1st Day- Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr)
Day 02|Thimphu – Punakha (2 ½ hrs)
Day 03| 1Punakha – Paro (3 ½ hrs)
Day 04| Paro Sightseeing
Day 05|Departure
1st Day- Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr)
Your flight to Bhutan (Paro) is considered to be world’s most spectacular flight crossing over beautiful Himalayas. If one is staying near the window side, one can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makula, and other high peaks such as Jumolhari. You will be welcome by green beautiful Paro valley with eye catching gigantic dzong (fortress) of Paro. Upon reaching, Bhutan Inner Peace Travel’s Representative will be there to escort you. Transfer to Thimphu by car/bus.
Visit National Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the late 3rd King later drive to Buddha view point from where you will be amazed to see paranomic view of Thimphu city and also it will be world’s tallest sitting Buddha with height of 51.50m/169ft tall once it is completed. Lunch in the town. Lunch in town. After lunch visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, Enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept and stop for view of the Thimphu Fortress from the top near Nunnery then visit Zilukha Nunnery.
In the evening visit Trashichhoe dzong (Palace of Glorious religion) which holds office of the king and cabinet ministers.
Overnight: Thimphu-Altitude: 2300m.
Day 02|Thimphu – Punakha (2 ½ hrs)
Start your morning with good breakfast and tea because today your journey will be little bit longer but you will be amazed by beautiful landscapes on the way. Proceed towards Punakha by crossing through Dochula pass, the second highest road pass in your trip at elevation of 3010m. If weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. The pass is decorated with beautiful 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten. After a short tea break continue to sub tropical Punakha. Afternoon visit Chimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility): take a short hike through the rice field to the temple, the 15th-century monastery built on a ridge or small mountain top which was believed to have been built after Lam Drukpa Kuenley and also known as Divine Madman who have subdued a powerful demoness there. The temple is also famous as many barren couples come to seek blessing for a child.
Later on visit Punakha dzong which is also known as palace of Great Bliss/Happiness. The dzong stands magnificently on the spit of land between two rivers Phochhu (male) and Mochhu (Female) which literally looks like gigantic anchored ship in itself. After dzong, take an exciting walk across the one of a kind suspension bridge crossing Pho Chhu (male). One feels like its great place to do bunchy jumping when you are on the bridge.
Overnight: Punakha | Altitude: 1350m
Day 03| 1Punakha – Paro (3 ½ hrs)
Start early retracing the drive to Paro. Upon reaching Paro break for Lunch and then optional either do Zorig hike from Uma Paro and ends near National Museum which gives you ample opportunity to have lovely view of Paro Valley as a whole or hike up to 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot by crossing the old traditional cantilever wooden bridge (Nymizampa) which is still in use today after that visit National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings.
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2200m
Day 04| Paro Sightseeing
Start your morning with good breakfast and cup of tea as today you will be hiking to the one of the most iconic monastery in the country to the Taktshang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The hike will take around 2-3 hours approx depending upon pace of walk and breaks one takes but surely one will be amazed by scenery down below to the valley and will not be able to restrain from taking pictures. Taktshang or Tiger’s Nest clings to a huge granite cliff hanging at 900m from the Paro vally. Legends says that the Indian Tantric Buddhist master known as Guru Padma Sambhava came here during 8th century on a flying tigress and meditated here in a cave for 3 months, thereby subduing the evil force that was creating hurdle for the spread of Buddhism.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temple in the country which is believed to have been built during 8th century by the Tibetan King Songson Gompo.
Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores and also if you like your guide will be arranging hot stone bath as it will be relieving experience especially after the hike.
Overnight: Paro
Day 05|Departure:
After breakfast Bhutan Inner Peace Travel’s representative will escort you till the airport and bid you farewell for the journey.
