Overview
Magnificent Bhutan
- Hotels
- Meals
- Sightseeing
- Transfers
Visit: Paro, Thimpu & Punakha
Tour Starting Point: Paro Airport | Tour Ending Point: Paro Airport
Bhutan is a place nestled gracefully on the eastern edge of the mighty Himalayas. It is the Buddhist Kingdom recognised widely for its rich culture, aesthetic heritage, traditional and modern architecture, beautiful valleys and mesmerising landscapes. It is a must-visit place for those who seek serenity in the laps of nature for each day that you will spend in this magical land will be worth cherishing for eternity. It is also a perfect place for thrill-seekers because one will find the numerous trekking trails here that lead to the deeper and further parts of the Himalayas.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro to Thimphu (1.5 Hrs)
Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where our dedicated team will welcome you with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards Thimphu river taking us to the heart of capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is very scenic and picturesque as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isina etc until we enter welcome gate in Thimphu. En-route we will stop over Tachogang Lhakhang: En-route to Thimphu, stopover for little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending your arrival time. We will explore the city by walk: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m
Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing
Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Folk Heritage Museum: This museum was established in 2001 and provides visitors with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life, especially the life of Bhutanese in remote parts of Bhutan. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Drive pass by Memorial: It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Late Third King of Bhutan and dedicated to World Peace. Third King is regarded as father of modern Bhutan. Visit interesting weekend market: An interesting well-organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. Its open from Wednesday to Sundays and closed on Mondays & Tuesdays. One can find wide range of local vegetables and fruits. Witness ongoing live archery matches in Changlimithang: Archery is the national game of Bhutan, it is amazing to see Bhutanese archers hitting target from a distance of 145 meters range. Bhutan has top archers on some categories on Olympic Games. Overnight in Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha (3 Hrs)
Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over Dochula pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan. Dochula pass: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 Chorten gracing the mountain pass. Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see Dzong of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzong of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Suspension Bridge: Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the Dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan. In order to access the suspension bridge from the Dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m
Day 04: Punakha to Paro (3 hrs drive)
As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. Lampelri Botanical Garden: A paradise for nature lover. The Royal Botanical Park is located about 11 km below the Dochula Pass at Lamperi is the entrance to this park, where between April and June the visitors can view 38 out of Bhutan’s 46 species of rhododendron or spot some of the 220 species of birds. There are 21 animal species known in the park which has deer, tiger, leopard, red panda and also the wildcat. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong: ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport. The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Ta Dzong unique national museum: Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit. Explore the tiny town: Tiny Paro town actually can offer lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m
Day 05: Paro Sightseeing
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Overnight in Paro
Day 06: End of the Tour
After the breakfast, we transfer you to the Paro Airport for your flight back home.
Inclusions
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis
- Breakfast & dinner in the hotel
- Transportation & sightseeing as per the itinerary by comfortable vehicle
- English speaking guide for the entire duration
- Sustainable Development Fees for the stay in Bhutan
- E-Permit process and arrangement as per the itinerary
- Complimentary a bottle of water per head
Exclusions
- Flight fare of any kind
- Lunch, tea, snacks, etc.
- Single room supplement and room upgrade charges
- Entrance/Monument visiting fees, click here to check the rates
- Bank charges for payment transfers
- Any alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses/shopping/phone calls etc
- Travel Insurance, should cover COVID expenses
- Unforeseen COVID expenses, COVID testing charges & PPE if required
- Gratuities to guide and driver
- Outdoor activities (Cycling, River Rafting, Motor Biking, Horse Riding, Cultural Program etc)
- Anything that is not included in the inclusion is on additional cost