Day 01: Paro to Thimphu
Upon arrival in Paro, clear customs and immigration. Keep your copy of the visa clearance letter
handy. Meet your Guide and driver outside the terminal building and transfer to Thimphu. Visit
Buddha point and Memorial Chorten. Stroll around the city in the evening.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Thimphu
Morning visit the School for Arts and Crafts where students are taught the 13 types of Bhutanese
art, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th
century, the Traditional Paper Factory displaying the Bhutanese paper making process, and a
fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum.
In the afternoon, visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and
Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Initially erected in 1641 by Zhabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the
traditional style, without plans or nails. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s
secretariat, and the central monk body.
Overnight at hotel
Day 03: Thimpu –Punakha
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of
Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley. In the Dochu-La area there are
vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the
mountains in a riot of glorious spring color.
On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Zhabdrung,
the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (female and
male Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move
in masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three-story main temple of the Punakha
Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed
entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that
Bhutan’s first king was crowned.
Overnight at hotel
Day 04: Punakha- Paro
Moring 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. After lunch at Wangdi, resume your journey to Paro.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Hike to Tiger and Leisure in Paro
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
Alternatively, day 5 could be spent on a day trip to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque
districts in Bhutan. Reached via the beautiful Chelila Pass, Haa Valley is characterized by its
surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: 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!