Bhutan Insight

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Day 1:                                                    Flight to Paro and drive Paro to Thimpu (55 kms/1.5 hr)                                      (L, D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to airport to catch your flight to Paro.

Upon arrival in Paro, you will be met by our representative at the Airport. After a warm welcome, drive to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Upon arrival check in at your hotel for 02 nights stay.

Evening with time free at leisure.

Day 2:                                                  Day in Thimpu                                                                                                                                                   (B, L, D)

After breakfast, drive to visit Memorial Chorten, also known as Thimphu Chorten, this stupa was built in 1974 to honour His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (1928-1972) popularly known as Father of modern Bhutan, Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), it holds one of the largest Buddha’s statue in the country of 169 feet (51.5m), made of bronze and gilded in gold, Changangkha Lhakhang, this temple is located above central Thimphu, built in 12th century by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo on a ridge overlooking the town.

Later drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Takin Preserve. The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat.

Post lunch, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following : the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, Textile Museum, which provides deep insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form, Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connect people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. 

Conclude the day’s sightseeing with visit of Trashichhoedzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. This is one of the most impressive buildings situated along the right flank of the Thimphu River built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who unified Bhutan and was later reconstructed in 1962 by the third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.

Day 3:                                                  Drive Thimpu – Punakha (75 kms/3 Hrs)                                                                                               (B, L, D)               

After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road.

Punakha was former capital of Bhutan and seat of the Government until 1955 when the capital was moved to Thimphu. Upon arrival check in at your hotel for 02 nights stay.

Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss, built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

After exploring Punakha city centre, embark on a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, located on a ridge surrounded by beautiful paddy fields. From road point, it takes about 10-15 minutes walk through Sobsukha village to reach the monastery. Also known as Fertility temple, it is associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as ‘Divine Madman’.

Day 4:                                                  Drive Punakha – Paro (165 Kms / 5.5 Hrs)                                                                                             (B, L, D)               

After a leisurely breakfast, a beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten (approx 2 hours round trip walk), which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. 

After lunch, embark on your return drive to Paro. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629. The name Simtokha literally means ‘Atop a Demon’. Upon arrival check in at your hotel for 02 nights stay.

Day 5:                                                  Day in Paro                                                                                                                                                         (B, L, D)

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk):  It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. The hike to the monastery makes a splendid half day excursion.

While return to the hotel, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.

Day 6:                                                       Fly Paro                                                                                                                                      (B, D)

Arrive in Kathmandu. Upon your arrival, you will be met by our representative at the Tribhuwan International Airport. After a warm welcome, transfer to the hotel.