Itinerary

1. Day 01: Arrival at Paro (20th March, 2024)

   • Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our English speaking guide and drive to Thimphu, the capital city. It is one-and-a-half-hour drive.
   • On the way visit Tamchog Lhakhang, which is located on the ridge with a beautiful view. After reaching Thimphu, check-in to hotel. After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten where we see elderly people pray and circumambulate the stupa; visit Paper Factory where you will see how Bhutanese traditional handmade paper is made; Crafts Bazaar which you will find authentic Bhutanese made crafts. Later visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress) known as “fortress of the glorious religion,”. It houses the main secretariat building and the central monk body.

2. Day 02: Thimphu - Punakha (21st March, 2024)

   • After breakfast, drive to Thimphu visit Kuensel Phodrang where big buddha statue is built and walk into Kuensel Phodrang nature park. From there you get the best view of Thimphu valley with the mountain behind. And visit Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo where you will see Bhutan’s typical national animal; Folk heritage Museum dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition.
   • After lunch visit Paper Factory where you will see how Bhutanese traditional handmade paper is made; Crafts Bazaar which you will find authentic Bhutanese made crafts.
   • Then, drive towards Punakha via Dochula Pass. 
   • Dochu-La Pass The Dochu La Pass located at an altitude of 3150 meter above sea level is probably the best known mountain pass in Bhutan. On a clear day it offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks. Another striking feature at the pass is the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. 
   • Chimi Lhakhang Chimi Lhakhang is a temple of Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing. 
   • Punakha Dzong The Dzong was built in 1637 and it was named as Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palce of Great Happiness). The Dzong is beautifully located in between the two rivers called Pho (male) and Mo (female) chhu (river).

3. Day 03: Punakha - Paro (22nd March, 2023)

   • After breakfast, 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. The best view of Punakha is enjoyed from the top of this temple.  
   • After lunch, drive back to Paro, later stroll around Paro Street with a traditional look.

   Overnight in Paro.

4. Day 04: Paro Festival

   • Drive to Paro Dzong to attend Paro festival. The Paro Tshechu, as all Tshechu festivals, honors Padma Sambhawa, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the precious yogi and saint who is credited with having introduced Tantric Buddhism throughout the Himalayas. The festival’s masked dances are performed by monks clad in colorful brocade attire and permeated by chants and reading of Buddhist scripts. The culmination of  festival constitutes the unfolding of a huge cloth thanka, a sacred scroll, depicting Padma Smabhawa and imagery from Buddhist pantheon.
   • Bhutanese people can be seen wearing their best and colorful national dress making the already colorful festival even more colorful.
   • Later, stroll around Paro street with a traditional look.

   Overnight in Paro.

5. Day 05: Paro Taktsang (24th March, 2024)

   • After a breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery, the wooded structure stands bravely on a cliff in the upper Paro Valley. The walk is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours one way. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tiger and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th century.
   • After lunch, visit Paro National Museum. Next, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong.
   • Later in the evening visit Farmhouse to experience traditional Bhutan to taste Bhutanese cuisine and dip into Traditional hot stone bath.

6. Day 06: Departure (25th March, 2024)

   • In the morning drive to the Airport for flight to your onward destination.