6 Day Bhutan Tour - Punakha

DAY 01: ARRIVE AT PARO to THIMPHU. OVERNIGHT IN THIMPHU.

The flight to Paro reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If

weather permits you will be able to see Mt. Everest (8848 m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan Mountain Ranges. Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative (Guide) and then drive to Thimphu (50km) which takes approximately an hour. On the way visit;

Tachog Lhakhang

Tachog Lhakhang is located along Paro-Thimphu highway, before Chhuzom. It is just a 10 minutes walk from the highway. It is a great spot for photography with a stunning view and peaceful ambience. After arriving in Thimphu,visit;

National Memorial Choeten

Probably one of the most popular Thimphu points of interest, this chorten features as a daily place of worship in many natives’ lives. This Memorial Chorten is visited every day by elderly people, kids and other people on their way to offices, schools and back home. You will find beautiful mandalas and murals here. The large prayer wheels are coloured red in this chorten which sees hundreds daily who meditate here.

Authentic Craft Bazaar

This is the craft market located at the center of Thimphu. Here you can get authentic Bhutanese arts and crafts handmade locally.

Tashichhodzong

The original Thimphu Dzong (the Dho-Ngyen Dzong) is said to have been constructed in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. And later the Dzong was conquered by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who found the Dzong to be too small and expanded it to what is now known as theTashichho dzong is also called the "fortress of glorious religion." It was erected in 1641 and was subsequently rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Now it houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King and central monk body.

Later, visit the archery ground to see local people playing traditional archery.

Overnight in Thimphu

DAY 02: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING. OVERNIGHT IN THIMPHU.

Tango Buddhist Institute: A day-hike

Set around 14 kilometers away from the city center, the Tango Buddhist Institute is a place of serenity set in the picturesque valley of Thimphu. Founded in the 13th century by the much revered Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa, the three-storey monastery houses a number of remarkable statues.The temple can be reached through a hike (1 hour approximately) through the scenic mountains and alpine woods, which is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Thimphu.

Motithang Takin Preserve

The Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin - Bhutan’s national animal. This is a rare animal of the goat antelope family and a particular species is only found in Bhutan. The preserve is a forested preserve that mimics the Takin’s natural habitat, in addition to the Takin there are a few musk deer and barking deer that live inside the preserve.

Bhutan Postal Museum: Fascinating Stamps

If you have any sort of interest in philately, then you should definitely stop by the National Post Office in Thimphu. From round, square, rectangular to even 3-D stamps, you will find multiple varieties of stamps in here. This place is any philatelist’s dream come true. You can even create personalized stamps with your photo on it. It will be an interesting souvenir to bring back home. Get to this fascinating land of stamps and take something for your friends as well.

Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory

The Jungshi factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper, made using an age old method instead of the modern way. Visitors to the paper factory are given a demonstration of the paper making process. One of the most popular things to do in Thimphu, you can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.

Archery

The glory of Bhutan is not hidden from anyone. The country, as beautiful as heaven itself, is known for its vivid culture, vibrant festivals and its richness in sports, it never becomes complete until its citizens have an unleashed spirit for sports. And it is the royal sport of archery or "Da" (as it is called in Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan).

Overnight in Thimphu

DAY 03: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA. OVERNIGHT IN PUNAKHA.

After breakfast, visit Dordenma Buddha statue Atop a hill in Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, is a massive, golden Buddha s

Then drive to Punakha. On the way, stop at

Dochula Pass.

It is a 40-minute drive from Thimphu to Dochula Pass and it is definitely worth the visit especially for those who are looking for Thimphu sightseeing places. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal chortens.

After that drive to Punakha (45 minutes to 1 hour). In Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Fertility blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing.

Then visit Punakha Dzong, one of the majestic fortresses which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Then visit the longest suspension bridge across the dzong.

Overnight in Punakha.

DAY 04: PUNAKHA TO PARO. OVERNIGHT IN PARO

After breakfast 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Then drive to Paro.

In Paro visit:

National Museum

The National Museum captures the heritage of Bhutan, and promotes it through the well preserved artifacts displayed from across the country. The National Museum is located very near to Paro Dzong.

Rinpung Dzong

Rinpung houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts. Famous as Paro Dzong, it was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. This dzong has been used on various occasions to protect Paro from the invasion of Tibet. Below the dzong is a traditional wooden bridge called Nyamai Zam, which was reconstructed when the original one got washed away in a flood in 1969.

Stroll around Paro Town.

Overnight in Paro

DAY 05: PARO SIGHTSEEING. OVERNIGHT IN PARO

Taktsang Monastery

The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru

Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the

teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. The monastery was built in

1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgaye who is said to be one of the reincarnations of Guru Rinpoche.

From the road, the hike toward Taktshang follows an uphill route and takes approximately 2-3

hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.

Visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery. They brew many styles of beer.

Farmhouse visit

Picturesque farm houses dotted the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We welcome you to visit Bhutanese homes for dinner with them and experience their hospitality. A visit gives you an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of Bhutan.

And try the Hot Stone Bath (Extra Charge). A Bhutanese hot stone bath is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing and is also believed to have numerous health benefits. The heat of the water, combined with the medicinal herbs and minerals from the stones, combine to work wonders. The Bhutanese use hot stone baths to treat ailments such as arthritis, hypertension, joint pain, stomach disorders, other deep-set aches, and over 50 skin ailments. Above all, soaking in the bath is a great way to release stress. Artemisia has a meditative effect.

Overnight in Paro

DAY 06: DRIVE TO AIRPORT FOR DEPARTURE.

In the morning drive to Paro airport for departure to your onward destination.