Day 1: Welcome to Bhutan
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of world's highest glacial peaks where you'll be greeted by views of Mt. Everest and Mt.Kanchenjunga, and our very own Mt.Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey. As your flight descends into Paro valley, you'll get your first impressions of Bhutan forested hills; silvery Pa chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below the idyllic Paro Dzong (fortress) located atop a hill overlooking the valley.
Upon arrival you'll be received by our friendly professional guide who will help you settle into your comfortable vehicle, and then proceed to the capital city Thimphu for an hour's drive. Enroute stop to visit the Tamchog Lhakang monastery for a breath of fresh mountain air and marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links from the 13th century bridge.
On arrival you will be taken to your hotel for a check-in and short rest. In the evening, if time permits, visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa which is a sacred shrine built in the memory of the third king of Bhutan.
You will enjoy a welcome dinner in a nice local restaurant/ in the same hotel where you can enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisines. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 2: Easy Exploration around the capital city Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive to Kuensel Phodrang where the gigantic 169ft statue of Buddha Dordenma sits overlooking the valley. Enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city from there. From here we will visit the Changangkha temple.
Head to town to one of Thimphu's favourite café for a healthy lunch. While the food is great, its also a window to see the ways of the urban townsfolk of Bhutan. After lunch visit some of the cultural treasures of the capital - the Folk Heritage museum - which is a 19th century traditional Bhutanese farmhouse which provides glimpses of the Bhutanese lifestyle, the Royal Textile Museum and Academy that showcases Bhutan's rich and famous textiles and see how local weavers are trained to make complex designs etc.
Finish the day by strolling around the Crafts Bazaar, along the streets of Thimphu which sells and displays various handicrafts and textiles made entirely in Bhutan. Weekend is a time for shopping, so we'll drive to the Centenial market and Kaja Thorm markets to delve right into the Bhutanese way of life and walk past various vendors selling local vegetables and fruits that make up the Bhutanese culinary. This is a place where locals come and spend time enjoying meals and also there are some live music shows entertaining onlookers for a nice weekend timepass.
Day 3: Hike on Trans-Bhutan Heritage Trail to Punakha.
After breakfast, drive to Dochula Pass (3140m). Situated atop the pass at the backdrop of fluttering prayer flags is the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas) that was built to exemplify the greatness of the Fourth King. Enjoy the amazing Himalayan vistas from here and continue to Lamperi.
From here, you'll take the segment of the Trans-Bhutan Trail (an old heritage trail that was revived recently) starting from Lamperi descending to Thinleygang village. This trail goes through dense old forests that are good for birds and rhododendrons while passing through scenic villages. A picnic lunch will be waiting for you at the end of the walk where you'll be in a village overlooking the valley and paddy fields.
After lunch, drive to the low-lying rice valley of Lobesa and pay your respects to one of Bhutan's most charming and eccentric historical figures nicknamed 'The Divine Madman' at the Chhimi Lhakhang - also called the fertility monastery - our guide will explain the entire story about it. The visit involves a short nice hike through a beautiful village surrounded by paddy fields. Here we'll take you to a local artist who will do a demo on local Thangka painting.
Continue to Punakha Dzong - the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan situated at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order's leadership and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. The fortress is a fine example of Bhutan's rich art and architecture, and our guide who is an expert in iconography will explain all aspects of art, architecture, history, and its significance.
Day 4: Punakha valley sightseeing with easy day hikes and to Paro
Drive to Punakha valley to visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal stupa, which involves a short scenic hike through paddy fields for about 45 minutes till the hilltop where the temple is located. From here you can also enjoy a majestic view of the underlying valley. The temple itself is a splendid example of Bhutan's fine architectural and artistic traditions and the only one of its kind in the world. After returning to the parking by the river, we'll add some river adventure and see Bhutan on a raft as you drift down the valley. This white-water rafting is suitable for beginners and a scenic drift down river which is also good for birding. The experience takes about 3 hours in total. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the Punakha river at Zomlingthang picnic grounds. Here you'll probably see locals enjoying a game of archery, the national sport of Bhutan.
Afternoon drive to Paro, on arrival at Paro, On the way stop at Tachog Lhakhang & visit. Drive to Paro & check in the hotel and overnight stay in the hotel.
Tiger's Nest excursion and Paro sightseeing
Day 5: Today you'll experience Bhutan's most valued attractions, and perhaps the biggest highlight for your trip! An excursion to the famous Taktshang monastery -translated as Tiger's nest monastery is also a good way to acclimatize before you start trekking. The temple was built in 1692 by a prominent historical figure named Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye whose reincarnation is now a young teenager and already a prominent figure in the clergy. Your guide will complement the experience with its story.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang - believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan built during the 08th century.
Explore the town in the evening on foot, and visit handicrafts shops along the street to appreciate Bhutanese craftsmanship and Art works and perhaps take home a few souvenirs to remind you of the beautiful moments in Bhutan.
Day 6: Departure from Paro Airport
Breakfast in the hotel and check out from the hotel. Drive to Paro airport for departure. Our representative will help you with your exit formalities and bid you farewell.
