Day 1: International flight to Paro, transfer to Thimpu

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, you will be given a traditional welcome. Then Proceed to the hotel for check in.

You'll begin your journey in the serene Paro Valley, which despite recent development projects still retains its rustic charm with farms and quaint hamlets. Your Bhutanese guide will accompany you on the one-hour trip to the capital, Thimphu, nestled in a broad valley between towering peaks and the Wangchu River.

This afternoon, enjoy some simple sightseeing around town. Start at the Memorial Chorten, sparkling in the sunshine with its gilded spires and the gentle chimes of religious bells. This Buddhist centre has an excellent collection of Buddhist statues from around the world. After that, go to Kuensel Phodrang where you will find the Buddha Dordenma, known for being one of the largest statues in the world - it stands at 169 feet (54 metres) tall. When the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely walk along the primary shopping street. There you will encounter folks from every background, monks, businessmen and farmers who have come to trade their goods

Meal Plan: L/D

Day 02: In Thimpu, excursion to Changangkha Lhakhang

Start your day by visiting Changangkha Lhakhang, a temple that looks like a fortress and was built in the 12th century. It is located just up the hill from Thimphu and is where the Institute of 13 Arts and Crafts and the Bhutan School of Astrology are situated. Later on, take a trip to the craft fair, where you can take a look at the local merchandise and handicrafts. Finally, you can head to the post office and museum attached to it, which will take you through the history of the postal system, from early mail runners to Bhutan's prized current stamps. In the evening, go to the 17th-century Tashichho-Dzong, also called the "fortress of the glorious religion." This strong building has the king of Bhutan's throne room.

In the afternoon, hike one hour north of Thimphu to the Lhakhangs (monasteries) of Tango and Cheri. Built in the twelfth century and reconstructed in the fifteenth century, Tango Lhakhang now houses a respected tulku, a spiritual leader thought to be the reincarnation of a past spiritual leader who lived in the nineteenth century. To arrive at Cheri Lhakhang, you will traverse a conventional wooden bridge that crosses the Wangchu River. This monastery was constructed in 1620.

Meal Plan: B/L/D

Day 03: Thimpu-Punakha

After breakfast depart Thimphu in the morning and travel to the Punakha Valley, Bhutan's seasonal winter capital. As you drive up into the mountains, you will cross the Dochula Pass, where you will be able to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. Visit the Dochula Monastery, also known as the Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens, which is a complex of 108 Buddhist monuments. This complex serves as a tribute to the king of Bhutan. Descend to Wangduephodrang to see a bright display of fluttering prayer flags.

Then, there are various choices for excursions into the nearby hillsides. You can hike upwards through rice fields to the village of Pana and witness the Chimi Lhakhang temple, built-in 1400 to safeguard against demons. Bhutanese women revere it as a pilgrimage destination for its fertility powers. Alternatively, you could explore the Punakha Dzong complex, which is situated at the point where the Mochu and Phochu Rivers converge.

Meal Plan: B/L/D

Day 04: Punakha-Paro, trek to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal

After breakfast, start a lovely morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal monastery. Cross a suspension bridge, walk through rice fields and go up a moderate incline through a pine forest. When you reach the temple, light butter lamps as part of the ritual before returning to the car through a peaceful trail. Drive through the countryside towards Paro Valley for approximately four hours, with a pause at Dochula Pass for a picnic lunch.

Visit the Royal Botanical Park positioned underneath Dochula to discover a vast conservation site. You can explore 28 distinct types of Rhododendrons and more than 300 other types of useful plants. Do not forget to check out the best orchid conservation area in the region before returning to the road to Paro. Check in and overnight in Paro.

Meal Plan: B/L/D

Day 05: In Paro

Begin the day by going to the Paro Dzong, a great display of Bhutanese architecture. Constructed in the 17th century to defend against the Tibetans, it is now a school for 200 resident monks. After that, proceed towards Ta Dzong, a watchtower made in 1649, which presently holds the National Museum. Take a look at the showcased collection of thangkas, tapestries depicting Bhutan's important teachers and saints, and the exhibit of striking festival masks. Visit the Natural History Gallery to view a 3D map of Bhutan. Then, explore the Heritage Gallery to see its collection of unique natural objects and historical artifacts.

Lastly, discover the local legend of a giant demoness who attempted to halt the spread of Buddhism by visiting the 7th-century Buddhist temple, Kyichu Lhakhang. Explore the Drugyel Dzong castle ruins, erected in the mid-1600s to celebrate the triumph against the Tibetan-Mongol troops. Take in the stunning sight of Mt. Jumolhari, Bhutan's revered summit. If possible, trek up to the Drakharpo Monastery, resting on a rocky cliff ledge, to uncover sacred locations, including the possible corporeal trace of the female Buddhist deity Vajrayogini. Drive to your Hotel in Paro.

Meal Plan: B/L/D

Day 06: In Paro, trek to the world-famous “Tiger’s Nest Monastry”

After breakfast drive to Ramthanka in the morning to start your hike to the Taktshang Lhakhang, also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery. This is one of Bhutan's holiest pilgrimage sites. The monastery is constructed into a cliff 3,000 metres (915 metres) above the valley floor, which means that the uphill walk to it will provide you with amazing scenic views. According to the tale, Guru Rimpoche (the founding father of Bhutanese Buddhism) rode into the valley on the back of a tigress over a millennium ago and decided to meditate for three months in a cave at this spot. Enjoy a tranquil hike, which takes two to three hours, to the monastery experiencing the peaceful sounds of nature and hymning monks. Later, stop for lunch at the monastery's cafeteria. After lunch, retreat by the same path. On the final evening of the trip, relish a comfortable dinner in Paro.

Meal Plan: B/L/D

Day 07: Flight back home or your next destination from Paro

Morning breakfast at the hotel.

Our representative will be at your hotel to help you leave, making sure the process is easy and trouble-free. Remember, it's advisable to reach the airport three hours in advance of your flight's scheduled departure time to complete all necessary check-ins and security procedures.

Bon Voyage/Tashi Delek and hope to meet you again! Namaste

IMPORTANT:

If you have any interests or preferences for the sites you want to see during the tour, let us know. We would be happy to pack it in, if possible.

B = Breakfast

L = Lunch

D = Dinner