Itinerary
Flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular flights in entire Himalayas. Flying over Himalayan foothills, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descend into the Kingdom. After immigration formalities, you will be greeted by your guide and will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro Valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom.
Visit: National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Buddha Dordenma, Trashichhoedzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion)
Then walk around to explore Thimphu main street and market area.
Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 2,300 m / 7,545 ft\
After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la Pass (3,088 m/10,131 ft), stopping here to view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, you can see the Himalaya range which is covered by snow throughout the year.
At Dochu-la Pass, 108 chorten or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens, were built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. After this enchanting experience, we will continue our drive to Punakha. On arrival, short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), Punakha suspension bridge, and Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic to us, though long established here.
Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft
After breakfast, drive to Paro along scenic highway. Upon arrival in Paro, check into hotel.
The beautiful Paro valley itself encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. Paro valley is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries; the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro valley is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing tons of the locally famous organic red rice from its terraced fields.
Visit: Ta Dzong, originally built as Watch Tower, now houses Paro National Museum and Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong; which means “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore; such as, Four Harmonius Friends, God of Longevity, Wheel of Life, Story of Milarepa, Mt. Semeru and the cosmic Mandala.
Evening at leisure in Paro city center.
Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,381 ft
After breakfast, embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery (approximately 5-6 hours round trip walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff; 900 m / 2,952 ft above the Paro valley ground. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. This site has been recognized as the most sacred place in Bhutan, was visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up Takstang Monastery. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor and return to Paro.
Evening: Enjoy hotel facilities or explore Paro local market.
Overnight in a hotel.
Altitude: 2,250m / 7,381 ft
After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer to Paro International Airport, for your flight departure.