Day 01: Arrive Paro and drive to Thimphu
Once you land at Paro International airport, you will be greeted by our representative. Thimpu is located 50 km far from Paro. Driving through the Paro Valley, you will arrive at the meeting point of Paro and Thimpu Rivers at Chuzom. Passing along scenic chortens, we will follow the tapered section to Simtokha Dzong and reach Thimpu where we will stay overnight.
Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing and drive to Punakha
We will visit National Library in Thimpu. We will also visit Painting School and Handicraft Emporium where we can buy souvenir items for our near ones. We will hike to Tango Monastery and Tashichho Dzong and head east to cross Dochula Pass (3150m) afterwards which we will reach Punakha- the old winter capital of Bhutan. The top of Dochula Pass allows unobstructed views of Eastern Himalaya including Gangkar Punsum (7550m) which is the highest Mountain of Bhutan. We will lower down through forest to Punakha valley.
Day 03: Punakha sightseeing and drive to Wangdue phodrang
We will start our tour in Punakha by visiting Punakha Dzong. We need to cross the suspension bridge to reach this holy site. Situated in between two rivers of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha fortress is known for its most detailed temple in Bhutan which was founded in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha is used as the winter residence by Je- Khenpo. Our next stop will be at Khamsum Yuley Lakhang or Chimi Lakhang temple- the fertility temple. After the tour, we will drive to Wangdue Phodrang.
Day 04: Wangdue phodrang – Thimphu- Paro
Wangdue Phodrang is located 135km far from Paro. Early in the morning, we will start Wangduephodrang sightseeing tour by visiting Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (fort) which was established in 1638 at the meeting point of Mo Chu River and Tang Chu River. We will cross Pelela Pass (3250 m) to visit Chendebji Monastery. We will leave Wangdeu Phodrang and drive for three hours to reach Paro via Thimpu.
Day 05: Paro Sightseeing and hike up to Taktsang monastery
We will take brief hike to Taktsang which is popular as a Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The site is sacred to Bhutanese. According to the popular belief, Guru Rinpoche flew to Bhutan from Tibet on the back of Tiger in 8th century and chose this spot for meditation. This Monastery exists in the rocky cliffs that towers to 900m above Paro Valley. 2 hrs of moderately challenging hike will take us to the Monastery. We will also visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. This fort celebrates the victory of Bhutanese over raiding Tibetans. The fort offers stunning view of Chomolhari Mountain on a clear day. We will return to the hotel where we will stay overnight.
Day 06: Depart Bhutan
Our representative will drop you at Paro Airport little earlier than your scheduled flight from where you will board a plane for your onward destination. We hope to see you again.