Starting from the magical town of Paro where you put your feet into the Bhutanese soil, the tour takes you to Thimphu, that Modern Capital City of Bhutan, giving you the incredible experience.
Arrive at Paro International Airport from Delhi, Bangkok, Calcutta, Singapore, Kathmandu, or Dhaka.
Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. You can stop on the way to see the view of magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of Bhutan’s iron bridge builder. Nearby you can visit the Iron Chain Bridge build in 2005 with the original iron chains made by Dupthop Thangtong Gyalpo in early 15th century.
While you are reaching capital you will start the day by visiting Memorial Chorten. This large Tibetan-style Chorten was built in 1974 to honor the memory of third king. Devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the large prayer wheels.
Later you will drive to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Dordenma) and visit the statue of Buddha, perched on the hill top overlooking the Thimphu city. This 169ft tall Buddha is the 17th tallest Buddha in the world and tallest sitting Buddha. Drive back to the other side of the city and see the mini zoo where Takin (National Animal of Bhutan) is preserved.
In the afternoon you can take in more of the sights and culture of the capital, with the option of a trip to Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, dating from 1629 AD). If you prefer to stay closer to town you could visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, student are offered 4 to 6 years course in various artistic fields in this institute. Next you can visit the traditional paper factory.
You can finally go and visit the impressive Tashichho Dzong. Its houses of the king and minister’s office and also the summer resident of central monk body headed by Je Kehenpo (chef abbot of Bhutan), for this reason you are allowed to visit it only after office hour.
Overnight in Thimphu
After breakfast drive to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochula pass at 3,100 meters. It is marked by array prayer flags and an impressive collection of 108 chortens. We can also stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges.
In the afternoon visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, by Shabdrung, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu. Then take a pleasant walk for an hour or so across terraced fields to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley).
Overnight in Punakha
Today you will drive from Punakha to Phobjikha, it is vast glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000 metres. Enjoy the views of the immense and remote Phobjikha valley and the black mountain ranges. Visit Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and recently extensively renovated). And then hike the Gangteng natural trail where your driver will be waiting for you at the floor of the valley. The villagers continue to live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle. This is the site where black-necked cranes visit in hundreds in November each year after spending the summer in Tibet.
OverNight in Phobjikha
After breakfast we return to Paro via Wangdi, visiting Wangdi Dzong, built by the Shabdrung in 1638 on an auspicious site where four ravens were seen flying in four different directions.
After lunch you continue your drive. You can once again stop at the Dochula pass, if you have missed the Himalayan ranges in the mist on the other day.
Later in the afternoon, you can stroll around Paro Town; it is only the modern town in Bhutan with traditional houses.
Overnight in Paro
Today we will take a day excursion to Haa. We will drive over the Chelela pass at 3800m from where you will have a view of Mount Jomolhari to the north as well as down to the Haa valley, and then continue down to Haa town. Haa has recently being opened for the tourists and the town is still very small – as yet there are only one or two basic restaurants and local lodges, so the area remains quite remote. You will have a good opportunity to view this beautiful rural scene in Haa. From Haa you can drive to Katso village and from there you can visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo. After lunch drive back to Paro for the night stay.
Overnight in Paro
Take a day walk to the ‘Tiger’s Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 meters above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighboring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.
After Tiger nest hike, later you can go back to Paro town for some shopping. There are many handicraft shops through the valley that is opened on daily basis and which also accept credit cards. Nearby you can also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan.
Early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the Paro International Airport to see you off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck).
