Destination : Paro, Punakha and Thimphu
Tour Duration : 09Nights
Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where one of our Guide will be holding placard, no one will be missed. We welcome with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards Thimphu River taking us to the heart of capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is very scenic and picturesque as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isina etc until we enter welcome gate in Thimphu.
Tachongang Lhakhang- En-route to Thimphu, stopover for little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending your arrival time.
Chuzom- Meeting point of two rivers (Thimphu & Paro) this is tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait of our King and Queen placed at chuzom which is so welcoming to all who visits Bhutan. Check into farmhouse at Babesa Heritage Homestay or similar Home stay, you will have dinner together with the family at the Homestay. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m
Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over dochula pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan.
Head to Simply Bhutan-an interactive living museum that provides a unique insight into Bhutanese culture. Engage in traditional activities, sample local cuisine, and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s rich heritage.
National Institute for Zorig Chusum- Explore the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts are taught. The institute offers courses in 13 traditional arts and crafts, known as the “Zorig Chusum.” Witness students honing their skills in painting, wood carving, sculpture, and more.
Weekend Market/Centenary Farmers Market– An interesting well organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. It’s open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find wide range of local vegetables and fruits. Other side of the river is place for indigenous goods and handicrafts section, where locally produced goods, including religious objects, cloth, baskets and hats etc from various minority groups are sold here. These shops are open from Friday to Sunday only.
If time permits:
Buddha Dordenma- the Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. The Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic 51.5-meter tall statue, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world.
Dochula Pass- The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.
Chimi Lhakhang- This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidences that many visitors dream came true however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama’s instruction. The hike though the lovely villages of Mesina gives truly amazing experience. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head. Check into Chimi Lhakang farmhouse and prepare dinner with the family members of the homestay/farm stay and enjoy dinner with the local family. Today we will make mushroom datshi. Overnight in Punakha Homestay, altitude 1350m
We will retrace the journey back to Paro crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas.
Riverside Visit- visit to riverside to enjoy the crystal clear river and group video/photo is must in Paro. Your guides will take you to the best place to enjoy at beautiful river banks of Paro.
Paro Airport Bird’s Eye View Point- the Paro international airport is among the top 10 most stunning and challenging airports in the world. The view point offers an exquisite view of the Paro valley.
Rinpung Dzong- ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport. The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
National Museum of Paro- Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit.
Explore historic PARO town with splendid views across the fertile valley.
Outdoor Activities
Wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery
Check into Travelers Homestay. Today we will have dinner prepared by the client. You can make anything that you have learned so far while you were in Bhutan, of course with the help of the family members of homestay. Overnight in Paro Home Stay, altitude 2200m
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang.
Check out from the farm house, keep the luggage in the vehicle and start your hike to tiger’s nest. Taktsang/Tiger’s Nest Temple– is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike.
Hot-stone Bath- Hot stone bath is very unique to Bhutan and offers great medicinal values. In most cases, the bathtub is made of wood placed on a ground level in quite hut for the privacy. A couple can get into one bathtub to soak. Enjoy the great ancient techniques of curing body ache, joins pain and harness many other values. Overnight in Paro Home stay
Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan
