Day 01: Bangkok/Delhi/Kathmandu– Paro - Thimphu

After an unforgettable flight giving you an adrenaline rush as you see views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake, you will land at Paro International Airport. The landing at Paro, considered one of the most challenging will also be an enthralling experience.

Our company’s representatives will receive you at the airport and escort you to the hotel. After a brief stopover in a hotel, your Bhutanese expedition will begin with visits to places of historical importance in Paro.  It will begin with a visit to Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels), followed by the Ta Dzong, which was formerly a watch tower and now the country’s national museum. Later, we visit Kyichu temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built by King Songtsen Gyempo of Tibet in 659AD. Legend has it that it is one of the 108 temples that the King built within a year around the Himalayan region.   

In the evening, we will be visiting the Dasho Nishioka memorial museum, built in memory of late Keiji Nishioka, a Japanese who came to Bhutan in 1964 and revolutionized agriculture in Bhutan. This will be followed by a short stroll along Paro town and if time permits a visit to a farmhouse.

Halt in hotel.

Day 02: Paro Halt – Taktshang Expedition

A visit to Bhutan is incomplete without going to Paro Taktshang (Tiger’s Lair), one of the most sanctified and sacred temples in Bhutan.

Our journey to the Lair will begin after half an hour drive to the base of the temple. It is a five hour round trip along an old trail, with prayer flags fluttering. Taktshang is not just a sacred place, but an architectural wonder. Perched some 1000 meters on a hill overlooking a valley, it is believed that the great Indian Saint and Budddhist Master, Guru Padma Sambhava flew on a tigress in a wrathful form to this place in 746 AD, to subdue evil forces who were obstructing the spread of Buddhism. The trek, which will take about five hours (up and down) is an unforgettable one and promises every visitor an enthralling experience.

The evening will be dedicated to visiting ruins of the Drugyel Dzong,”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa” located 16 Km. from the Paro town, which was built to celebrate the victory of the Bhutanese forces over the invading Tibetan troops.  On a clear day, one can view Mount Jomolhari ("Mountain of the Goddess") standing at an altitude of 7,329m/24,029ft.

Halt in Paro.

Day 3: Paro - Thimphu

We begin the one hour journey to Bhutan’s capital city after breakfast. Upon arrival, we will check into a hotel and then begin visiting the capital’s reputed signposts.

Thimphu has a lot to offer and we will begin with visits to the Memorial Chorten, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful stupas built in memory of the Father of Modern Bhutan, Third King Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck. The next visit will be to Buddha Point, where stands the gigantic world’s largest Buddha Statue. You will then move to the 12^th century Changangkha monastery, followed by the Takin Zoo and a drive to Sangaygang, a point from where you can have a bird’s eye view of Thimphu valley.

From there we move to the Handicraft’s center, the Local Bhutanese Paper making factory, a Nunnery and the Arts and Craft School. We will also visit the Gross National Happiness (GNH) centre in the capital.

Halt at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha/Wangduephodrang

Your journey to Punakha, which is about 3 hours, will begin after breakfast. In about 45 minutes, you will reach the Dochula Pass (3,100m), from where visitors on a clear day can have a breathtaking glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range that consists of snow capped peaks with elevations ranging from 6000m to 7554m. Apart from this, the 108 stupas (chortens) at Dochula pass add to the beauty of the pass. The Pass is also exotic in flora and fauna.

The onward drive is a gradual ascend through beautiful forests of rhododendron and fields of dwarf bamboo, green meadows, beautiful wildflowers, gushing waterfalls and constantly changing vegetation. Lunch will be served at Lamperi.

Two hours further is Punakha, which was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and still is home of the Chief Abbot during the winter months. Punakha Dzong (Fortress), built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stands like a giant ship on an ocean from afar. Build at the confluence of two rivers, Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river), the Dzong was destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897. However, it has now been restored to its original splendor. The Dzong is an epitome of Bhutanese architecture.

Before reaching Punakha, you will visit the ruins of Wanduephodrang Dzong (Fortress), which was destroyed by a tragic fire in 2012.  It was built in 1638 by the Zhabdrung.

Night halt will be at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha- Paro

It will be an early morning four hour drive back to Paro. On the way, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, a 15^th century temple dedicated to Lam Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madmonk), where the Phallus is still worshipped. Barren women receive blessings from a Phallus.

You will then halt at Dochula Pass and have a last glimpse of the beautiful peaks and stupas.

Upon arrival at Paro, you will experience the hot stone bath. If time permits, you could take a leisurely walk through Paro town in the evening.

Day 06: Departure from Paro

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro international Airport for your flight out of Bhutan.

• Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees, Visa fees and taxes.
• Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
• All meals, including evening tea/coffee etc through-out the trip.
• All land transfers, sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced Culture Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp serivce.

• Flights in and out of Bhutan.
• Travel insurance, Drink, Visa fees, Laundry