| # | Itinerary | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival, 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. Depending on arrival time visit of Tashichho dzong, the castle, which serves as seat of the king and government. If time permits, visit of the other sights. Overnight in Zhiwa Ling Ascent ★★★★
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| 2 | Thimphu, excursion to Wangdue |
Morning drive to Wangdue or Punakha over Dochu-la pass (3010 m) with visit of royal temple Druk Wangyel lhakhang. Stop for walk in Royal botanical garden when descending to Wangdue. Upon arrival walk shortly to Chhimmy lhakhang temple, devoted to 15th century saint Drukpa Kunley, known as “Divine madman”, who did taught Buddhism by singing, drinking and rampant sexual behavior. It’s famous as “fertility temple”, helping couples to get healthy and strong children! Get blessing by monk from the wooden phallus relic to guarantee healthy deliver of the children. Drive to Punakha and visit Punakha dzong, beautiful castle built on the confluence of male and female rivers. See the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan as well. Late afternoon drive back to Thimphu. Overnight in Zhiwa Ling Ascent ★★★★
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| 3 | Thimphu – Paro | Early 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. Walk in 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 for reasonable price. Drive to Changlimithang stadium to see archery match, traditional sport of Bhutan (depends on luck if the game is going on). From Friday to Sunday you can also visit to Centenary market where local people go to shop for food supplies. Market also has interesting handicraft section. Otherwise, you can enjoy some free time in the town, exploring it on your own. Evening drive to Paro. Overnight in Zhiwa Ling Heritage ★★★★★ |
| 4 | Paro | In the morning you will undertake marriage ceremony in the local farmhouse. You will get blessing from Buddhist lama, then exchange the ritual scarf as symbol of mutual respect and sacrifice to each other, concluded with marchang ceremony of tasting local ara liquor. At the end enjoy the traditional lunch in the farmhouse. Afternoon visit to Paro dzong (Rinpung dzong), the castle-monastery where Bernardo Bertolucci’s Little Buddha film was shot and National Museum of Bhutan with interesting artifacts. Overnight in Zhiwa Ling Heritage ★★★★★ |
| 5 | Paro | Climb 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. You can consider climbing in the morning or early afternoon depending on weather, your fitness and preferences. If you like, you can also take the Bhutanese dress for hike, to make memorable photos on the way! The rest day in leisure or optional program as per your preferences. Complimentary hot stone bath to relieve muscles after the hiking! Overnight in Zhiwa Ling Heritage ★★★★★ |
| 6 | Departure | If time permits, you can make visit to Drukyel dzong, the castle ruins from where you can see the summit of holy Jomolhari mountain in clear weather. Then you depart from Paro by flight. |