[ARRIVAL] Arrive at Paro International Airport or Phuentsholing(Border Town) and Drive to
Thimphu. You will be welcomed by a representative and briefed by the tour guide and will take you
around Paro for local Sightseeing.
Buddha Point/ Kuensel Phodrang – Is the largest Buddha statue in the country, from there you can
get a good view of the Thimphu valley. Memorial Chorten – Built in the year 1974 in the memory of our third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Tashichho Dzong – The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s
secretariat, and the central monk body.
Motithang Takin Preserve – Houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by
international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only in
Bhutan, Nepal and Burma. Overnight at hotel
[Thimphu – Punakha] After breakfast, drive to Punakha – approximately 3-hours drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass, at over 10,000ft, vast panoramic views of the high snow-capped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Continue to drive down into the Punakha valley. On the way, visit Chhimi Lhakhang – This was founded in 15 Century by Lama Dukpa Kinley also known as a divine madman. It is a half-hour walk across a local village and rice field. After lunch visits Punakha Dzong – built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. Overnight at a hotel in Phunakha.
[Day trip to Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley & back to Phunakha Phobjikha Valley] Well known as the winter home of the Black-necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to the end of March. Overlooking the Phobjikha valley is the Gangtey Goempa. This is an old monastery that dates back to17th century. Black-Necked Crane Information Centre - The valley of Phobjikha is known as the winter home of the Black-necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to the end of March. Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, which has informative displays about the cranes and the valley surroundings. Night halt in Phunakha
[Phunakha to Paro Paro Valley]
The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan's old
monasteries and temples. The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at
the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley.
Kyichu Lhakhang – One of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th
century.
Ta Dzong – Former WatchTower which now houses the National Museum.
Rinpung Dzong – This houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration and walks down passing
close by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro
[Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger nest)] After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike. The trail is along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktsang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley; it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. The Tiger Nest was caught by fire twice and it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Buddhist saint, Guru Padmasambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now under reconstruction. Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” which was also built by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th centuries. Hot Stone Bath - You can go for a locally own Hot Stone Bath, which can take two people at one time. This bath will help loosen your joints, release muscle tension and invoke a profound sense of relaxation. The cost is approximately INR1600 per person
[Chele La Pass and back to Thimphu] The Chele La Pass, situated at an altitude of 3988 meters above sea level and at the distance of 40 km from Paro town on the way to Paro – Haa highway. Chele La Pass is the highest motorable road in Bhutan separating two valleys, Paro and Haa. From here (Chele La Pass), the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft). Overnight in Thimphu hotel
[Departure] Departure After breakfast, drive to Phuentsholing border town. Our representative in Bhutan will see off and bid farewell.