6 nights, 7 days

Day 1- Paro- Thimphu

Day 2- Thimphu-Punakha 

Day 3 -Punakha sightseeing

Day 4-Punakha-Gangtey-Punakha

Day 5- Punakha- Paro

Day 6- Hike to Taktsang Monastery

Day 7-Departure

Details of Package (6 nights, 7 days)

Day 1- Paro- Thimphu

Once you land in Paro, you'll be greeted by our representative and get to soak in the breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. But don't be surprised if you feel the altitude; it can be quite noticeable. So, we'll give you some time to adjust as we take a short drive to your hotel in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Once there, lunch will be served, allowing you to refuel after the long flight. Afterward, you'll have some time to rest up. Later in the evening, our guide will show you around town.

Day 2- Thimphu-Punakha 

After breakfast, your guide will take you on a tour to visit several key sites in Thimphu, including the National Memorial Chorten, the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, and Drubthob Monastery, which houses the Zilukha Nunnery. You'll also explore the School for Arts and Crafts, the National Library, the Traditional Paper Factory, and the Folk Heritage Museum, where you can learn about Bhutanese culture and history. Later, you'll visit the Centenary Farmers’ Market and Kundeyling Bazam to shop for local produce and handicrafts. Next, you'll take a scenic drive to Buddha Point in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park to see one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world.

After lunch, the team will proceed to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan until 1955. Along the journey, you'll stop at the Dochula Pass, where you can admire the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the Himalayas. During the trip, you'll also have the opportunity to visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple, built to commemorate 100 years of monarchy and His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king, who led the raid that removed Indian rebels.

Day 3 -Punakha sightseeing

In the morning, we'll head to the beautiful Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Temple, built by the Queen Mother of the 5th King with the aim of bringing peace to the world. This stunning temple features intricate spiritual artwork adorning its walls, including paintings of Buddhist teachers and deities. To reach the temple, we'll enjoy a scenic hike of about 30 minutes up the hill.

After our hike, you'll have the opportunity to experience rafting in the crystal-clear river for a small fee. Lunch will be served, and then we'll continue our exploration with visits to Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility), and a chance to stroll across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.

Day 4-Punakha-Gangtey-Punakha

Start your day with a drive to Gangtey, a scenic journey that takes approximately 1.5 hours from Punakha. As you traverse through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons, you'll eventually reach Gangtey village. Here, you'll explore Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gangtey, enjoy panoramic views of the picturesque Black Mountain range and the Phobjikha Valley, known as the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. Will return back to the station. 

Day 5- Punakha- Paro

As we head to Paro, known as the beautiful Valley and home to many of Bhutan's ancient monasteries and temples, you'll also find the country's only international airport here. In Paro, you'll have the chance to explore the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples and one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Next to the temple, there's a house transformed into a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, featuring his photographs and other personal artifacts.

Another fascinating stop is Dumtse Lhakhang, constructed in 1433 by the legendary iron bridge builder Thangton Gyalpo. Legend has it that it was built to subdue a demoness and is firmly chained to the ground. The temple's three floors represent hell, earth, and heaven. Please note that a special permit is required to enter Dumtse Lhakhang.

Day 6- Hike to Taktsang Monastery

After breakfast, we'll drive to the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. The trail is broad and takes about 2 hours uphill, but the effort is worth it. As you ascend, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the monastery perched on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor. This iconic site holds immense significance for Buddhists, as it's believed that Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century to bring the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan. He meditated in a cave for three months, which later became the site for the monastery and is considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan.

After soaking in the beauty and spirituality of Taktsang, we'll drive back to Paro. Along the way, your guide will take you to explore Paro town, where you can shop for handcrafted items and perhaps enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee to soothe your muscles after the day-long hike. You'll spend the night at your hotel in Paro.

Day 7-Departure. 

After Breakfast Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure

 

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