Itinerary Details
Hidden in the mountains of Himalayas, Bhutan still remains untouched by the worldly influence. Travelling through the capital city Thimphu, beautiful Punakha, and striking Paro Valley, this fabulous 5-day itinerary is meticulously designed to offer you a glimpse of mystical and enchanting Bhutan by exciting visits to numerous famous sites and attractions. You will explore the magnificent fortresses, holy Buddhist temples, quaint villages and picturesque scenery. Take this wonderful trip in Bhutan and you will deeply experience the country's true happiness.
lunch and dinner
Welcome to Bhutan!
Upon arrival at Paro Airport, our guide will be waiting for you at the exit and welcome you with the traditional scarfs. Then we will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, which takes about 1 hour. En route, you can walk across the long standing Tachhogang Bridge. After reaching Thimphu, lunch will be arranged for you at a traditional restaurant with authentic Bhutanese cuisine. After lunch, transfer to hotel and check in.
In the afternoon, you will start to visit beautiful Bhutan. We will first visit the Changangkha Temple built in the 12th century. It is a fortress and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu. From the temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley. It’s a fantastic location for sights and photography.
We will then head to Bhutan Post Office to personalize your own Bhutan stamps. Nowadays, Bhutan is still the world leader in stamp design, printing and material diversity. You can use your own images to customize your Bhutan stamps and send it with postcards and letters to your friends and family. It is a meaningful experience! Afterwards, we will drive to the Thimphu Takin Zoo, a sanctuary for Takins, to see the national animal of Bhutan.
In the late afternoon, pay a visit to the Tashichhoe Dzong, also known as "fortress of the glorious religion". It is initially built in 1641 and now is the office of Majesty the king and the government. This magnificent architecture is adorned with many traditional delicate patterns. It is at its most splendid and elegant appearance from outside when the lights come on at dusk. After the tour, return to hotel.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel Osel
- (3 Ratings)
Tashichhoe Dzong
breakfast and lunch and dinner
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up to visit the Memorial Chorten. This beautiful Tibetan style chorten was built in 1974 to honor the Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is regarded as the most conspicuous landmark in Thimphu and is also the center of daily worship for Bhutanese. Next pay a visit to the Buddha Statue. It is the largest statue in the country with 51.5 meters high. Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang).
We then drive to Punakha valley via Dochula Pass. Dochula Pass(3150m) offers splendid views of the distant Himalayas in clear day. You can enjoy the magnificent view of the mountains while sipping tea or coffee at the cafeteria where we will stop. At the same time, you can also admire the 108 stupas located here. It is called the "Chukwangye Monument" and was established in 2005 by the Bhutanese government to honor the victory of the war.
Continue the journey, you can enjoy the peaceful villages and lush paddy fields and may come across wild yaks. Upon arrival, we will continue to visit the Punakha Dzong (The Palace of Great Happiness). The most beautiful fortress in Bhutan was built in the bountiful Punakha Valley, right at the confluence of two rivers Pho Chu (Father River) and Mo Chu (Mother River) in 1637. The ancient Dzong, clear river and beautiful purple-blue flowers compose a peaceful and romantic picture.
In nearby, you can take a blissful walk in the magnificent suspension bridge connecting local villages. You may meet the students here heading home after school.
Overnight at Punakha.
Accommodation option:
- Drubchhu Resort
- (3 Ratings)
breakfast and lunch and dinner
In the morning, we will visit the Chimi Lhakhang situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley. It is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as "Divine Madman", who lived in the late 15th century. He was the representative of strong fecundity. Chimi Lhakhang impresses tourists more with the phallus belief which can be easily seen in every corner of the temple and the surrounding villages. Now the Temple is known to be a sacred place to pray for having a baby.
We then drive about 3 hours towards Paro Valley. Lunch will be planned at the local farm house on the way. Upon arrival, pay a visit to the famous Paro Fortress. It was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architecture and the beautiful scenery around. In the evening, you can walk around by your own.
Overnight in Paro.
Accommodation option:
- Rema Resort
- (3 Ratings)
Chimi Lhakhang
breakfast and lunch and dinner
After breakfast at hotel, we will spend the most of the day hiking to the Taktsang Lhakhan. Taktsang Lhakhang, known as Tiger’s Nest, is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. It is also one of the most prestigious holy places of Guru Padmasambhava in Bhutan. Your trip in Bhutan would be incomplete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site.
It miraculously clings to a sheer cliff nearly 1,000 meters above the Paro Valley. You need to follow a steep trail reaching the temples for around 2 hours. It could make you exhausted but the spectacular view along the way definitely well-worth your try. You may come across many locals who are exhausted but full of strength and pious expression.
There is a viewpoint halfway to the Tigers Nest. On the way up, you can stop for a coffee break and on the way down have lunch at the same cafeteria. After the hike, it is the best choice to enjoy the unique traditional hot stone bath to wash away your tiredness.
Overnight in Paro.
Accommodation option:
- Rema Resort
- (3 Ratings)
Taktsang Lhakhan
breakfast
About 3 hours before your scheduled flight, your guide will pick you up to airport for your departure flight.