Paro-Thimphu:Distance: 54 km, driving time: 1 hour

Altitude at Thimphu:2300 m

Arrive Paro. After immigration formalities you will be received by our representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour.

Then travel to Thimphu which will take you through Chunzom (confluence of Pachu- the river flowing through Paro valley & Wangchu –the river flowing through Thimphu valley). On the way, enjoy walking over a suspension bridge to view 15^th century iron chain bridge suspended over the Pa chu .

After crossing Chunzom, the drive will take you along the Wangchu upto Thimphu city.

On arrival at Thimphu, Check into your hotel

After lunch visit the following:

• The School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. It is the best place for visitors to learn about traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
• National Textile Museum which is a good place to see the art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colors and designs.You will also see people weaving with intricate designs.
• Archery Match (National Sport of Bhutan) at Changlimithang National Stadium. Normally you will spot Bhutanese men playing archery game during weekends or public holidays. Good opportunity to interact with local people.
• Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Wed-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling centenary farmers’ market where farmers from neighboring areas come to sell their farm produces. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people.
• Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds. Here Takins are preserved in natural environment.
• The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The term ‘chorten’ literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation, especially in the evenings and mornings, at the National Memorial Chorten.

In the evening you may explore Thimphu town on your own.

Dinner at restaurant in Thimphu Town or at your hotel as per your preference. Overnight at Namgay Heritage Hotel or Kisa villa or Thimphu Tower or Tara Phendeyling hotel in Thimphu.

Thimphu –Punakha :Distance: 71 km, estimated driving time: 2 hr
Altitude at Dochula :3140 m

Altitude at Lungchutsey:3600 m

Altitude at Punakha :1300 m

After breakfast drive for about 35 minutes to Dochula Pass (3,088m). In the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. At Dochula Pass you will see the beautiful108 chortens (stupa) built on the hill by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and well being of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.

After a refreshment at Dochula Pass Cafeteria you will hike through Lungchutse nature trail to Lungchutse Lhakhang (temple) with some packed snacks & soft drinks which starts from 108 Druk Wangyel chortens (stupas) at Dochula Pass and meanders through the rhododendrons and coniferous tress covered with lichens (indication of clean air) along the yak herders’ trails until it reaches LungchuTse monastery, which looks over a deep valley and the peaks of the High Himalayan ranges. In the clear sky you will enjoy breathtakingly beautiful view of Himalayan Mountain Peaks.

The round trip hike to Lungchutse will take 4 hours.

After hiking back to Dochula. You will have late lunch at Dochula pass cafeteria. After late lunch continue your journey to Punakha valley.

On arrival at Punakha check into your hotel.

Dinner and overnight at Zhingkham Resort or similar in Punakha.

Distance: 71 km & estimated driving time: 2  hours

Altitude at Thimphu :2300 m

After breakfast travel through upper Punakha valley and take a leisure walk passing through suspension bridgeand  through paddy fields to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang (temple) built by Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) for peace and stability in this ever-changing world. This temple is situated on the hilltop overlooking the valley below. The leisurely walk up to the temple would take about an hour. Visit the temple and also enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view from there. The round trip hike will take about 2 hours.

Then walk over traditional Cantilever bridge to visit Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho - Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (high Drupa Kagyu lama who unified the warring valley kingdoms under a single rule in 16^th century) to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region.

Then walk further for about 15 minutes to one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan spanning 350 m and perched high above the very swift Pho chu (male river). Draped with prayer flags ,the bridge connects the town of Punakha and Punakha Dzong.This bridge is mainly used by locals from the village located on the  other side of the river as a shortcut to Punakha Dzong.

After lunch walk through paddy fields for about 20 minutes to visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

Then travel to Thimphu via Dochula pass.

After refreshment visit Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Yet another place for photographer’s delight.

Dinner at restaurant in Thimphu Town or at your hotel as per your preference. Overnight at Namgay Heritage Hotel or Kisa villa or Thimphu Tower or Tara Phendeyling hotel in Thimphu.

Thimphu-Paro :Distance: 54 km, driving time: 1 hours

Altitude at Paro :2200 m

After breakfast visit Buddha Point /Kuenselphodrang: This massive Buddha statue is 51.5 meters in height and it is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.
The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8^th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.

Then travel to Paro & visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. From the Dzong you will  walk back down to Rimpung Bridge.Also visit National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here is an intriguing collection of artefacts  which provide you with a wonderful insight to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bhutan

 After lunch visit Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. The temple is popularly believed to have been built in 7^th century by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, to pin down the left foot of a giant ogress who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet.

In the evening explore Paro town.

Dinner and Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or Khangkhu Resort or similar in Paro valley.

Altitude at Tiger Nest Monastery:3000 m

After breakfast, drive for about 20 minutes to the base of Taktsang Monastery and then hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The walk up to the viewpoint will take about 1 – 1 ½ hrs depending on your fitness and from View Point you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Take photos with great view of Taktsang behind you.

you can walk then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 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 here for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point.

Then visit a farmhouse which offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer. You can have traditional Bhutanese lunch and also you can try your hand at archery game using traditional bow and arrow made out of bamboo.

In the evening relax in the Traditional Bhutanese Hotstone bath at a farmhouse in Paro valley.

Tradtional Hotstone bath: A traditional Bhutan hot stone bath uses river rocks that therapists place in water where they crack and steam, releasing key minerals and relieving deep-set aches.

You will also see around inside of the traditional Bhutanese house.

You will enjoy traditional Bhutanese dinner with the family members of the house.

Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or Khangkhu Resort or similar in Paro.

After breakfast travel to Paro airport for your flight out of Paro. 

End of the Bhutan Tour