| # | Itinerary | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival, drive to Thimphu | Arrival by plane to Paro airport and drive to Thimphu. In case of arrival by land, cross border from India in Phuntsholing/Jaigon and ~5 hours drive to Thimphu. ➜ Stop at Tachog lhakhang to see traditional bridge made using ancient iron chains. ➜ After reaching Thimphu, drive to Changlimithang stadium to see the archery, traditional sport of Bhutan. Matches are going on from the morning to the evening! ➜ On working day, you might visit Postal Museum to learn about the colorful history of Bhutan's postal service. You can also have the stamps with your own face printed and send postcards to your friends and family back home! ➜ You might also like to see Khaja Throm market where residents make their grocery shopping and where you might try some snacks as well. ➜ Visit to Tashichho dzong castle, the seat of the king and government. ➜ Optionally celebrate arrival to Bhutan in famous Mojo Park music club or other popular venue. ➜ Day's program is subject to arrival time. |
| 2 | Thimphu – Damphu (Tsirang) | Morning drive to Buddha Dordenma, the gigantic statue of Buddha overlooking the valley and walk to striking city viewpoint. ➜ Continue to wild animal sanctuary, where you can see the takin, famous national animal of Bhutan and other dwellers of Bhutanese forests. ➜ Drop to central Clock Tower square and 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. ➜ Then transfer to Tsirang over Dochu- la pass (3010 m). In clear weather, you have good chances for panoramic views of mountains, including Gangkhar Phuensum (7570 m), the highest mountain of Bhutan. ➜ Descend to tropical valley of Punatsang chu river and continue driving down the valley below the Wangdue Phodrang castle. On the way you pass around cascade of Punatsangchu hydro project, one of the major endeavors of Bhutan government. You will also cross the only road tunnel in Bhutan. ➜ Reach to Tsirang in the evening. ➜ Optionally, you can spend this night (or previous night also) in Buddhist monastery of Tsolingkhar. Rinpoche speaks good English and if available, he will be happy to share his teaching. Donationt to monstery is expected. |
| 3 | Dampu (Tsirang) – Wangdue / Punakha | Start with visiting of Tsolingkhar temple in which along with the statues of the Buddhist saints you can also see corner dedicated to Hindu deities. ➜ Then proceed with with 8 km / 2.5 hours long hike passing through the paddy fields, forest and around the village houses with many beautiful views of the rich Tsirang nature. ➜ Finally, reach to the sleepy town, walking through the botanical park and visit nearby joint Hindu-Buddhist temple, the unique feature symbolizing unity of local Buddhist and Hindu communities. ➜ Also see the Tsirang dzong, newly but traditional built administration center. ➜ After lunch, you will set to drive to Wangdue, taking longer diversion route through Tsirang Toe. On the way stop at Singa Devi Temple, one of the few authentic Hindu shrines in Bhutan. ➜ When reaching Tsirang Toe, you will walk above the central school to see picturesque ruins of large dzong (castle) which is said to be over 200 years old. Castle belonged to local warlord Sang Sup Gyap, who was deposed from power by Jigme Namgyel, the father of first king of Bhutan. ➜ If you feel like to do some extra walking, you can hike from here through the vital forest to the scenic viewpoint called locally Goemba. ➜ Then continue drive, partly by the rough road, finally reaching the main highway by the Sankosh river. Stop here to shop for local products, especially tasty homemade pickles, famous Tsirang oranges, honey, and others. ➜ Finally, reach to Wangdue / Punakha in the evening and get rest. |
| 4 | Wangdue / Punakha – Paro | Early morning short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten with wonderful views of the valley and it’s terraced paddy fields. ➜ Optionally you can consider rafting on the Mo Chhu (easy) or Pho Chhu (thrilling) river. ➜ Continue with visit of Punakha dzong, dubbed as “Palace of the Great Happinnes” which counts as the most intricately decorated castle in the kingdom and used to be winter seat of the Bhutanese rulers. ➜ Short walk to Chhimmy lhakhang temple, devoted to the 15th century saint Drukpa Kunley, known as “Divine madman”, who allegedly taught Buddhism by singing, drinking and scandalous sexual exploits. Way to temple is perched by houses decorated with phallic symbols, as commemoration of the saint's antics. Temple is also known as fertility booster, attracting childless couples from all over the Bhutan and foreign countries as well. ➜ If time permits, also visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery with Bhutanese and Nepali style stupa, overlooking the valley from the high hill. ➜ Afternoon drive to Paro. |
| 5 | Paro | Early morning drive to Drukyel dzong to see a freshly reconstructed castle and the summit of holy Jomolhari mountain in clear weather. ➜ Hike to Taktsang gomba (The Tiger’s Nest) is the absolute highlight of the tour! While the climb seems to be hard, it’s very rewarding. If you don’t feel so strong, you can cut it short in cafeteria with nice view of the temple. If you have spare strength, you might hike up to Zangtopelri Lhakhang to get birds-eye view of Tiger's Nest! Hiking in afternoon might be considered depending on your strength and weather prospect. ➜ Also visit of the National Museum in Ta dzong, the watchtower protecting the Paro castle from intruders. ➜ Then descend to Rinpung dzong or “The castle on the heap of jewels”. Inside are local government offices and monastery. Scenes from famous Little Buddha film was shot here. ➜ Walk down to the old traditional bridge below the Paro Dzong. Here, you will have opportunity to try Bhutanese dress and take a beautiful photo with castle in the background! ➜ Continue to Paro airport viewpoint. Depending on schedule, you might see planes landing and taking off. Runway in Paro is famed as one of the most demanding of all World's International airports. ➜ Enjoy the last evening in Bhutan! ➜ Optionally the mask dance performance along with traditional dinner in the local farmhouse can be arranged. |
| 6 | Departure | If time permits, you can drive to Bondey's village Zangtopelri lhakhang, fabulous new temple with splendid decorations. ➜ Depending on time, you might also see rock-perched and rearely visited Dzongdrakha lhakhang, temple often compared to Tiger's Nest in its beauty. ➜ After that, you depart from Paro by flight or take ~5 hours drive to land border in Phuntsholing. |
Tour variants, extensions and combinations:
- Dagana excursion (+1 day): Extend visit to south by one day excursion to Dagana, another remote district with large historical castle. See Explore South-West II, 7 days tour