DETAILED ITINERARY 6Night/7Days (PARO – THIMPHU – PUNAKHA – GANGTEY – PARO)
Day 1: Paro (2250M) – Thimphu (2300M)
Day 2: Thimphu (2300M)
Day 3: Thimphu (2300M0 – Punakha(1130M)
Day 4: Punakha (1130M) – Gangtey(2900M) – Punakha (1130M)
Day 5: Punakha (1130M) – Paro (2250M)
Day 6: Paro (2250M)
Day 7: Paro (2250M) – Paro Airport Departure
DAY 1: ARRIVAL PARO (2250M) – THIMPHU (23000M)
Meet and Greet at Paro International Airport with guest and drive towards Thimphu. Thimphu is a capital town of Bhutan. The drive takes around 1 to 2 hours through scenic roads. You will get beautiful views of Paro valley, rivers and traditional farmhouses.
- Tachog Lhakhang & Iron bridge, a famous 15th century temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, known for its traditional iron chain bridge. One of the most popular stops between Paro and Thimphu.
After arrival, check in to hotel. Have leisure time to explore to town.
Evening visit
- Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu: is a wonderful experience. The dzong looks especially beautiful around sunset when the ights come on and the atmosphere becomes calm and spiritual.
Overnight stay in Thimphu
DAY 2: THIMPHU (2300M)
After breakfast, enjoy a full day cultural exploration of Bhutan’s capital city:
Visit:
- National Memorial Chorten:
This is a Tibetan-style chorten built in 1974 in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who passed away in 1972. It is one of the most visible religious structures in town and for many people it is the focus of daily worship. Remember to walk around the chorten at least once to gain merit and good luck.
This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5m, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is glided in gold. The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley.
- Changangkha Lhakhang or Takin Zoo
The old temple in Thimphu. Built in 12th century, it is located on a ridge above central Thimphu, with a picturesque view west all the way along the vast Thimphu valley. It is a popular temple attracting a regular procession of pilgrims, and new parents seeking auspicious names for their newborns or blessings for their young children.
- The Folk Heritage Museum:
The museum is a restored three story traditional rammed mud and timber house inaugurated as a museum by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo in 2001. It Showcase the traditional artifacts used now and, in the past, which helps connect people to the Bhutanese rural life.
After sightseeing drive to Punakha (approx. 3 hours) crossing crossing the famous Dochula Pass (3100M), offering spectacular views of the eastern Himalayans on clear days.
- Motithang Takin Preserve The Takin Zoo is a small wildlife sanctuary located in Thimphu, Takin is our National animal, often called the “cattle-goat-antelope” due to its unusual appearance.
- National Library of Bhutan. 7. Zorig Chusum 8. Royal Textile Academy 9. Changyul Park 10. Simply Bhutan – live museum
Overnight stay at Thimphu.
DAY 3: THIMPHU (2300M) – PUNAKHA (1130M) via Dochula Pass
After Breakfast, we will drive (45min) from Thimphu to Dochula Pass (3050mts.) during a clear day you will get a chance to see Himalayan mountain ranges of Bhutan. Enjoy a spectacular view highest mountain of Bhutan at a site that stretches almost 180 degrees. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens – a 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, after a short tea break continue drive to sub-tropical Punakha.
Later visit:
Temple also known as the Temple of Fertility, 30mins walk from the road to the Lhakhang is through open farmland and rice paddies. It is believed that a demon who had been terrorizing the valley transformed herself into a black dog to escape the wrath of Drukpa Kuenlay, the Divine Madman.
The Dzong is considered one of the most important and also one of the most beautiful Dzong in the Kingdom. It was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637, and was the seat of the government every winter until Thimphu was established as the permanent capital in 1955. It is still the residence of the Dratshang (Central Monastic Body). Take a time to admire the impressive, colorful and detailed artistry of the surroundings, including huge statues of Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, as well as paintings of one thousand Buddhas.
One of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, spanning 350M and perched high above the very swift river of Pho Chhu. Draped with prayer flags, the bridge connects the town of Punakha and the Punakha Dzong, it is mainly used by locals from the other side of the town as a shortcut to Punakha Dzong
- Kaja Throm Market – local handicrafts and food stalls.
Overnight stay in Punakha
DAY 4: PUNAKHA (1130M) – GANGTEY (2900M) –PUNAKHA (1130M)
After breakfast, drive to Gangtey for day excursion. Its approx. 3 hour drive.
A serene glacial valley, famous for its lush landscapes and the rare black – necked cranes that visit during winter. The valley offers stunning natural beauty and a peaceful environment perfect for the nature lovers.
Visit this impressive 15th century monastery, perched above the Gangtey valley. It is an important cultural and religious site and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and traditional Bhutanese villages.
After sightseeing, drive back to Punakha for overnight stay. Enjoy the scenic journey back through the valleys and hills.
Overnight stay in Punakha
DAY 5: PUNAKHA (1130M) – PARO (2250M)
After breakfast, begin the drive to Paro. It is approximately 2 to 3 hours’ drive.
- National Museum of Bhutan.
Housed in an ancient watchtower, the museum displays Bhutanese art, weapons, textiles and historical artifacts.
A stunning fortress-monastery known for its traditional Bhutanese architecture and role in religious festivals.
A traditional wooden cantilever bridge connecting Paro twn to Rinpung Dzong.
Later:
Experience Bhutanese Traditional by wearing the national dress and capturing unforgettable memories with the iconic Paro Dzong in the background. (Optional activity). If time permits, enjoy a leisurely walk and explore the charming streets of Paro town.
Overnight Stay in Paro.
DAY 6: PARO (2250M)
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
- Taktsang (Tiger’s nest monastery):
Tiger’s Nest or Taktshang Goempa is one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments. It literally hangs off the face of a cliff 900 meters (2952feet) above the valley floor. The legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew in to Bhutan on a mythical tigress and meditated in a cave before bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The Taktshang Goempa is built around the cave, which is opened to the public once a year at the end of August.
The 7th century monastery is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom where the seed of Buddhism was won in Bhutan. The Tibetan King, Songsten Gampo ordered the establishment of monasteries in the Himalayan region to subdue evil spirits and to spread Buddhism.
Overnight stay in Paro
DAY 7: DEPARTURE PARO (2250M) – PARO AIRPORT
As your journey comes to an end, we bid you farewell to the beautiful Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. After breakfast, Check out from Hotel. Transfer to Paro International Airport. We hope you leave with wonderful memories and hope to welcome you again in the future.