Bhutan – The “Land of the Thunder Dragon” or “Druk Yul” still regarded as one of the last “Shangri -La”

– Route –

Thimpu, Gangtey, Punakha, Paro

Tour Detail:

Day 01: Arrive Paro  & transfer to Thimphu

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Flying along with the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, 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 cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterward drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s main street and market area. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu

After breakfast, proceed for the guided tour of the city’s main attractions that include Textile Museum, National Library,  Institute for Zorig Chusum,  Zangthopelri Lhakhang, Memorial Chorten Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Conclude the tour of the day with a visit of Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu – Gangtey (150 kms, approx. 5:30 hrs. drive)

After breakfast enjoy a drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La (3O8O m)   and on to the Phobjikha Valley passing through dense forests and oak, rhododendron trees. The afternoon takes a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa. Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey.

Day 04: Gangtey – Punakha (70 km, approx.3hrs. drive)

After breakfast explore Gangtey valley. Visit Black Necked Crane Information Centre (Sat/Sun public holiday closed).  Later in the afternoon drive back to Punakha. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha

Day 05: Punakha

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. Late afternoon option to visit Chimi Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 06: Punakha – Paro (125 kms, 4hr drive)

After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. En-route visit Simtokha Dzong.  Later in the day after checking into the hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Paro

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike):  It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor. Evening an exploratory walk around the main street and market area. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 08: Depart Paro

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.