Glimpse of Bhutan

Itinerary:

Day 1. Paro - Thimphu
Arrival by flight to Paro, enjoying one of the most spectacular landing views revealing you Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Khang. On the airport you will be welcomed by our local representative who will also be your guide throughout the tour. A transfer will take you to Thimphu and after refreshment you will visit the major sites of the city such as the Kuensel Phodrang, Craft Bazaar, Tashichhoe Dzong. Overnight. -/-/D
Distance for the day: 54 km, up/down: 2280 m /2320 m, estimated driving time: 1 hour 

Day 2. Thimphu - Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass 3140 m. If the weather is clear, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Our way passes by the Druk Wangyel Chorten - a group beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by the Queen Mother of Bhutan. We will visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery) which was built as a tribute to the fourth King of Bhutan. The gallery of the monastery keeps beautiful murals depicting some of the important events in the reigns of the Kings of Bhutan. Next we will drive to Punakha that has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture. Punakha had served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 till 1907. The Dzong is historically important and stands as the symbol for a unified Bhutan. On the way, we will stop for lunch at Metsina village and then visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing. Further we will visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho - Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. At the dzong, one can see the highest standards in woodwork. In the evening we will go to Rinchengang and Lobesa, villages where you will take a short walk and have free interaction with the villagers. Overnight in Punakha. B/L/D
Distance for the day: 71 km, altitude 1310 m, 2.30 hours drive

Day 3. Punakha - Paro
After breakfast, travel to Paro. Afternoon visit to Ta-Dzong watchtower, which was built in the 17th century, in order to defend Paro, and is now converted into the National Museum in 1968, and it is filled with antique Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and Armour. Drive further to Rinpung Dzong also from the 17th century, a fine example of Bhutanese architecture, now used as an administration center and school for monks. From the Dzong, walk further down to Nyamai Zampa, an oldest traditional cantilever bridge in Bhutan. In the evening stroll through the Paro town and visit local handicraft stores. Overnight in Paro. B/L/D

Day 4. Paro - Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) hike
Drive to Satsam Chorten and walk to the Taktsang Monastery. The name means “Tiger’s Nest’’ The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 1000 m. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the Himalaya. However, most people can only visit the main site called Taktsang Pel-phu according to legend Padmasambhava who founded Taktsang monastery in the eighth century. After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria Taktsang Jakhang and then walk further downhill to the road point. Then drive back to hotel. On the way visit Kyichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. Overnight in Paro. B/L/D

Day 5. Departure
The local representative will bid you farewell at Paro International Airport for your flight back home. B/-/-