| # | Itinerary | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival to Paro, drive to Thimphu |
Arrival by plane to Paro airport and drive to Thimphu. ➜ Stop at Tachog lhakhang to see traditional bridge made using ancient iron chains. ➜ After accommodation, you can enjoy some rest and have short walk to the Norzin lam street and see the traffic police signaling in junctions. Thimphu is only capital in the world without the traffic lights. ➜ Finish walk at handicraft market where many interesting Bhutanese souvenirs can be seen and bought. Other sightseeing is subject to arrival time. ➜ Overnight in Norkhil Boutique Resort ★★★★
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| 2 | Thimphu sightseeing |
Morning drive to Buddha Dordenma, the gigantic statue of Buddha overlooking the valley and walk to striking city viewpoint. ➜ See Memorial Chorten, always busy with devotees. Continue with visit to Folk Heritage Museum with the exhibition on traditional village life in Bhutan (closed on Sunday, alternatively visit Simply Bhutan museum). ➜ Visit hand paper factory and Thangkha painting center, where young artists learns the skills of their forefathers. ➜ Then drive to Changankha lhakhang, the oldest place of worship in the valley. ➜ Alternatively cut previous program short and explore the Thimphu town on your own. ➜ Later visit of Tashichho dzong, the castle, which serves as seat of the king and government. In the evening enjoy the complimentary hot stone bath, traditional Bhutanese treat. ➜ Overnight in Norkhil Boutique Resort ★★★★
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| 3 | Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue | Transfer to Wangdue Phrodang over Dochu-la pass (3010 m) with visit of royal temple Druk Wangyel lhakhang. ➜ In clear weather, you have good chances for panoramic views of mountains, including Gangkhar Phuensum (7570m), the highest mountain of Bhutan. ➜ Descend to tropical valley of Punatsang chu river. ➜ Short walk to Chhimmy lhakhang temple, devoted to 15th century saint Drukpa Kunley, known as “Divine madman”, who taught Buddhism by singing, drinking and scandalous sexual exploits. ➜ Visit of Punakha dzong, which counts as the most intricately decorated castle in the kingdom. Overnight in Dhensa Boutique Resort ★★★★ |
| 4 | Punakha/Wangdue, excursion to Gangtey | Early morning drive to Gangtey. ➜ Visit of Gangtey gompa, which belongs to old sect of Tibetan Buddhism and walk in beautiful Phobjika valley. 2.5-hour walking tour through the valley is one of the most beautiful and easy hikes in Bhutan. ➜ You will go through the buckwheat and potato fields to the mixed forest with trees decorated with old men's beard lichen, and finally you will get a view of marshland. ➜ Here, in late autumn and winter, rare black neck crane, elusive and holy bird, can be seen. ➜ Visit of old local farmhouse to taste the local spirit and salty butter tea. ➜ Optionally you can even try to lunch there, or you can opt for some standard hotel restaurant. ➜ Evening drive back to Wangdue. Overnight in Dhensa Boutique Resort ★★★★ |
| 5 | Punakha/Wangdue – Paro | Morning drive to Paro. Once again in Dochu-la, you might spot the mountain view in favorable weather. ➜ Visit of the National Museum and Paro dzong (Rinpung dzong), the castle-monastery where Bernardo Bertolucci’s Little Buddha film was shot. ➜ Try Bhutanese dress and have a try of archery, traditional Bhutanese game. ➜ Enjoy walk or optionally good coffee in lively Paro town. ➜ Overnight in Zhiwa Ling Heritage ★★★★★ |
| 6 | Paro, hike to Tiger's Nest | Today’s hike to Taktsang gomba (Tiger’s Nest) is the highlight of the tour. ➜ While the hike seems to be hard, it’s very rewarding. ➜ If you don’t feel so strong, you can climb just halfway to cafeteria with nice view of the place. ➜ After hiking, we will visit pristine Kyichu lhakhang, one of the two oldest temples built in Bhutan. ➜ If you want, you can spend some extra time shopping in town, otherwise enjoy the last evening in Bhutan! ➜ Overnight in Zhiwa Ling Heritage ★★★★★ |
| 7 | Departure from Bhutan | Depending on departure time, drop to airport and departure from Bhutan. Program might be amended according to departure time. |