This itinerary is a fitting introduction to the beautiful kingdom which is also known as the last Shangri La (paradise) on earth. It takes you through the lanes of the Capital – Thimphu where you can witness an amazing fusion of modernity and traditional culture to the Old Capital – Punakha via the Dochula Pass (3,140m). The trip ends with a hike to one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites: Taktshang Monastery (also known as the “Tiger’s Nest”) in Paro.
Arrive at Paro International Airport. The flight will be a breathtaking experience as you will be able to see the treasures of the Himalayas, embodied in majestic forms, such as Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, Mount Jichu Drake, and others. The landing at Paro will be a thrilling moment, too.
Representatives from Our Tour Agency will meet you at the airport, your Bhutan tour will begin with visits to places of historical importance in Paro.
It will begin with a visit to Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels), followed by the Ta Dzong, which was formerly a watchtower and now the country’s national museum. After which you will drive for about an hour to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. En route to Thimphu, you will make a short stop to visit Tachhogang Lhakhang.
After lunch, we will begin with visits to the School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast, we will be moving further away from Thimphu to Punakha, which is a three-hour drive.
45 minutes from Thimphu is the Dochula pass (3,100m), offering you the first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan Ranges, consisting of snow-capped mountain peaks with heights ranging from 6000m to 7554m. During the stopover there, you can also see the 108 stupas (chortens). You will also visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery) which was built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck ( the Queen Mother of Bhutan) as a tribute to His Majesty the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck
The drive then descends and passes through beautiful forests, comprising rhododendron, fields of dwarf bamboo green meadows, beautiful wildflowers, gushing waterfalls and constantly changing vegetation. Before reaching Punakha, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple where the Phallus is worshipped and associated with Lam Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Madmonk.” It is about a 1-hour hike (to and fro) from the road point. We will have our lunch here.
As we near our next destination, Punakha, we will witness an awe-inspiring image of the Punakha Fortress, which looks like a giant ship rocked on a still mass of water from far. Built on the confluence of two rivers, the Pho (male) and Mo (female) rivers, the Dzong served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still home to the Chief Abbot in the winter months. It was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and has played a prominent role in the civil and religious history of the Kingdom.
After that, We will be visiting the suspension bridge.
Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast, we will drive about an hour to Punakha. Today we will begin a hike up through rice terraces taking in the workers in the fields, and along the banks, as we ascend to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. The temple is located on top of the hill with breath-taking views of the valley, paddy fields, and the Mo Chu River that gently meanders through the valley floor. It is an hour walk through rice fields and forest.
After lunch, you will be driven few minutes to the raft put-in point. Prior to rafting, the river guide provides a thorough briefing about the safety measures and guidelines. Thereafter, begins your rafting journey for about 2-3 hrs down to Raft put-out point. Once we are done with rafting (self-payment).
Tashichhoe Dzong, a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into the present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.
Overnight at Hotel
Thimphu has a lot to offer and after breakfast, we will begin with a visit to Buddha point from where you can have a picturesque view of Thimphu valley. Memorial Chorten (Stupa), one of the most beautiful ones in Bhutan, built-in memory of the Father of Modern Bhutan, Late Third King Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck.
An hour drive back to Paro, Continue further to stroll around the old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores.
Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast, we drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip.) The trail is along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels.
Mediating in Taktshang Monastery can be a very good experience of mediating in a most important and revered Buddhist Monastery in Bhutan.
As you reach Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktshang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.”
On our way back, the next stop will be at Kyichu Monastery, one of Bhutan’s oldest, built-in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Songsten Gombo.
Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro international Airport for your departure for your onwards journey.
