Arrive at Paro - Thimphu

Paro - Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, an English-speaking guide will warmly welcome you and accompany you on a drive to Thimphu, the capital city. The journey takes approximately one and a half hours. Along the way, there will be a stop at Tamchog Lhakhang, located about 30 minutes from Paro.

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - En route, visit Tamchogang, which is perched on a ridge offering a stunning view. Continue the drive to Thimphu, which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten) - The National Memorial was constructed in 1974 by Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho in memory of the third King. Situated in the heart of the capital, the Chorten’s interior features numerous paintings of Tantric deities, which may be surprising to some visitors. It is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

Motithang Takin Preserve - Known as the Mini Zoo by many, the Motithang Takin Preserve is a small natural habitat for the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. This rare goat-antelope species is unique to Bhutan. The preserve mimics the Takin’s natural environment and also houses a few musk deer and barking deer.

Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery - Located in Thimphu, the Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery is a significant Buddhist monastery and educational institution for nuns. Founded in 1976 by the 16th Je Khenpo Sangay Chophel, it is affiliated with the Drukpa Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory - The Jungshi factory is renowned for producing traditional paper using ancient methods. Visitors can enjoy a demonstration of the paper-making process. This is a popular activity in Thimphu, and the unique paper makes for interesting souvenir gifts.

Centenary Farmers Market - The Centenary Farmers’ Market is a lively and bustling marketplace in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Located centrally, it offers a glimpse into Bhutanese daily life and agricultural heritage. The market is famous for its fresh, locally grown produce, including staples like red rice, potatoes, chilies, and organic vegetables.

Clock Tower Square - Explore Bhutan’s capital by walking through Clock Tower Square, a notable landmark with intricate Bhutanese designs. Continue to Thimphu’s iconic traffic junction, known for its lack of traffic lights, where a white-gloved officer directs vehicles in a graceful, choreographed manner that has become a tourist attraction.

Thimphu Sightseeing

Tango Buddhist Institute - Tango Monastery, also known as Tango Cheri Monastery, is a significant Buddhist site located about 14 kilometers north of Thimphu. Nestled on a hillside in the upper Thimphu Valley, it is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. The monastery is renowned for its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings, featuring temples, prayer halls, monk quarters, and meditation centers adorned with intricate artwork and vibrant murals.

Pangri Zampa Monastery - Situated in Thimphu, Pangri Zampa Monastery is one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries, dating back to the 16th century. It is known for its connection to astrology and traditional Bhutanese medicine, housing an astrological institute where monks study astrology and conduct calculations for various purposes, including selecting auspicious dates for events.

Bhutan Postal Museum - Located in Thimphu, the Bhutan Postal Museum offers fascinating insights into the history and evolution of Bhutanese postage and communication systems.

Thimphu Handicrafts Market - Also known as the Thimphu Craft Bazaar, this bustling market in the heart of Thimphu is a popular tourist destination showcasing Bhutanese arts, crafts, and culture. Artisans and vendors display a wide range of handmade goods and traditional crafts.

Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground - Archery is a royal sport in Bhutan, known as “Da” in Dzongkha, the national language. The country’s vibrant culture, festivals, and sports are incomplete without the citizens’ passion for archery.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong) - Originally constructed in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa, the Dzong was later expanded by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Known as the “fortress of glorious religion,” it was rebuilt in the 1960s by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It now houses the secretariat building, throne room, and the office of the King and central monk body.

Thimphu - Gangtey/Phobjikha

Buddha Dordenma - Also known as the “Buddha Point,” the Buddha Dordenma is a massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, overlooking Thimphu. Standing at 51.5 meters (169 feet), it is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, made of bronze and gilded in gold.

Dochula Pass - Located in the Eastern Himalayas, Dochula Pass sits at an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. It is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the majestic snow-capped peaks. Visitors can witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens here.

Gangtey/Phobjikha - Punakha

Gangtey Monastery - Also known as Gangteng Monastery or Gangtey Gonpa, this prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery is located in the Wangdue Phodrang District of Bhutan. It is the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition within the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is known for its breathtaking location on a hilltop in the Phobjikha Valley, at an elevation of 2800 meters.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - Known as the Fertility Temple, Chimi Lhakhang is a revered Buddhist monastery near Sopsokha village in the Punakha Valley. It is popular among couples seeking blessings for fertility and healthy childbirth. Visitors often receive a symbolic phallus as a talisman for fertility and protection. The temple is also a cultural landmark offering insights into Bhutanese religious practices.

Punakha Dzong - Also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong, Punakha Dzong is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and important dzongs. Situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, it is an architectural masterpiece with intricate woodwork and vibrant murals.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - Spanning 160 meters over the Phochu River, the bridge connects Punakha Dzong with nearby villages and agricultural lands. It gently sways in the wind, adding thrill to the journey. The bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, river, and Punakha Dzong, making it a favorite spot for photos.

Punakha

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - This stunning Buddhist shrine is situated on a ridge above the Punakha Valley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rice fields. The trail to the chorten winds through lush rice paddies, small villages, and across a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River. The chorten is a magnificent example of Bhutanese architecture, adorned with intricate paintings and statues depicting Buddhist deities. The hike takes about 1-1.5 hours each way.

Punakha - Talo Village is a charming settlement in the Punakha Valley, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. It is renowned for its serene atmosphere, traditional architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery - Perched on a hilltop, the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery overlooks the beautiful Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys.

Punakha - Paro

Rinpung Dzong - Paro Rinpung Dzong is a striking fortress and monastery in the Paro Valley. Situated on the banks of the Paro River, it was originally built in the 15th century by Tibetan Buddhist master Ngawang Chogyel to defend the Paro Valley against Tibetan invasions. The dzong hosts several annual religious festivals, including the famous Paro Tsechu.

Paro District - After lunch, enjoy a short hike to Zuri Dzong, a rewarding trek offering stunning panoramic views of the Paro Valley.

Paro - Stroll around Paro downtown for shopping or a cup of coffee.

Namgay Artisanal Brewery - Beer enthusiasts should visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro Valley to taste some of the finest brews.

Paro Taktsang

Paro Taktsang - This wooden structure stands bravely on a cliff. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on a tigress and established the monastery when he brought Buddhist teachings to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgaye, a reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche, the hike to Taktshang takes approximately 2-3 hours. It is a 30-minute drive from the hotel to the starting point, and the entire journey takes 5-6 hours.

Paro - Explore Paro town.

Departure

Paro - In the morning, drive to the airport for your onward flight.

• Monument Fees (Dzongs & Temples) and Museum Fees included
• Stay in a minimum of 3-star accommodation certified by the Department of Tourism
• Meals covered: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• All transport for transfers and sightseeing provided
• Licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the duration of the stay
• Travel Insurance included

• Air Transport/Flight
• Personal Expenses such as Laundry, Tips, etc.
• Drinks & beverages.
• Sustainable Development Fee
• Visa Fee

On this tour, we will be visiting the ancient Temple and Monastery. Hiking to valley views and rural communities approximately through the scenic mountains and alpine woods. We will explore Dzongs and Museums and learn about ancient history.

We will take you to Farmhouse & experience traditional Bhutanese cuisine and their hospitality. We will be also hiking to Tiger’s Nest, the wooden structure built amazingly and stands bravely on a cliff. Stroll around the local market to buy authentic souvenirs.

If interested we will provide a Bhutanese costume to wear.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.