Detailed Itinerary

DAY 01: After completing your immigration formalities in the Paro international airport, you will be received by our representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour. Then a hour drives to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan. On arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel and after refreshment visit the following: Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Thu-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held by the side of Wangchu River. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Friday afternoon till Sunday evening. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people. Drive to 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. Then visit Tashichhoe Dzong, a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body. Authentic Bhutanese Craft Bazaar -A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts. And also visit other handicraft stores. Dinner and overnight home stay at a modern Bhutanese Family Home Stay which is located on the outskirt of Thimphu city and the house is surrounded by organic vegetable and flower gardens. (Ambience: Contemporary Bhutanese life style)

Day 02: Thimphu-Punakha and Wangdue, Total Distance: 71 km, estimated driving time: 3hours
After breakfast, travel to Punakha & Wangdue through Dochula Pass 3140 m). In the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Then pass by the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and well being of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.

You will also visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery) which was built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) as a tribute to His Majesty the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck and armed forces after His Majesty led a successful operation against Indian militants who had occupied certain areas of Bhutan. Then travel onto Punakha the old Capital of Bhutan and The Dzong (fortress) is historically important and stands as the symbol for a unified Bhutan. On the way, stop for lunch at Metsina village and then visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing. Then visit the 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 to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. At the Dzong, you can see the highest standards in woodwork. In the evening visit Rinchengang & Lobesa villages where you will take a short walk through the village and have free interaction with the villagers. You will enjoy your traditional Bhutanese dinner with the member of the farming family & overnight at the same Farmhouse in Lobesa (Punakha district) (Ambience: Typical Bhutanese Rural Life Style)

Day 3: Punakha (1300meters) to Thimphu (2330meters) total 3hours drive:
Early morning you can observe the farming family go about their daily farming activities and you can see the family preparing breakfast for you.

After breakfast travel through upper Punakha valley and take a hike through farmhouses 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. The leisurely walk up to the temple would take about an hour. Visit the temple and also enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view from there. Then travel to Thimphu with lunch en route. On arrival at Thimphu visit the following: Bhutan Post Office Headquarters to get personalized Bhutanese postage stamps with your photo on them. You can bring along your favorite photo to put on the stamps and put these stamps on your postcard to send to your family and friends.

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. Witness Archery game which is National sport of Bhutan. Drive to Buddha Point to see a largest statue of Buddha Sakyamuni overlooking the capital city and later visit National Memorial Chorten, which was built in the memory of our Third King (The father of Modern Bhutan). Dinner and overnight at a Modern Bhutanese 3stars hotel or you can upgrade to High-end luxury hotel in Thimphu. (Ambience: Modern Bhutanese Hospitality)

Day 4: A Day Hike to Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) after breakfast, drive to Paro which takes about 1 hr and then hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This is iconic wonder of Bhutan. 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. 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. On the way back visit Kyichu Temple, this is one of the oldest temple of Bhutan built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. Then walk around Paro town and you may visit local handicraft stores in Paro town. In the evening relax in the Traditional Bhutanese Hot stone bath at a farmhouse in Paro valley. A visit to a farmhouse offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer. You will also see around inside of the traditional Bhutanese house where you will be staying the night. You will enjoy traditional Bhutanese dinner with the family members of the house. Overnight stay in the Farmhouse. (Ambience: Traditional Bhutanese Rural life style)

Day 5: Paro Departure: Early morning you can see farmers going about their daily activity in their farm like milking cows, gardening, etc and watch the family member cooking breakfast. After breakfast your tour guide from BHTC will escort you to the Paro airport for your flight to your onward destinations.