Itinerary

1. Day 1: Paro to Thimphu

   • In clear weather, flight to Paro International Airport provides wonderful views of Himalaya Scenery. It is a breathtaking journey culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean and fresh air as you step out of the plane. 

   • On arrival at the airport and after completing your airport formalities, you will be met by our representative. 

   • The day begins with sightseeing in Paro. 

   • Begin with a visit to the Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan. It has a collection of ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and natural history. 

   • Next, drive down to Rinpung Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels), which was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.

   • Walk down to the other side of the river through traditional cantilever bridge to meet our car. 

   • Drive for lunch in a restaurant.

   • After lunch, there will be an interesting drive of about 1.30 hours from Paro following the Pachu River. At the confluence where the Thimphu river meets the Paro River, there are three stone monument, Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese style stupas.

   • Upon reaching Thimphu, visit the Memorial Chorten.

   • Visit the post office, which has Bhutan's beautiful stamps.

   • If time permits, go to see the Tallest Buddha Statue overlooking Thimphu valley. 

   • In the evening, stroll in the Thimphu town. 

   Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

2. Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha

   • After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Punakha (70 Km) via Duchula Pass. 
   • An hour drive from Thimphu will take you to this pass (3050 meters); from here, one can have a superb view of the Mountain ranges on a clear day. 
   • Tea and coffee will be served on the way for warming your body, and then on the way visit to Chimi Lhakhang, a very popular and revered temple that lies on the periphery of the fertile valley of Lobesa.
   • Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
   • After lunch, drive to Punakha Dzong, placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.
   • And then drive to the hotel, check-in and have dinner at the hotel. 

   Overnight in Punakha.

3. Day 3: Punakha to Thimphu

   • After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive back to Thimphu. 

   • Upon reaching Thimphu, visit National Textile Museums which offer a wide range of handcrafted products, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous.

   • The National Library is another site to see the collection of Bhutanese scriptures some dating back from the 8th century. 

   • Visit the school for arts and crafts where the children were taught 13 types of arts and crafts of Bhutan. 

   • The Folk heritage museum is a replica of medieval farm-house and is patronized by HM the Queen Sangay Choden Wangchuck to protect the textile heritage of Bhutan. 

   • After lunch, start with a visit to a traditional hospital. 

   • Next, go Changangkha temple which was built in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lam Phajo Drukgom Shingpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. 

   • After that, drive upward to Mothithang Takin Zoo. Takin is the National Animal of Bhutan. 

   • Also, visit Drubthob Monastery which houses the Zilukha nunnery. 

   • After 5 pm, go to see Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King.

   • Drive back to the hotel for leisure.

   Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

4. Day 4: Thimphu to Paro

   • Breakfast at the hotel and then drive back to Paro to Ramthangkha. 

   • Hike to Taktsang. (The hiking up to Taktshang takes approximately 2:30-03:00 hours.)

   • The trail is broad, and the walk uphill takes you a little more than 1000ft above the Paro valley. The view of the Taktsang Monastery built on the cliff is a spectacular sight. It is also a great pilgrim site for Buddhists.

   • Have lunch at the cafeteria and return to Paro. 

   • If there is enough time, drive to the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong, which was once a historic monument built as a symbol of victory for the Bhutanese against the northern invaders. Now it stands in ruins.

   • On the way back, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the King of Tibet and one of the two oldest shrines in the Kingdom.

   • If not tired, go to the Paro town to buy souvenirs. 

   Overnight stay in the hotel in Paro.

5. Day 5: Final Departure

   • After an early breakfast served at the hotel, drive a short distance to the Paro airport, where your Bhutanese escort will bid you farewell at Paro airport.