Bhutan at Glance Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Paro and transfer to Thimphu - Overnight in Thimphu (2,200 m)
Landing at Paro International Airport, warm welcome by your guide upon exiting the arrival. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatize to the high altitude. Drive to Thimphu, check in to the hotel and have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine. After Lunch, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten which is built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Thimphu Dzong, the largest Dzong (Monastery) in Bhutan, Every Saturday and Sunday most of the Thimphu population congregate on the banks of the river where the Weekend Centenary Farmers’ Market is held. Most of the neighbors of Thimpu's nearby valley and other nearby places come to sell their agricultural products. Thereafter, you will drive up to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where the 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne is located. Evening you can enjoy the night walking around Thimphu after dinner.
Day 02: Thimpu-Punakha 1,300m
After having breakfast, Start the trip to Dochula Pass - the 108 Chorten was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The drive is scenic and picturesque. Punakha Dzong - Built in 1637, the dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, the dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years yet has been carefully restored and is, today, a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten was built by the third Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck this Chorten is an impressive example of Bhutanese architecture and art and is the only one of its kind in the world.
Day 03: Punakha-Paro 2,280m/115km
Today you are on the way back to Paro. Make a side trip along the way on the mentioned sites. Chhimi Lhakhang – A small temple located on a hillock in the canter of the valley below Metshina. It is a historical importance site. It is a pilgrim site for barren women. Paro Valley - This beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan’s old monasteries and temples. The country’s only Airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley and its glacier water forms the Pachu River flowing through the valley. A morning drive to the north of Paro valley brings you to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Visit the ancient great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built in 1647.
Day 04: Paro-Visit Tiger's Nest Monastery
Yet another exciting day of the trip! You will be making the hike up to one of the most highlights sites in Bhutan, “Tiger's Nest aka Taktsang Monastery”
Taktsang Monastery - A one-hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage viewpoint overlooking the stunning view of the monastery. Prayer flags ornament the cliffs and this is also where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. This is why it is called Tiger Nest Monastery!
Kyichu Lhakhang – After Lunch, we will retrace our steps to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
Day 05: Final Departure
Mostly the flight leaves from Kathmandu to Paro and back in the Morning. After breakfast, you will be dropped off at Paro international Airport for your flight. Bye!