Itinerary

1. 20th March 2024 - First glimpse of Bhutan (the Land of Happiness)

   • Arrival in Bhutan, National Museum, stroll in Paro Town.
   • Enjoy the breathtaking landing of the plane and feel the crisp, fresh air of the Himalayas as soon as you step out of the airplane. At the Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our enthusiastic guide and driver and checked into your hotel after briefing and introduction. A quick rest, and you can start your cultural extravaganza from the National Museum just above the town. Take your time to casually browse through the National Museum, where an intriguing collection of artifacts serves as a great introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Some artifacts even date back to 2000 BC.
   • Afternoon and evening are opportunities to acclimatize to the rarefied air at this altitude and to get to know your guide and driver, who will accompany your sightseeing for the rest of the day, depending on your interest and energy level.
   • In the evening, walk around town and notice that clusters of quaint farmhouses embellish the beauty of Paro Valley, and the small handicraft and souvenir shops will mesmerize you with the unique handicrafts of Bhutan.

2. 21st March 2024 - The First Ever Spring Festival in Bhutan

   Witness the Paro Festival at the Paro Fortress

   • After a good and healthy breakfast, drive towards the Rinpung Dzong/Fortress of Heaped of Jewels, which was built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the saint who unified Bhutan) to defend from the numerous Tibetan invasions. The breathtaking structure and courtyard inside the Dzong is also the locale for the Hollywood movie “Little Buddha” starring Keanu Reeves – one of the most popular and favorite actors of the Bhutanese. But this time it will be more beautiful because of the Festival. Watch the various masked dances, join in with the crowd and interact with the local people who will be dressed up in their finest traditional attire to witness the Tshechu.
   • A variety of masked dances will be lined up for the day, and your tour guide will explain the significance and stories behind each dance. The Atsara or the Clown will entertain you throughout the Festival in their comic attire and wooden phallus hanging from their mask, ready to fly on to the women spectators. Don’t get paranoid if an Atsara tries to get too close to you – it is all in jest! 
   • Before the day ends, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Paro town from the Fortress and walk through the Nyimazam (cantilever bridge) over the glacial Paro River. 
   • Evening, we will drive towards Thimphu.

3. 22nd March 2024 - Thimphu, the Capital City of Bhutan Excursion

   • You will visit the Memorial Stupa built in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan, the Big Buddha Statue facing the Thimphu valley.
   • Bhutan Postal Museum, where you can make a custom stamp with your picture.
   • Continue exploring the valley with a visit to Zorig Chusum (Traditional School of Arts and Crafts), a leading institute that preserves and promotes culture. Pema Lingpa, the Treasure Discoverer, introduced the thirteen traditional arts of Bhutan in the 14th century. You can also watch the students at their workstations and maybe learn some tips!
   • The Bhutan Postal Museum was established in 2015 to commemorate the 60th birth anniversary of our fourth king. One of the most intriguing stories you will learn will be that of the legend of Garp Lungi Khorlo (literally translates into wind below the feet) - a messenger who used to travel from Trongsa to Wangdue on foot in one day, approximately 123km.
   • Next, visit the Royal Textile Museum, which showcases the finest Bhutanese textiles. You can also watch the weavers at their looms. A single line of small bamboo huts is located next to the Museum, selling traditional, authentic, made-in-Bhutan art and craft items.
   • In the evening, we will visit Trashicho Dzong / Fortress of the Auspicious Religion, where the office of the Dragon King is situated.
   • Overnight in Thimphu.

4. 23rd March 2024 - Thimphu to Punakha (Farm Stay Experience)

   • Enroute, stop over at the Dochula Pass (3,150m) and soak in the picturesque view of the Himalayan Ranges floating above the dancing clouds and the magnificent 108 Stupa blessing all the travellers passing through. Get lost in nature for a while.
   • To stretch your legs from the long drive, enjoy a short walk through the paddy fields to reach the Chime Lhakhang / The Temple of Fertility of the Divine Mad Man. Paintings of phalluses on the wall of the house will welcome you humorously when you cross the village, with many small handicraft shops along the way. Don’t feel pressured or obliged to buy, but enjoy the arts and crafts items.
   • Continue driving to the farmhouse and check-in.
   • After dinner, enjoy a bonfire with traditional ara (alcoholic beverage) and mingle with the host.

5. 24th March 2024 - Punakha to Paro

   • Today, you will experience life at a farmhouse. Wake up with the alarm of a rooster and have a delicious butter tea with the host. After a sumptuous traditional breakfast with the host, check out the organic-grown vegetable garden and dairy farm.
   • Home Visit - Visit a Bhutanese family at their home and share dinner over conversations. Take a peek into their lives and experience dining in a traditional Bhutanese home embraced by the warm hospitality of the family.
   • Hike to the Suspension Bridge from the farmhouse takes 30-40 mins. 
   • Continue a 15-minute walk towards the Punakha Dzong (the Palace of Great Bliss), a beautiful and important fortress in the history of Bhutan.
   • Drive to the base of Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten stupa and start hiking for 45mins. It is a beautiful walk through the pine trees and rice fields. The stupa is stunning, and so is the view from there. This hike will boost you up for the Tigernest hike.
   • After the hike, drive back to Paro and rest for tomorrow's big hike.
   • Overnight at Paro.

6. 25th March 2024 - Hike to Tiger Nest Monastery

   • The Taktsang Monastery/Tiger's Nest is one of Bhutan's most important cultural icons and a must-visit for all.
   • Have a good breakfast, and start as early as you can. Your driver will drop you at the base of the Monastery, from where you will start the hike. It takes about 3 hours uphill at a comfortable and leisurely pace. A frequent hiker can complete it in 1 hour! The total distance walked is about 4km one way with 800m elevation gained. Along the hike, your guide will enthral you with motivating local jokes and stories. You will have lunch in the Taktsang View cafeteria facing the magnificent Monastery hanging on the cliff.
   • In the evening, relax in a traditional farmhouse with Bhutanese cuisine and a hot stone bath.
   • Last night in Bhutan.

7. 26th March 2024 - Departure

   • After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport, where your guide and driver will bid you farewell with the hope of seeing you in Bhutan again.