Arrival in Paro

Thimphu’s Weekend Market - During the journey to Paro, the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Everest and other renowned peaks, are truly remarkable. The approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, with a few sharp turns to reach the small Paro airstrip, becomes even more thrilling as you enter Bhutan. The drive from Paro to Thimphu takes 1.5 hours. Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in at the hotel, and enjoy a free evening to explore the local area around the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at a Thimphu hotel.

Sightseeing in Thimphu

Buddha Dordenma Statue སྟོན་པ་རྡོར་གདན་མ། - A rejuvenating spot featuring a massive Buddha statue atop Kuenselphodrang. The area also offers a splendid view of the Thimphu valley from the west.

Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten) - This Chorten was built in honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan.” Constructed in 1974 in a typical Tibetan style, it serves as a center of worship for the people of Thimphu and contains numerous religious paintings and tantric statues.

National Folk Heritage Museum - This unique museum showcases the lifestyle of a family in the Thimphu valley from days gone by. It is a three-story, 19th-century traditional house providing insight into the Bhutanese way of life and artifacts from rural families. The museum contains typical Bhutanese household items, tools, and equipment.

Sangaygang - Sangaygang viewpoint: (2685 meters) offers a view of the entire Thimphu valley and a walk through many colorful prayer flags that dot the hill overlooking the Thimphu valley.

Royal Takin Preserve - The takin, Bhutan’s national animal, can be seen here. This unique creature is found only in the Himalayan region.

Changangkha Lhakhang - This monastery is situated on a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built in the 15th century by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo. Many parents in Thimphu bring their newborns to this monastery to be blessed by a high lama. Dinner and overnight stay at a Thimphu hotel.

Sightseeing in Punakha

Dochula Pass - The most famous pass in Bhutan, located about 30 km from the capital city Thimphu on the way to Wangduephodrang. It is at an elevation of around 3150 meters. On a clear day, spectacular views of the mighty Himalayas can be seen. The pass also features 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chhortens, believed to bring multiple merits to all sentient beings, making it a must-visit place.

Arrival in Punakha by late evening. Dinner and overnight stay at a Punakha hotel.

Natural visit in Punakha

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - This chorten is built on a ridge above the Punakha valley. It took about nine years to construct. It is said that Bhutanese craftsmen consulted Holy Scriptures to build this 4-story temple. The temple was built by Her Majesty, the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck.

After lunch, explore the rural village in the upper part of Punakha, enjoy the nature, culture, and Bhutanese traditions, interact with the local people, and closely experience the Bhutanese lifestyle in the countryside. Dinner and overnight stay at a Punakha hotel.

Sightseeing in Paro

Rinpung Dzong - Meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels.” The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of the Paro district and home to about 200 monks of Paro. It was built at the same time as Drukgyel Dzong. The famous Paro tshechhu festival is held here in spring.

Ta Dzong Museum - Overlooking the Rimpung Dzong, it was built in 1951 as a watchtower. This dzong is round, resembling parts of a European castle. The Dzong has been the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967 and holds an intriguing collection of art, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Dinner and overnight stay at a Paro hotel.

Excursion to Taktshang Monastery Or Excursion to Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang

Paro Taktsang - Reaching the top is worth the journey; the touch of the Himalayan breeze and views of the valley below and the temple on the rocky cliff are captivating and provide a sense of true freedom and joy.

Taktshang Monastery; The main lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s Meditation cave in 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This legendary monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. It is a few hours’ hike uphill; however, one feels truly blessed upon reaching the monastery.

Drukgyel Dzong - This dzong is now in ruins. It was destroyed by fire in 1951 and is now preserved as a heritage site. The Dzong is located in Drukgyal, overlooking the beautiful village with Mount Chomolhari in the background. The dzong was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal to commemorate victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan.

Kyichu Lhakhang - This temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. The Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo, to sanctify the entire region of the Himalayas, miraculously built 108 temples in the 7th century. Kyichu Lhakhang is considered to be one of them. Dinner and overnight stay at a Paro hotel.

Final Departure

Paro International Airport - This is where the small yet exciting and educational tour to Bhutan concludes. From Paro airport, you will depart towards your home. The tour guide will drop you off at the airport.

• 2 nights’ accommodation in Paro.
• 2 nights’ accommodation in Thimphu.
• Meet & Greet at Paro airport.
• Inclusive of all applicable hotel taxes.
• Return transfers to Paro airport.
• Daily dinner provided.
• Daily breakfast provided.
• 2 nights’ accommodation in Punakha.
• Transfers between hotels and local sightseeing as per itinerary.

• Airfare.
• Travel Insurance .
• Entrance Fees, video camera charges , permits during sightseeing.
• Any sightseeing or excursion that is not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, porter-age etc.
• Any other feature which is not mentioned in the “Cost includes” column.
• Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle other than mentioned in the itinerary.
• Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides , road blockage , etc.
• Government service tax @ 5%

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan ‘known as the peaceful Dragon country’ is slowly emerging from centuries of self imposed isolation, this makes Bhutan a truly unique destination to explore its hidden treasure of ancient culture, religion, architecture and its way of life as it was for centuries, so Bhutan’s past is still its present and tantric Buddhism is a way of life.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.