Destinations to be covered in this tour: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
Delhi/ Kolkata/ Bagdogra Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Tour Highlights: –
Arrive at Paro International Airport in Bhutan. Welcome to the guests by our company representative & transfer to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu and check-in at hotel. Welcome drink followed by tour briefing. After lunch, visit the site of the world’s biggest Buddha statue and get acquainted with Thimphu city with some other attractions. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing of Thimphu, visiting Memorial Stupa, Takin Sanctuary, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional Art School, Indigenous Hospital, Textile Museum, handicraft workshops, Zangdopelri Temple, markets and other sights, if time permits, visit to Tashicho Dzong in the evening. Later back to hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Punakha via spectacular view of Dochula. From Thimphu, road climbs up to Dochula pass (3,050m), where you have the opportunity to view the peaks of the eastern Himalayas. Descend into Wangdue/Punakha valley. Punakha-Wangdue valley is lower (about 1450m above sea level) and it enjoys sub-tropical climate. On arrival check-in at hotel. In the afternoon, visit impressive Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the two rivers. Later drive short distance north through the idyllic countryside and walk short distance uphill to Khamsum Chorten on Nyenzangang hill. The views from here of the terraced rice fields, dotted with traditional houses, the river and the valley surrounded by mountains is amazing! On the way to the hotel, stop to visit the township of Punakha at Khuruthang. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.
In the morning after breakfast, take a short easy walk to see Chimi Lhakhang temple, which is through a small village. The temple, flanked by hundreds of prayers flags, sits edge of on picturesque plateau, at the periphery of fertile rice fields. Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley or Drukpa Kunleg (1455 – 1529) also known as ‘The Divine Madman’. Later check-out from the hotel and drive to Thimphu, we spend some time below Dochula pass to explore the botanical park and nearby surrounding for birds for diverse flora. After descending into Thimphu, continue short drive to Paro. Reach Paro and check-in at hotel. Later visit Rinphung Dzong, National Museum, temples of Kichu and Dungtse, visiting local home and the stroll around the township. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, transfer to the trail-head north of Paro valley and hike to famous Taktsang (tiger’s nest) monastery (3120m/10,200ft). Visible from afar, this magical monastery is attached to a steep granite cliff 1,000 feet above the valley floor. It is one of the most amazing and important architecture in Bhutan. If for some reason, you are not able to hike, your guide can arrange for other interesting options. You can also hire ponies for the uphill part, up to the first view point and cafeteria, but you should be able to walk back downhill. Later back to Paro and enjoy free time to stroll around the town. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Paro.
Optional: Excursion to Chele la pass if you wish to skip the Takstang hike.
After breakfast, transfer the guests to Paro airport to board the flight for onward journey and tour terminates here but sweet memories remain for forever……
End of the Tour
