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 our dedicated team will welcome you with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow the 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 the welcome gate in Thimphu. En-route we will stop over Tachogang Lhakhang: En-route to Thimphu, stopover for a little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending on your arrival time. We will explore the city by walking: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenirs, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers a mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- the only city in the world without traffic lights. Overnight stay at Thimphu.
Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred to as the world ‘s only city without traffic lights. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The largest sitting Buddha statue in the world, is located at the top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Folk Heritage Museum: It provides visitors and tourists with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Sangaygang View Point: The point offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire Thimphu valley. Takin Zoo: The wildlife reserve area for Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan with a unique story of its creation. Weaving Centre: Witness the traditional Bhutanese art of weaving. You will definitely be mesmerized by the sheer skills, concentration and dexterity of the weavers. Overnight in Thimphu.
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. 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 snow capped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 Chorten gracing the mountain pass. Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo, religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see Dzong of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between the meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzong of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Suspension Bridge: Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the Dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan. In order to access the suspension bridge from the Dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground. Overnight in Punakha.
Punakha is often referred as the second capital having the best Dzong of Bhutan. Punakha is the perfect place to awaken the nature lover, take in the splendid views of the Himalayas and listen to the sounds of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers that simply soak up the serene beauty of this gorgeous valley. Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: The temple stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. It is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic talent. The hike to the temple is about 45 minutes one way uphill. It offers amazing views of Punakha valley and Mochu river. Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery: Sangchen Dorji Lhendrub Choling is located above Wolakha on the way to Drolay Goemba which serves as a Shedra (Buddhist College) and meditation center scatter the grassy site, home to a small and friendly community of nuns. The Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery was built as a Buddhist College for nuns and currently houses about 120 nuns. The nunnery complex also houses a meditation centre for nuns. Overnight in Punakha ,As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you a second chance to enjoy the great snow capped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. Lampelri Botanical Garden: A paradise for nature lovers. The Royal Botanical Park is located about 11 km below the Dochula Pass at Lamperi is the entrance to this park, where between April and June the visitors can view 38 out of Bhutan’s 46 species of rhododendron or spot some of the 220 species of birds. There are 21 animal species known in the park which have deer, tiger, leopard, red panda and also the wildcat. Visit 17th century Paro 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 the administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Ta Dzong unique national museum: Perched above Paro Dzong it was a 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 it worth a visit. Explore the tiny town: Tiny Paro town actually can offer a lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops besides having many small restaurants around. Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast we hike to Tiger’s Nest Temple which take 2 hours to reaching at the most revered temple in country. The history of temple is associated with Guru Rimpoche who visited in 8th Century and it’s here there that he madidate in this cave for 3 months and converted the entire valley in Buddhism. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Morning breakfast, we drop you at airport to board the flight to your onward journey. Take away unforgettable memories off Bhutan.
