This seven-day tour program offers a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich cultural and traditional heritage and spectacular mountainous landscape. You will see the beautiful valleys of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. The tour will give an insight into Bhutan’s heritage, culture and traditions. In the singularly unique capital city of Thimphu, you will have the opportunity to see one of the largest statues of Buddha and to visit the Memorial Chorten. You will also learn more about Bhutanese life, arts and crafts from the visit to the folk museum, the institute of arts and crafts and the institute of traditional medicines. One highlight is the visit to the Trashichho Dzong, the seat of the administrative and religious power in Bhutan and which houses the throne room. In Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, you can see the Punakha Dzong nestled between two rivers and also make a visit to the sacred Chimi Lhakhang. In Paro, for a memory of a lifetime you can visit the memorable Tiger’s Nest temple which is perched high up in the cliffs, and also visit Drugyel Dzong, a fortress of historical significance.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Glimpses of Bhutan’s cultural and historical heritage sites such as fortresses, monasteries and temples
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery – one of Bhutan’s most sacred places
Visit Trashichho Dzong and Punakha Dzong and see the beautiful architecture of the fortresses
Visit the beautiful Dochula Pass from where you can get a spectacular view of the Himalayas
See how people live and learn about the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan
Experience the local culture and taste Bhutanese cuisine
Visit to the Bhutanese farmhouse and enjoy a hot medicinal stone bath

Day 1 :

ARRIVE PARO - THIMPHU

The flight into Bhutan will give you a spectacular view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. On a clear day you may be able to see Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world.

Your tour representative will receive you upon arrival. The drive from Paro to Thimphu (capital city) will take you through beautiful rice terraced fields, and alongside the gushing Pho Chu and Wang Chu rivers.

Afternoon visit Kuenselphodrang where a 169 feet statue of Lord Buddha has been built and overlooks the Thimphu valley. Evening visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the third King of Bhutan.

Day 2 :

THIMPHU

Morning visit the National Library (which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts), & Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional crafts) and Jushina Paper factory where traditional Bhutanese papers are made.

Evening visit Tashichho Dzong which houses the King's Throne Room & Government offices. The Dzong serves as summer residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot & the Central Monk Body. Visit also the Crafts Bazar in town.

Day 3 :

THIMPHU - PUNAKHA

After breakfast drive to Punakha over Dochula Pass (2.5 hours). On a clear day, one can get a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges and also see the Gasa Dzong at a distance. One can also visit the Druk Wangyel Chortens (108 stupas) on the Pass.

Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river). It is one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country. The Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot & the Central Monastic Body.

Day 4 :

PUNAKHA - PARO

Morning drive to Paro (5 hours). Afternoon visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century AD. Evening stroll through Paro town.

Day 5 :

PARO

After breakfast drive to Drugyel Dzong, 18 kilometers away from Paro town. The Dzong, now in ruins, is a place of historical importance, from whose ramparts the Bhutanese once repelled Tibetan invaders.On a clear day one can view the sacred Mount Chhomolari, Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft).

After lunch visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has a fine collection of ancient Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and artifacts. Visit also Paro Rimpung Dzong as well as a traditional wooden cantilever bridge and Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country built in 7th century. Evening at leisure.

Day 6 :

PARO - DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG MONASTERY

After breakfast drive to Ramthongkha. Hike uphill for about 2-3 hours to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. It is a sacred monastery for the Bhutanese people who believe that it must be visited at least once in their life time.

Evening experience a unique hot stone bath which will relieve all aches & pains followed by typical Bhutanese dinner in an old traditional Bhutanese house.

Day 7 :

PARO - DEPARTURE

Early morning drive to Paro for departure. Your tour representative will see you off at the airport.