Day 1 | Arrival

Welcome to Bhutan.

Upon arrival, one of our guides will warmly greet you. Then you will start your journey towards Thimphu, which is a short ride from Paro.

1. On the way to Thimphu, stop over at Tachog Lhakhang (temple) built by the legendary iron bridge builder Thangthong Gyalpo.

2. Check-in at the hotel.

3. Visit Tashichho dzong (fortress).
Visit the fortress of the capital with its impressive structure and unique architecture. It is an impressively large structure, surrounded by well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens.

4. Head to the centenary farmers market.
Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market. You will find wide assortments of fresh and organic produce.

Day 2 | Thimphu Tour

1. First stop: The Buddha Dordenma Statue.
It is located atop a hill overlooking Thimphu Valley. The Buddha statue is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 m, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. 

2. Next up: The National Memorial Chorten.
It was built in memory of the Third king, and is dedicated to World Peace. It is located close to the centre of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day.

3. Visit the folk heritage museum.
It provides visitors and tourists with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life. The Folk Heritage Museum is set inside a three storied, 19th century traditional house.

4. Motithang Takin Preserve.
Motithang Takin Preserve is a wildlife reserve area for takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. As per myth, the animal’s creation in Bhutan was in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the Divine madman.

5. Finally, in the evening, visit the town for last minute shopping and souvenirs.

Day 3 | Thimphu to Punakha

1. First stop: Dochula Pass.
Dochula Pass offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is amazing with snow-capped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquillity of the 108 chortens adorning the mountain pass.

2. Before reaching Punakha, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the fertility temple.
Built in the 15^th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the ‘Divine madman’. Many who wishes to conceive, visits the temple for blessings and guidance.

3. Sightseeing in Punakha.

Day 4 | Punakha Tour

1. First Stop: Punakha Dzong.
It is the second oldest and second largest Dzong with one of the most majestic structures in the country. Built at the confluence of two rivers, the fortress is celebrated as the fortress where all the kings are crowned and the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body.

2. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.
Found on the hill above Punakha valley, this Chorten (Stupa) was built by the Queen Mother for the sole purpose of warding off negative forces, and attracting peace and harmony for all living beings. What sets this Chorten apart from others is that, it was designed based on the principles within the Holy Scriptures, instead of modern engineering manuals.

3. Picnic by the riverside.

4. After lunch, we will head towards the Punakha Suspension Bridge.
This bridge stretches behind Punakha Dzong connecting with the villages on the other side. It is one of the longest bridges in Bhutan.

5. Head to Paro.

Day 5 | Paro Tour

1. First Stop: Kyichu Lhakhang.
It is one of the oldest temples in the country dating back to the 7th century. The temple was restored in the 19th century and H.M Ashi Kesang, The Grand Queen Mother of Bhutan, added a second temple in 1968. 

2. Visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong also known as The Fortress of the Victorious Bhutanese.
Constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, to commemorate his victory over marauding Tibetan armies. Though the fortress was destroyed by fire in 1951, the ruins remain an impressive and imposing sight.

3. In the evening, a leisurely walk around the town of Paro. 

Day 6 | Paro Taktsang

1. Have breakfast and then hike to Paro Taktsang.
The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This monastery is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings to a sheer cliff face with 900 meters above the Paro Valley. It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew there atop the back of a tigress to meditate. We must trek for around 2-3 hours through a beautiful pine forest to get to the top.

2. When we come down, we will stop by the cafeteria for a buffet lunch. 

3. Finally, a hot stone spa to relieve those tired feet and legs.

Day 7 | Departure

Bidding you a safe journey home with warm memories to take back with you. TASHI DELEK!