Arrival at Paro - Thimphu

Paro - Upon arriving at Paro International Airport, guests will be warmly welcomed by an English-speaking guide and driven to Thimphu, the capital city. The journey takes approximately one and a half hours. Along the way, there is a stop at Tamchog Lhakhang, located about 30 minutes from Paro.

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - En route, visit Tamchogang, situated on a ridge offering a beautiful view, before continuing the drive to Thimphu, which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten) - The National Memorial, built in 1974 by Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho in memory of the third King, is located in the center of the capital city. The interior features numerous paintings of Tantric deities, which may be surprising to some visitors. It is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

Motithang Takin Preserve - Known as the Mini Zoo, this small natural preserve is home to the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, a rare goat-antelope species found only in Bhutan. The preserve mimics the Takin’s natural habitat and also houses a few musk deer and barking deer.

Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery - Located in Thimphu, this prominent Buddhist monastery and educational institution for nuns was founded in 1976 by the 16th Je Khenpo, Sangay Chophel. It is affiliated with the Drukpa Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory - Renowned for manufacturing traditional paper using age-old methods, the Jungshi factory offers demonstrations of the paper-making process. Visitors can purchase this unique paper, making for interesting souvenir gifts.

Centenary Farmers Market - This vibrant and bustling marketplace in Thimphu offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Bhutanese people and the country’s rich agricultural heritage. The market is famous for its wide array of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, including Bhutanese staples like red rice, potatoes, chilies, and various organic vegetables.

Clock Tower Square - Explore Bhutan’s capital city by walking through Clock Tower Square, a prominent landmark adorned with intricate Bhutanese motifs. Stroll towards Thimphu’s iconic traffic junction, known for its lack of traffic lights, where a white-gloved traffic officer gracefully directs vehicles in a choreographed style that has become a tourist attraction.

Thimphu Sightseeing

Tango Buddhist Institute - Also known as Tango Cheri Monastery, this prominent Buddhist monastery is located about 14 kilometers north of Thimphu. Situated on a hillside in the upper Thimphu Valley, it is one of Bhutan’s most significant religious sites and a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. The monastery complex features stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings, with several temples, prayer halls, monk quarters, and meditation centers adorned with intricate artwork and vibrant murals.

Pangri Zampa Monastery - This Buddhist monastery in Thimphu is one of the oldest in Bhutan, dating back to the 16th century. It is renowned for its connection to astrology and traditional Bhutanese medicine, housing an astrological institute where monks study astrology and conduct calculations for various purposes, including selecting auspicious dates for important events.

Bhutan Postal Museum - Located in Thimphu, this fascinating museum offers insights into the history and evolution of Bhutanese postage and communication systems.

Thimphu Handicrafts Market - Also known as the Thimphu Craft Bazaar, this bustling marketplace in the heart of Thimphu is a popular tourist destination showcasing Bhutanese arts, crafts, and culture. Artisans and vendors display a wide range of handmade goods and traditional crafts.

Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground - Known for its vivid culture, vibrant festivals, and richness in sports, Bhutan is famous for its royal sport of archery, or “Da” in Dzongkha, the national language.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong) - Originally constructed in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa, the Dzong was later expanded by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Known as the “fortress of glorious religion,” it was rebuilt in the 1960s by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It now houses the secretariat building, the throne room, and the office of the King and central monk body.

Thimphu - Gangtey/Phobjikha

Buddha Dordenma - Also known as the “Buddha Point,” this massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni is located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, overlooking Thimphu. Standing at 51.5 meters (169 feet), it is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, made of bronze and gilded in gold.

Dochula Pass - This mountain pass in Bhutan sits at an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. It is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the majestic snow-capped peaks. Visitors can witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.

Gangtey/Phobjikha - Punakha

Gangtey Monastery - Also known as Gangteng Monastery or Gangtey Gonpa, this prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery is located in the Wangdue Phodrang District of Bhutan. It is the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition within the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is known for its breathtaking location on a hilltop in the Phobjikha Valley, at an elevation of 2800 meters.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - Known as the Fertility Temple, this revered Buddhist monastery is located near the village of Sopsokha in the Punakha Valley. It is popular among couples seeking blessings for fertility and well-being. Visitors often receive a symbolic phallus as a talisman for fertility and protection. The temple is also a cultural landmark offering insights into Bhutanese religious practices and beliefs.

Punakha Dzong - Also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong, this iconic dzong is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It is an architectural masterpiece with intricate woodwork and vibrant murals, considered one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - Spanning 160 meters over the Phochu River, this bridge connects the Punakha Dzong with nearby villages and agricultural lands. It gently sways in the wind, offering a thrilling experience and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, river, and the Punakha Dzong.

Punakha

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - This stunning Buddhist shrine is situated on a ridge above the Punakha Valley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rice fields. The trail to the chorten winds through lush rice paddies, small villages, and across a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River. The chorten is a magnificent example of Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship, adorned with intricate paintings and statues depicting Buddhist deities.

Punakha - Talo Village is a charming settlement nestled in the Punakha Valley, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. It is renowned for its serene atmosphere, traditional architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery - Perched on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys, this nunnery offers breathtaking views.

Punakha - Paro

Rinpung Dzong - This striking fortress and monastery is located in the Paro Valley, situated on the banks of the Paro River. Originally built in the 15th century, it has a rich history intertwined with Bhutanese culture and politics. It hosts several annual religious festivals, including the famous Paro Tsechu.

Paro District - After lunch, enjoy a short hike to Zuri Dzong, a rewarding trek offering stunning panoramic views of the Paro Valley.

Namgay Artisanal Brewery - Beer enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro Valley to taste some of the finest brews.

Paro Taktsang

Paro Taktsang - This wooden structure stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and established this monastery in the 8th Century. Built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgaye, a reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche, the hike to Taktshang takes approximately 2-3 hours. From the hotel, it is a 30-minute drive before starting the hike, totaling 5-6 hours depending on pace.

Paro - Explore Paro town.

Departure

Paro - In the morning, drive to the airport for the flight to the next destination.

• Monument Fees (Dzongs & Temples) and Museum Fees included
• Stay in a minimum of 3-star accommodation certified by the Department of Tourism
• Meals covered: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• All transport for transfers and sightseeing provided
• Licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the duration of the stay
• Travel Insurance included

• Air Transport/Flight
• Personal Expenses such as Laundry, Tips, etc.
• Drinks & beverages.
• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
• Visa Fee
• Travel Insurance

On this tour, we will be visiting the ancient Temple and Monastery. Hiking to valley views and rural communities approximately through the scenic mountains and alpine woods. We will explore Dzongs and Museums and learn about ancient history.

We will take you to Farmhouse & experience traditional Bhutanese cuisine and their hospitality. We will be also hiking to Tiger’s Nest, the wooden structure built amazingly and stands bravely on a cliff. Stroll around the local market to buy authentic souvenirs.

If interested we will provide a Bhutanese costume to wear.

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