4Nights – 5Days
Day 01: Arrive at Paro
Paro – Thimphu (1 ½ hr drive)
In clear weather, Druk Air’s flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, it is a breathtaking journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport and after completing your Bhutan visa formalities, you will be received by our guide from Bhutan All Travels. Travel to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Check into hotel. Travel to see the Takin Zoo, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. Then drive further up to Sangaygang to enjoy the bird’s eye view of Thimphu valley. And also visit Buddha Point.
Evening free after dinner. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 2| Thimphu to Punakha (70km-3hours)
After breakfast, you will drive to punakha (1300m24265ft) the former capital of Bhutan. On the way after 45 mins drive from thimphu, will reach at one of the highest pass between thimphu to punakha and the place is called “Dochula Pass” ( 3140m above sea level) where you will have a superb view of the Eastern Himalayas on a clear day. On the way visit Chimi Lhakhang a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and a sacred place where people pray for children. As you walk up to temple, you will get to enjoy the beauty of farming at Ritsa Village. Later visit Punakha Dzong a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River) rivers, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan which houses some rich Buddhist collections. Overnight at Punakha.
Day 3| Punakha -Paro, Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast, travel to Paro.The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions. Visit Ta Dzong, it was once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history.Then walk further down to Rimpung Dzong Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Bhutan.
After lunch, drive up the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, 18 km. from Paro town on the north side of the valley. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the kingdom.
In the evening, visit a traditional farm house for an opportunity to interact with a local family and learn something of their lifestyle. Later on, take an evening stroll along the main street, and perhaps visit a few handicrafts shops, or take refreshments at a local café or bar. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 4| Hike to Takshang (Distance 3-4 hours walk round trip)
After Breakfast, Hike to Tiger’s nest “Trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing up to Takshang”, says by one tourist. Indeed it is true as the journey there fills you with spiritual bliss and truly happiness feeling once you are up on top of the mountain. It is located atop an 800 meter cliff. The climb up the viewpoint will take you around 1 ½ hours and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Then walk further up the monastery which will take another 11/2 hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave her for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (Monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Takshang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. You could also raise colorful prayer flags on top of the cliff. On reurn visit Kichu Lhakhang the most sacred temple built during 7th century AD. In the evening visit Farm House to brewed wine also known as Ara. Hot Stone Bath (optional), which can take two heads at one time. This bath will help you release muscle tension, loosen your joints and invoke a profound sense of relaxation. Overnight at Paro.
Day 5 | Early morning flight from the Paro International Airport to Bangkok.