Glimpse of Bhutan

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport / Transfer to Thimphu:

Your will be received by our guide and drive upon your arrival in Paro, the only international airport in Bhutan. You will then be transferred to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan.

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and it is 55km away from the main Paro town. The drive should not take more than 2 hours including stop overs on the way. Thimphu is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Arriving Thimphu, our guide will assist you to check into the hotel so that you can relax for a while and then have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine for lunch. In the afternoon, you will be taken on your first excursion in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

On arrival in Thimphu, you will visit The National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dhordenm a Statue overlooking the Thimphu valley, The National Institute of Traditional Arts & Crafts.
Leisure time to stroll streets of Thimphu.
Overnight in Thimphu. (Lunch, Dinner)

Note: The coverage of excursion on the first day depends on your flight arrival time. If you arrive in the morning, you should be able to visit all of the sites listed below. If it is in the afternoon, we might be able to visit one or two only.

Day 2 – Hike to Tango Monastery / Transfer to Punakha Valley:

After early breakfast, we will do 2-3-hour return hike to Tango Monastery and then after lunch drive to Punakha valley via beautiful Dochu La Pass (3,150m/10,335ft.

Located on the mountain side north of Thimphu, Tango Monastery is one of the important religious centers in Bhutan. After lunch in town, pass by Changlimithang Archery Ground and witness the game of archery if it is in progress. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

We then drive to Punakha valley. En route stop briefly at Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at an altitude of 3,150 meters above sea level from where you can see, on a clear day, some of the highest peaks of Bhutan (weather permitting). From there we continue driving towards Punakha. On arrival in Lobesa, about 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit 15th century Chimi Lhakhang popularly know as “Temple of Fertility”.

Overnight at Hotel Lobesa or Hotel Vara which located nearby. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Sightseeing in Punakha / Transfer to Phobjikha Valley:

After early breakfast, drive the the nearest roadhead and hike to Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten located on a serene hilltop overlooking the fertile Punakha vally with the Mochu river meandering through the valley. The trail takes you through beautiful terraced rice fields dotted with traditional farmhouses.

After the hike visit the historic 17th century Punakha Dzong which is one of the most beautiful and elaborate fortress in Bhutan.

After lunch, transfer to Phobjikha valley. Upon arrival, venture out on an exhilarating Gangtey Nature Hike through traditional village houses and farm lands all surrounded by splendid nature. Then visit a traditional farmhouse/village homestay where an authentic homecooked local cuisine will be served for dinner.
Overnight in Phobjikha valley. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 – Phobjikha Valley / Transfer back to Paro Valley:

After breakfast, visit one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan – Gangtey Goenpa before driving back to Paro valley. The road journey to Paro is approximately 5.5-hours. Upon reaching Paro and if time permits, you will visit an auspicious 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang (Buddhist Temple).

Day 5 – Hike to the famed Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest):

After early breakfast, you will hike to the famed Paro Taktsang located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rock cliff in Paro. It normally takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery from the road head. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Bhutan.Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan.

After lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria, retrace back to the base. Drive to Paro town and enjoy leisure time exploring the town. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 – Departure from Paro International Airport:

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. (Breakfast)