Day 1: Paro Arrival and Sightseeing
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu Cultural Experience
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha
Day 5: Punakha to Gangtey Valley
Day 6: Gangtey to Paro
Day 7: Departure from Paro
Day 1: Paro Arrival and Sightseeing
- Morning:
- Arrival in Paro:
- Land at Paro International Airport, where your tour guide will welcome you.
- Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
- Rinpung Dzong:
- Visit Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, which houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices.
- Walk across the traditional cantilever bridge below the dzong.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at a Local Restaurant:
- Enjoy traditional Bhutanese cuisine at a local restaurant.
- National Museum of Bhutan:
- Visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now serves as the National Museum, showcasing Bhutanese art, artifacts, and historical relics.
- Kyichu Lhakhang:
- Visit one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang, which dates back to the 7th century.
Evening:
- Leisure Time in Paro Town:
- Explore Paro town, shop for local handicrafts, and enjoy the serene ambiance.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay:
- Dinner at your hotel or a recommended local restaurant.
- Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu
- Morning:
- Drive to Thimphu:
- After breakfast, drive to the capital city, Thimphu (1.5 hours).
- Enjoy the scenic drive through beautiful landscapes.
- Memorial Chorten:
- Explore the Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of the third King of Bhutan.
- Buddha Dordenma:
- Visit the massive Buddha Dordenma statue, which offers panoramic views of the Thimphu valley.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Thimphu:
- Savor Bhutanese cuisine at a local restaurant.
- Tashichho Dzong:
- Visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Bhutanese government and monastic headquarters.
- Explore the beautiful architecture and well-manicured gardens.
- Folk Heritage Museum:
- Discover Bhutanese rural life at the Folk Heritage Museum, which is a restored three-story, 19th-century traditional house.
Evening:
- Leisure Time:
- Stroll around Thimphu city, visit local markets, and interact with locals.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay:
- Dinner at your hotel or a recommended restaurant.
- Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
- Morning:
- Drive to Punakha:
- After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Punakha (2.5 hours), passing through Dochula Pass (3,100m), which offers spectacular views of the Himalayas.
- Dochula Pass:
- Stop at Dochula Pass to enjoy the panoramic views and visit the 108 memorial chortens known as Druk Wangyal Chortens.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Punakha:
- Have lunch at a local restaurant in Punakha.
- Punakha Dzong:
- Visit the stunning Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It is one of the most beautiful and significant dzongs in Bhutan.
- Suspension Bridge:
- Take a short walk to the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, offering breathtaking views of the river and valley.
Evening:
- Leisure Time:
- Relax at your hotel or explore the peaceful town of Punakha.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay:
- Dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant.
- Overnight stay in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha to Paro via Thimphu
- Morning:
- Chimi Lhakhang:
- After breakfast, visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the Divine Madman.
- Drive Back to Thimphu:
- Return to Thimphu, with an optional stop at Dochula Pass for more photos.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Thimphu:
- Have lunch at a local restaurant in Thimphu.
- National Textile Museum:
- Visit the National Textile Museum, which offers insights into Bhutan’s rich textile traditions.
- Drive Back to Paro:
- Continue the drive back to Paro.
Evening:
- Leisure Time in Paro:
- Spend some leisure time exploring Paro town or relaxing at your hotel.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay:
- Dinner at your hotel or a recommended restaurant.
- Overnight stay in Paro.
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Day 5: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and Departure
- Morning:
- Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang):
- After an early breakfast, embark on a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliffside 900 meters above the Paro Valley.
- The hike takes about 2-3 hours one way, depending on your pace. Take breaks at the viewpoints for stunning vistas.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at the Cafeteria:
- Enjoy a simple Bhutanese meal at the cafeteria located halfway up the hike.
- Visit the Monastery:
- Explore the sacred Tiger’s Nest Monastery, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress and meditated.
- Hike Down to Paro:
- Descend back to the base and return to Paro town.
Evening:
- Relax and Refresh:
- Freshen up at your hotel and relax after the hike.
- Farewell Dinner:
- Enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide and reflect on your Bhutan experience.
- Overnight Stay:
Departure
Morning:
- Transfer to Paro Airport:
- After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your departure flight.
- Departure:
- Bid farewell to Bhutan and board your flight, taking with you memories of an enchanting journey.
- Sustainable Tourism Fund/Daily Bhutan Tourism Royalty/Levy/Taxes ($100 per day per person)
- Visa Fees ($40 per person)
- All necessary permit fees
- All transfers
- All monument entrance fees
- All meals and Drinking mineral water
- All accommodations in accredited hotels/Farmhouse
- English-speaking tour Guide and driver
- Transfers in excellent SUV/hiace Van
- Airfare
- All personal expenses like laundry, telephone, tips, shopping expenses
- Spa Charges
- Travel and Medical insurance