This eight-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, Punakha and Phobjikha. 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 Phobjikha, you will have the opportunity to walk through the undisturbed natural environment which is winter roosting ground of the endangered black-necked cranes. 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
Explore the beautiful valley of Phobjikha, the winter home of the black-necked cranes
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 Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest statues in the world, 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 weekend vegetable market where people come from various places to buy & sell their goods. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum and the Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional crafts).

Afternoon visit the town and Crafts bazaar where different types of handicrafts are sold. Evening visit Tashichho Dzong which houses the King’s Throne Room, monastic body & Government offices.

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.

Enroute to Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a picturesque temple located on a small hillock and well-known for fertility. It is often frequented by people seeking blessing for parenthood.

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 Central Monastic Body.

Day 4 :

PUNAKHA – PHOBJIKHA

Drive to Phobjikha valley in Wangdue Dzongkhag. The valley is the home of the Black Necked Cranes, an endangered species. In winter, they fly south from Central Asia to Bhutan and make Phobjikha their winter home. One can see their roosting place in the marshy land. Evening at leisure.

Day 5 :

PHOBJIKHA - PARO

Morning explore the beautiful valley of Phobjikha. Afternoon drive to Paro. Enroute to Paro, if time permits, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo who is known for having introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet (many of the bridges are still in use today).

Day 6 :

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). Visit also Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country built in the 7th century AD.

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. Evening visit Paro town.

Day 7 :

PARO DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG

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 8 :

PARO - DEPARTURE

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