TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Land of the Thunder Dragon, one of the most mysterious and unknown of all Himalayan kingdom’s, hidden in isolation behind the high peaks of the Himalayas. A trip to Bhutan is like having a magic wand transporting one back to the 15th century. For centuries forbidden to foreigners, this timeless Buddhist Kingdom has succeeded in preserving its enchanting traditions and ancestral way of life. This is further epitomized by the state’s mandate of “Gross National Happiness”, whereby economic development, a goal for much of its humanity, is only a means to the real goal of happiness.

This trip combines the best of what Bhutan offers with a good mix of both cultural and active pursuits! Begin our tour in Thimphu, the only capital in the world without any traffic light! Catch the weekend market, Textile Museum and more before taking a three-hour winding scenic mountain to Punakha. Tour the impressive Punakha Dzong, enjoy day hikes in the cultivated valley of Punakha. We then re-cross Dochu La to Paro and explore the beautiful valley of Paro and ends our visit to the dramatic Taktsang Monastery, built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2950m.

detail itinery

DAY 01           KATHMANDU –PARO- THIMPHU

If we are lucky, we’ll have glorious views of the snow-capped Himalayas on the way to Paro (Try and get the left hand seat for better view of the Himalayas). The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro Valley is an awe-inspiring beginning to your adventure.

Take a drive to Thimphu following Pa Chhu downstream. Drive on to the Buddha point for a stunning view of the valley. From here, take a visit to Takin Preserve to see Takin, Bhutan’s national animal - a strange looking beast which some say resembles a beestung moose!

Take a view of the majestic Tashichoe Dzong, the seat of the government before circumventing the Memorial Chorten – a monument erected in memory of Bhutan’s third king H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.

Brush shoulders with the everyday Bhutanese grocery shopping for local produce at the Centenary Farmers Market (Open Fri – Sun). Also see the new authentic craft bazaar (Close on Tue) of 80 stalls showcasing works by artisans from rural areas will showcase.

Take a fascinating tour of the working facility of the National Institute of Traditional Medicine that still dispenses traditional herbal medicines to the locals. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum – a 300 year old traditional house converted into a museum. (Both open Mon-Fri).

Overnight: /Bhutan suites/similar
Meals: Lunch & Dinner included

DAY 02           THIMPHU – PUNAKHA

After breakfast, we will drive about 3 hours to Punakha. Climb up the mountain road to Dochu La at 3140m. On clear weather, the pass commands a wonderful panorama of the Eastern Himalayas.

From the pass, we begin descending through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. Take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as "the Divine Madman". The temple is on a hillside in the middle of rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Enjoy some tea and snacks at the end of hike while overlooking the fields.

In the afternoon, we visit Punakha Dzong. Located at the confluence of the Pho-chu (male-river) and Mo-chu (female-river), the Punakha Dzong is arguably the most impressive dzong in the country.

Overnight: Hotel Vera
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

DAY 03           PUNAKHA/PARO

After early breakfast, we will re-cross Dochu la pass and stopping at Thimphu for lunch. Arrive Paro in the afternoon and we head out of the tourist trail for a short hike to 15^th century Zurig Lhakhang above Paro Dzong overlooking the valley. It offers great views of Ta Dzong (watch Tower) and Paro Rinpung Dzong. Enroute, visit the iconic 17^th century Paro Rinpung Dzong which means “the fortress of the heap of jewels.”  A quick descent takes us to covered cantilever bridge marked with giant stupas.

If there is time, we will walk along the small main street of Paro in the evening with its typically Bhutanese shops and small lodges.

Overnight: Hotel Drukchen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

DAY 04           HIKE TO TAKTSHANG MONASTERY

 This morning, we make an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger’s Nest) – this must be the monastery with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face at 2950m above sea level, it defies all engineering logic. For the energetic, hike 2 hours up to get a more dramatic view of the monastery. (The hike demands a certain level of fitness and a pony ride to the monastery can be arranged at additional cost).

Just on the outskirts of Paro town, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and have the opportunity to meet the local villages in a local farmhouse. Walk through cultivated farmlands and the village dotted along the way and end off to enjoy a home-cooked dinner in a local farmhouse for the authentic Bhutanese experience and hot stone bath!

Overnight:  Hotel Drukchen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

DAY 05           DEPART/PARO
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from Bhutan wilderness Travel will bid you farewell and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains. 

Meals: Breakfast included
 

Thank you & Tashi Delek!

Pricing includes:

a)     Roundtrip Airfare

b)     Accommodation in government approve 3-star hotel/resort/suites

c)     All three meals – International standard

d)     Service of license English speaking guide

e)     All Transportations including airport drop & pick up – 1 Unit SUV car

f)      Sightseeing stated in the day-to-day itinerary

g)     Monument fees

NOT Included:

·       Beverages

·       Laundry Services

·       International calls

·       Personal Gratitude/tips for hotel staff/Guides/Driver etc.