Itinerary

1. Paro International Airport

   • The Himalayan Kingdom welcomes you to have a glimpse of Paro valley. Enjoy views of diverse geographical terrain. Your enthusiastic Guide and professional driver will be waiting for you outside the airport. 

   • After a quick brief introduction, you will begin your first sightseeing at the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong (the fortress of heaped of jewels).

   • After a sumptuous lunch, you will be head towards Thimphu (capital city) along the Pachu glacier river, flowing from the 2nd highest peak of Bhutan.

   • Stop on the way to witness a huge iron bridge built by the Tibetan Ascetic - Drubthob Thangthong Gyalpo and the temple upon the knoll that is now taken care of by his descendants.

   • Check into hotel for dinner and overnight stay. 

2. Thimphu – Cheri Monastery Hike

   • After breakfast, drive up to the base camp of Cheri Monastery. Do a one hour hike, uphill and be in awe with the smell of different types of plants here. Hear the sounds of gushing glacier water below the cantilever bridge and also that of Himalayan birds chirping. Be lost in the best of nature sights with Rhododendron flowers all around you. You can also spot the Himalayan Ghoral here, near this monastery. 

   • After lunch, we will take you to the first tour of the capital by visiting the famous memorial Chorten temple, consecrated on July 28, 1974, in memory of the 3rd King. Chorten/stupa literally means 'Mind of Buddha'.

   • After that, you will visit the most magnificent 51. 5 m statue of Buddha for panoramic views of entire Thimphu valley.

   • Walk around the farmer’s market or take a stroll through the main street to visit some handicraft stores.

   Overnight stay at Thimphu

3. Thimphu – Punakha

   • After early breakfast, drive to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3,100 m above sea level). If the weather is very calm and clear, the breathtaking Himalayan ranges can be seen floating above the dancing clouds and the majestic 108 stupa. Relax with a hot cup of tea here.

   • Visit the Royal Botanical park at Lampleri, where you will be seeing different species of birds and plants.

   • Continue your drive to Punakha. This place is very rich in organic farming and it is one of the leading rice producers in the whole of Bhutan.

   • Hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple of Fertility, built on top of a ridge.

   • Stop to see local organic vegetable markets at Lobesa.

4. Punakha – Paro

   • After a sumptuous breakfast, drive up to the upper Punakha valley, passing through paddy fields along the Mochu River, and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, which will take almost an hour. Enjoy valley views of Yebisa and also panoramic countryside views.
   • Visit Punakha Dzong, the Fortress of Great Bliss, which is also the winter residence for the monastic body and an important historical place for the monarchy. It hosted the crowning of the first king and the royal wedding. This fortress was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan, to defend against Tibetan invasion.
   • Experience a walk on the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which spans the Phochu River.
   • After lunch, drive to the Nunnery, where you can communicate with an English-speaking nun and feel the breeze of beautiful ridges flanked by two valleys - Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. 

   Overnight stay in Paro.

5. Hike to Taktshang

   • After breakfast, drive early to the base of the Tiger's Nest. It is one of the highlights of this tour. “Taktsang” or Tiger's Nest is one of the most important Buddhist monuments in the Himalayan Buddhist world and it is also preserved as a heritage site. The monastery clings to the rock towering 800 m above the valley and is located 2,950 m above sea level. It takes 2 hours walk to reach this monastery from the base. The history of this monastery dates back to the 8th century when Guru Rinpoche flew on a tigress transforming himself into a terrifying form of Guru Dorji Dorlo to subdue the evil who were thwarting Buddhist doctrine. Your guide will have many hidden stories to share with you and entertain you throughout the hike.

   • After the refreshing hike, you will retrace toward a waiting vehicle to visit the ruin of Drugyel Dzong. This is a fortress of the victorious Drukpa and was built in 1649 to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan armies in the 1950s.On a clear day, the peak of Mt. Jomolhari (7,314 m) can be seen from here.  This mountain also revered as a powerful goddess and borders with Tibet and provides a magnificent backdrop to the ruined Drugyel Dzong.

   • In the evening, you will visit a traditional farmhouse and experience a hot stone bath and Bhutanese cuisine.

   Overnight stay at Paro.

6. Airport

   • Transfer to the airport after your breakfast/lunch. Your guide and driver will bid you farewell with fond memories of the Last Himalayan Kingdom.