Arrival at Paro - Journey to Thimphu (54Km/ 1.5 Hr)

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - En route, pause at Tachoggang, a stunning historical site spanning the Paro River. The iron bridge, adorned with numerous prayer flags, offers a picturesque walk to the temple. Beyond the temple, the bridge holds significant historical importance. Light a butter lamp here to start your tour with positive aspirations.

Simtokha Dzong - Located five miles from Thimphu on a high ridge, Simtokha Dzong is the oldest fortress in the Kingdom. Its strategic location provides a panoramic view of the Thimphu Valley. The central tower, with its unique 12 sides, is unlike any other fortress in Bhutan. The courtyard’s wall carvings are truly remarkable.

Buddha Dordenma - Be awed by the magnificent tallest sitting Buddha statue, standing at an impressive 51.5 meters, situated at Kuensel Phodrang.

Wangdi-tse Monastery - Explore the rich scents and sights of the dense pine forest along the Thimphu valley leading to the splendid Wangditse temple. This easy 1.5-hour hike crosses local apple farms and homes, offering excitement for children. The trail winds through oak, pine, and rhododendron trees, occasionally revealing views of the Buddha Dordenma statue, Tashichoe Dzong, and Thimphu valley.

From Wangditse Temple, choose to hike back the same route and drive to Dechenphodrang Monastery or hike down to Dechenphodrang Monastery to meet young monks in their monastic schooling. Engage with the monks and observe their daily lives.

Time Taken: 1 to 1.5 hours.

Centenary Farmers Market - Thimphu’s Weekend Market, a vibrant maze near Wang Chhu, comes alive with local vendors from Thursday to Sunday. Enjoy the aromatic incense, exotic spices, and unique items like yak legs with hooves. From dried fish to local honey, the stalls offer a sensory delight. Don’t miss the cereals section with red rice and kapche. The lively atmosphere extends into the streets, creating a bustling market scene. Cross the traditional bridge to explore the weekends-only Handicrafts Market nearby. An unforgettable blend of flavors and culture awaits!

Monastic Stay & Experience at Dodeydrak Buddhist Monastery

Pangri Zampa Monastery - Drive to the northern end of Thimphu valley, passing through the countryside. Hike through off-beaten tracks, visit the Buddhist College of astrology at Pangrizampa, and the temple of the 21 Tara Devi in a tranquil setting nearby, before hiking to Dodeydra monastery. If interested in Buddhist astrology, consult the monk there.

Dodedrak Buddhist Monastery - Continue your journey with a soul-stirring hike to the sacred hilltop of Dodeydra monastery. As you ascend, breathtaking vistas and a profound sense of tranquility greet you.

Immerse yourself in the sacred realm of Dodeydra Goempa, where you can meet and pray alongside monks. Share a serene evening prayer and dine with the monks. If you’re interested, engage in a Dharma discussion with the monks. Embark on an extraordinary journey of connection and spirituality.

During your stay, indulge in the following experiences:

• Receive blessings from the monks with a special transformational/cleansing ritual. Upon arrival at the monastery, attend a ‘Lhabsang Thruesel’—a cleansing ceremony to rid oneself of life’s negativities and adversities.
• Hoist Prayer Flags: Raise vibrant prayer flags, infusing the atmosphere with your aspirations.

• Engage in sacred rituals like Incense Offering, Wine Offering, and Butter Lamp Offering.

Hike Back to Thimphu & Drive to Punakha

Dodedrak Buddhist Monastery - Rise early to the sound of chirping birds and the morning bell summoning the monks for Morning Prayer. Begin your day by participating in Morning Prayer with the assembly of monks at the Dodeydra Monastery before heading back to Thimphu.

Dochula Pass - On the way to Punakha, stop at Dochu La Mountain pass at 3,100 meters, marked by 108 Buddhist Shrines. If the skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks to the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. Hoist prayer flags at one of the highest points and make aspirations for the benefit of all beings.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, about a five-minute walk from Sopsokha Village. Be greeted by paintings of an unassuming sight on your way to the site. The temple is also popularly known as the divine mad monk’s temple or the temple of fertility.

Punakha Dzong - Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the confluence of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood damage from fire, earthquake, and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October 1994, caused significant damage to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue.

Punakha-Paro (130Km/ 3-4 hrs), Tiger Nest hike

Paro Taktsang - Early morning drive to Paro. Upon reaching Paro, hike up to Tiger’s Nest—one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrimage sites; be rewarded with the overwhelming sight of the monastery perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters above sea level and 900 meters above Paro valley. Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang derives its name from the legend of its foundation when in the 8th Century, Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. He blessed and preached tantric Buddhism in Bhutan.

Departure

Paro - Conclude your journey to Bhutan. Our team will drive you to the airport and bid you farewell.

• USD 100 Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per person per night
• All meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Comprehensive Bhutan Visa facilitation
• Comfortable accommodation options
• Exclusive private transportation throughout the tour
• Expert local guide services
• All taxes, fees, and charges included

• Those not included in inclusion
• Single Supplement of USD 300
• Alcohol & Any Other Beverages

This Tour Includes the Best Flavor of Bhutan. It has a mix of Tradition- Culture & Heritage- Beautiful Nature Hikes & Authentic Bhutanese Experience . Enjoy the presence of the sacred monasteries that sit precariously on sheer cliffs, the fluttering prayer flags that line the high ridges & chanting of the red robed monks. It is this aspect of life dimension which gives Bhutan an aura that comes from another time. Experience the rich and precious cultural diversity which is strongly engraved in every valley and its people. You can take hikes through the forest, try out a traditional local hot stone bath with the game of Archery, meet the local families & have farm dinner surrounded by hills and its latticed pattern And end the tour with the famous Tiger Nest hike.

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