5 Nights 6 Days

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas.Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be the cool, clean, fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be welcome by our representative. Then drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan with a stop-off at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas: Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.

On your left the Tschogang Lhakhang, “The temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in the 15th century, as a result of the visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation.

On arrival in Thimphu, check-into the hotel.Thimphu is also the centre of government, religion and commerce. It is a unique city with an unusual mix of modern and ancient traditions and culture. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a metropolitan and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.

Visit the Trashichhoedzong, one of the most important dzongs in the country.This impressive fortress/monastery houses the Throne Room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of  the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot and the central monk body.

In the evening, take an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s Main Street and market area. Also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar and browse through some of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, Jewellery and many interesting items made from local materials. (Overnight Thimphu Hotel)

After breakfast visit the Memorial Chorten where you will always see people from all walks of life circumambulating and chanting mantras or spinning prayer wheels. This landmark was conceived by Bhutan’s third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wang chuck (“The Father of Modern Bhutan”) who wished to erect a monument for world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and peace in this world.

Then, visit the Buddha Point (KuenselPhodrang). Located a short drive away from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley from here. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest in the country. A walk in and around the premises taking in the scenic beauty of the surroundings is a popular activity even among the locals.

Visit Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

National Library that has a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. 

Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan: is worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men.

Simply Bhutan Museum:The newly commissioned museum depicts the ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization.  The uniqueness of the structure is in its composition of the materials used. The structure is built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished houses.  The best part is the portrayal of the age-old life styles of the Bhutanese people. You can also try Bhutanese national dress at this Place.

(Overnight Thimphu Hotel)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and Drive towards Punakha, In route visit Simtokha Dzong, one of the first Dzong that have been built in the 17th Century by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel. Right now it House as an Institute for higher Buddhist studies for monks, with a short stop at Dochula pass (3,050m) and enjoy the most enchanting view of the 108 stupas against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas. 

visit the Chimi Lhakhang. The village walk starts through paddy fields.The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples who pray at this temple are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you a rare glimpse of the daily lives of the people in the community.

Distance: 30 Mins. ( One way)

Altitude: 1500 M

Ellavation gain: 20 M

Difficulty: Easy.

Continuing we reach today's highlight Punakha Dzong, the second of Buddhist's dzongs with majestic structures. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha valley, the dzong is a six-storied structure with a scenic and mountainous background. It was the seat of Bhutan's government until 1955 when the capital was moved to Thimphu. Nearby we will visit the longest bridge in Bhutan, a Suspension Bridge spanning the Pho Chu River. We will spend the night in Punakha.

(Overnight Punakha Hotel)

drive to paro Valley. After arriving, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, 

Weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

This is followed by a short drive to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, the Wheel of Life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. After the visit of the Dzong walk down the trail to the parking, crossing 

The traditional cantilever bridge over Paro River. 

(Overnight Paro Hotel)

Next day, drive to paro Valley. After arriving, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, Weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

This is followed by a short drive to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, the Wheel of Life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. After the visit of the Dzong walk down the trail to the parking, crossing 

The traditional cantilever bridge over Paro River. 

(Overnight Paro Hotel)

After the day hike to Taktsang monastery, you may enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or shopping in Paro town.

Distance: 2 hour.30 Minutes (One way)

Altitude: 3120 M

Ellavation gain: 900 M

Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult.

Later if the time permits  visit Kyichu temple which dates to the 7th century. Accordingly to the Bhutanese legend, Songtsen Gempo, the first Buddhist King of Tibet, established a temple here on the left knee of an ogress in order to subdue her. The temple was restored in the 19th century and a similar one was added in 1968 by Ashi Kesang, the grand Queen Mother of Bhutan. On additional cost you can light butter lamps and conduct the long life and prosperity blessing by the head monk in the temple.

(Overnight Paro Hotel)

drive to paro Valley. After arriving, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, 

Weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

This is followed by a short drive to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, the Wheel of Life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. After the visit of the Dzong walk down the trail to the parking, crossing 

The traditional cantilever bridge over Paro River. 

(Overnight Paro Hotel)

After breakfast, excursion to Taktsang Monastery (approx. 5hrs walk):  It is one of the most famous monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated here and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site is recognized as one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. It was also visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of  the building. However, this iconic monastery has been restored to its original splendor.

After the day hike to Taktsang monastery, you may enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or shopping in Paro town.

Distance: 2 hour.30 Minutes (One way)

Altitude: 3120 M

Ellavation gain: 900 M

Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult.

Later if the time permits  visit Kyichu temple which dates to the 7th century. Accordingly to the Bhutanese legend, Songtsen Gempo, the first Buddhist King of Tibet, established a temple here on the left knee of an ogress in order to subdue her. The temple was restored in the 19th century and a similar one was added in 1968 by Ashi Kesang, the grand Queen Mother of Bhutan. On additional cost you can light butter lamps and conduct the long life and prosperity blessing by the head monk in the temple.

(Overnight Paro Hotel)

Weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

This is followed by a short drive to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, the Wheel of Life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. After the visit of the Dzong walk down the trail to the parking, crossing 

The traditional cantilever bridge over Paro River. 

(Overnight Paro Hotel)

After the day hike to Taktsang monastery, you may enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or shopping in Paro town.

Distance: 2 hour.30 Minutes (One way)

Altitude: 3120 M

Ellavation gain: 900 M

Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult.

Later if the time permits  visit Kyichu temple which dates to the 7th century. Accordingly to the Bhutanese legend, Songtsen Gempo, the first Buddhist King of Tibet, established a temple here on the left knee of an ogress in order to subdue her. The temple was restored in the 19th century and a similar one was added in 1968 by Ashi Kesang, the grand Queen Mother of Bhutan. On additional cost you can light butter lamps and conduct the long life and prosperity blessing by the head monk in the temple.

(Overnight Paro Hotel)

drive to paro Valley. After arriving, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, 

Weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

This is followed by a short drive to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, the Wheel of Life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. After the visit of the Dzong walk down the trail to the parking, crossing 

The traditional cantilever bridge over Paro River. 

(Overnight Paro Hotel)

International Departure