimphu including the National Memorial Chorten (Stupa) dedicated in memory of the Third Druk King of Bhutan, the National Library, arts and crafts school and the grand Tashichodzong. We will also travel to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan through the 3,050-meter Dochula pass where you will see 108 Buddhist stupas built on a mound between the roads.
The place offers an excellent photo opportunity with a view of the Himalayan mountain range. At Punakha we will visit the Temple of Fertility founded by the divine madman Drukpa Kuenley in the 14th century. From here, we will continue on to the bustling market town of Bajothang in Wangduephodrang before returning to the beautiful Paro valley where we will explore the National Museum (Ta dzong), the Paro Rinpung dzong and the Legendary Tiger’s Nest perched on a cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor.
Day 1
Arrival Paro – Thimphu
Upon arrival at the Paro International Airport, you will be received by our Guide and Driver who will drive you to Thimphu. You will enjoy the drive from Paro-Thimphu through the valley and beautiful landscapes. Visit National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordhenma and Tashichhodzong before you finally retire for the night.
Day 2
Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin Zoo, National Library, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Folk Heritage Museum and Royal Textile Academy.
Day 3
Thimphu – Punakha
En-route Dochula Pass, Botanical garden at Lam Peri and then Chimi Lhakhang before reaching Punakha. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong and suspension bridge.
Day 4
Punakha – Paro
Morning hike to Khamsum Yuelling temple and then drive towards Paro. En-route Semtokha Dzong. Later on visit Drukgyal Dzong (currently under reconstruction) and Kyichu Lhakhang.
Day 5
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Morning hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Later part of afternoon visit Rinpung Dzong and Ta Dzong.
Day 6
Excursion to Haa Valley.
Depart for Haa, the westernmost valley in Bhutan. This is a beautiful drive (3.5 h) that is relatively free of traffic. The road takes us back to Chuzom (river confluence) where we catch a glimpse of the three shrines in Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese style which were built to ward off evil spirits, and then traverses left past Dobje Dzong, an ancient prison which now houses a monastery. Picturesque and quaint villages dot the hillsides for the rest of our drive to Haa.
Day 7
Departure
After breakfast, depending on your flight timing our Guide and Driver will drive you to Paro Airport for your onward journey.
* Please note that this itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your convenience. Therefore, before booking the trip please contact us to discuss your programme.
- Double room on twin sharing basis in government approved 3 star hotels.
- Single room supplement is additional of USD 45 per night per room. All three meals (does not cover water and other beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants).
- Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants).
- Afternoon tea and snacks.
- English speaking and knowledgeable guide.
- Comfortable SUV and an experienced driver.
- Institutional entrance fees.
- Visa fee and processing charges.
- Government taxes.
- All administrative cost.
- Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip.
- Airfare.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tipping.
