Bhutan 5 nights / 6 days
DAY 01 ARRIVE PHUNTSHOLING - THIMPHU
Your tour representative will receive you at Phuntsholing. The drive from Phuntsholing to Thimphu (capital city) will take you through beautiful mountain side, and alongside the gushing Pho Chu and Wang Chu rivers.
Afternoon visit Kuenselphodrang where a 169 feet statue of Lord Buddha has been built and overlooks the Thimphu valley. Evening visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the third King of Bhutan.
DAY 02 THIMPHU
Morning visit the National Library (which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts), & Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional crafts) and Jushina Paper factory where traditional Bhutanese papers are made.
Evening visit Tashichho Dzong which houses the King’s Throne Room & Government offices. The Dzong serves as summer residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot & the Central Monk Body. Visit also the Crafts Bazar in town.
DAY 03 THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
After breakfast drive to Punakha over Dochula Pass (2.5 hours). On a clear day, one can get a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges and also see the Gasa Dzong at a distance. One can also visit the Druk Wangyel Chortens (108 stupas) on the Pass.
Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river). It is one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country. The Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot & the Central Monastic Body.
DAY 04 PUNAKHA - PARO
Morning drive to Paro (5 hours). Afternoon visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century AD. Evening stroll through Paro town.
DAY 05 PARO - DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG MONASTERY
After breakfast drive to Ramthongkha. Hike uphill for about 2-3 hours to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. It is a sacred monastery for the Bhutanese people who believe that it must be visited at least once in their life time.
Evening experience a unique hot stone bath which will relieve all aches & pains.
DAY 06 PARO - PHUNTSHOLING - DEPARTURE
Early morning drive to Phuntsholing. Your tour representative will see you off at the border town.
