Day 1: Arrive Paro-Thimphu (65km/ 1 ½ hrs)
The mythical dream-like kingdom comes into view as the aircraft swings in giant arcs and
descends onto Bhutan's only airstrip at Paro. You will be greeted by Think Bhutan representative
and warmly welcomed to the enchanting Land of the Thunder Dragon. Then you will drive for
two hours alongside mountains, rivers, and fields of red rice to Thimphu, the capital city. On
arrival at Thimphu you may wander and explore the fascinating streets of Thimphu, the world’s
only capital city without a traffic light!
Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Soon after breakfast, you enjoy a full day of sightseeing that includes visit to the National Library,
housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts and National Institute of
Traditional Medicine where Bhutan’s famed traditional medicines are compounded and
dispensed; the Folk Heritage Museum which will provide an insight into traditional Bhutanese
farm house and rural past through exhibits and documentation of rural life.
After lunch, visit the Textile Museum to see a range of beautiful Bhutanese textiles; the National
Memorial Chorten (Stupa) a shrine built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan dedicated
for world peace and prosperity; Takin Reserve to see the rare national animal of Bhutan. This
animal is chosen as the national animal of Bhutan for its uniqueness and its association with the
country’s religious history and mythology followed by visit to Tashichhodzong or the “fortress of
the glorious religion" which is Bhutan’s administrative and religious Centre and houses the throne
room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and other Government offices.
Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha (77km/ 3 hrs)
Early morning drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass 3080m with stunning views of Eastern
Himalayan Ranges including Bhutan's highest mountain, the majestic Gangkar Puensum
(provided that the day is clear). The 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens (stupas) on the top
of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags give scenic views. The road to
Punakha from Dochula Pass descends through varied and ever-changing forest, emerging into
the highly cultivated valley.
Afternoon drive to Wangduephodrang the ancient sub capital of Bhutan, enroute take a short
hike to Chime Lhakhang (the fertility temple) built in 1499. It is half an hour leisurely walk across
a local village, rice fields from the road at Sopsokha to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields
to the tiny settlement of Pana.
Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 4: Punakha – Paro (140km/ 4 hrs)
Morning visit the historical Punakha Dzong, strategically built at the confluence of the two rivers
in 1637 by Zhabdrung to serve as the religious and administrative Centre. It also houses sacred
temples including the Machen where the embalmed body of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal lies
in state and winter residence for the state monk bodies. Soon after visit to Dzong, resume your
drive to Paro.
Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 5: Excursion to Haa Valley (58km/ 1 ½ hrs)
This morning you will drive on to Haa valley, the road winds up from Bondey into the pine forest
and through small villages for 38 kilometers and then opens miraculously onto the northern ridge
of the mountains. The view over the Himalayan panoply at Chelela Pass at 3989m is one of the
most spectacular in all Bhutan. Then the road descends to beautiful valley of Haa that includes
visit to temples and acclimatize in village.
Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 6: Hike to Taktsang monastery
Morning, hike up to view point of Taktsang, popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest. According to
the legend, Guru Padmasambhava flew here on a flying Tigress and meditated there for three
months in the 8th century. It was from there, he propagated the Vajrayana Buddhism (Larger
Wheel) that was prophesied by the Buddha at the time of attaining Nirvana. In April 1998, a fire
destroyed the main structure of the buildings and its religious contents. A complete restoration
was done and resulted in a carbon copy of the original.
After lunch, visit Ta Dzong or National Museum, rated among the best natural history museums
in Asia. The Ta-Dzong offers a unique and varied collection of thangkas, handicrafts, stuffed
animals, masks, costumes and amour. The visit will provide you with a good idea of the culture
and traditions of Bhutan. Just below the Museum lies the Rinpung Dzong, “the fortress on the
heap of jewel”. It now houses the administrative offices of Paro region.
Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport to depart for your onward destination. Thank
you for visiting Bhutan through our company and wish you a very safe journey!