BHUTAN TOUR | THIMPHU, PUNAKHA & PARO
05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
ITINERARY
DAY 01 : ARRIVE PARO BY AIR & TRANSFER TO THIMPHU
55 KMS | 01 ½ HOURS DRIVE
Embark on a breathtaking journey as you fly to Paro along the majestic Himalayan range from Kathmandu. Bhutan welcomes you with its cool mountain air as you land, and our representative will be there to greet you. On the way to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, marvel at the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers adorned with unique stupas. Catch a glimpse of Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the excellent horse, built in the 15th century. Upon reaching Thimphu, a city blending modern development with ancient traditions, check into your hotel. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Thimphu Main Street and its bustling market area. Don’t miss the Local Crafts Bazaar, where you’ll find exquisite hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, jewelry, and more. Immerse yourself in the cultural wonders of Bhutan. Overnight stay in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).
DAY 02: THIMPHU
Begin your day with a visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) after breakfast, offering a stunning overview of Thimphu valley and the country’s largest Buddha statue. Embark on the “Buddha Nature Train” for a 2-hour easy hike to Changangkha Lhakhang, immersing in the beauty of Bhutan’s pristine forests and encountering local culture along the way. Continue to the fortress-like Changangkha Lhakhang, founded in the 12th century, with its captivating view of Thimphu valley. After lunch, drive to Pangri Zampa, one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and a school for Buddhist monks. Explore the Bhutan Post Office and the Traditional Paper-making factory, known for its exquisite handmade paper. Conclude the day with a visit to Trashichhoedzong, an impressive fortress housing government offices and serving as the Chief Abbot’s summer residence. Rest and relax overnight in Thimphu
DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
75 KMS | 03 HOURS DRIVE
Embark on an exciting journey after breakfast at the hotel, driving to Punakha via Dochula pass (3,080m), offering breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas. Along the way, enjoy a walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, known as the temple of fertility, where couples seeking children come to pray and are often blessed with their wish. The trail leads through picturesque paddy fields and villages, providing insights into the locals’ daily life. Upon arrival in Punakha, explore the grand Punakha Dzong, majestically located at the confluence of two rivers and once serving as Bhutan’s capital. The Dzong remains the winter residence of the monk body.
DAY 04: PUNAKHA – PARO
120 KMS | 04 ½ HOURS DRIVE APPROX
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and take a scenic drive to Paro. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel, and after lunch, visit Ta Dzong, which now serves as the National Museum and houses a remarkable collection of Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, household items, and historical artifacts. Afterwards, take a short walk down the trail to explore Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), known as the “fortress of the heap of jewels.” Adorned with beautiful wall paintings depicting Buddhist lore, the dzong offers a glimpse into its fascinating history. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 05: PARO
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. 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 recognised as a most sacred place and visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 06: DEPART PARO BY AIR
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.
CLOSING DAYS OF SOME OF MONUMENTS MENTIONED IN ITINERARY:
Ta Dzong - National Museum
Paro
Closed on Government Holidays
National Library
Thimphu
Closed on Saturday, Sunday & on Government Holidays
Textile Museum
Thimphu
Closed on Government Holidays & on Sunday.
On Saturday, its open from 9 AM to 4 PM
Institute of Zorig Chusum - Arts & Crafts School
Thimphu
Also closed in winter (from December – early March).
Simply Bhutan
Thimphu
Closed on Sunday & on Government holidays
Folk Heritage Museum
Thimphu
Closed on all Sunday & on government holidays
Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Paro
Closed on all Tuesdays