BHUTAN


Day 1: Arrival, Paro – Thimphu (By Car, Approx. 1.5 Hrs)

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Welcome to Bhutan. Upon arrival, be greeted by your local guide and escorted to the capital Thimphu, passing by Tamchog Lhakang iron bridge en route. Hotel check-in, then head for Buddha Dordenma Statue and Takin Sanctuary, where you’ll see Bhutan’s unique national animal Takin. Continue to meet the nuns at Zilukha Nunnery, before going to Bhutan Post Office Headquarters where you can make stamps with your own photos (USD 4 for 12 stamps, at your expense). Later visit Thimphu Dzong (Trashichho Dzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu as well as the central administrative center (open after 5 pm, Monday to Friday).
Tips:
1. It is suggested to store photos in SD card/ USB device for stamp printing, or else you may need to line up for taking photos.
2. Driving time in the program is approximate, subject to the traffic, weather and road conditions.
Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: Lunch, DinnerDay 2: Thimphu – Punakha, Punakha Sightseeing & Trekking
On your way to Punakha, stop at Dochula Passto have a coffee break and admire the grand 108 stupas. If in good weather, take in the enchanting views of Mt. Himalaya. Proceed to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and a sacred place where people pray for children. Next embrace the highlight – Punakha Dzong, a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, with rich Buddhist collections. You will also visit Suspension Bridge nearby (the longest bridge in Bhutan).
Overnight: Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Punakha – Paro(By Car, 3 Hrs), Paro Sightseeing
Drive back to Paro and start today’s tour with Paro Dzong, perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture as well as a local religious administrative centre. Later visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower housing the National Museum, with abundant culture relics. Next go to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and ends at a local farm house, where you can chat with local people, see how they live and may taste some homemade wine.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Paro Hiking
This morning, hike to visit Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), be amazed by the view of this sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. After that, move to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan invaders. If in good weather, you’ll see a great distant view of Mt. Chomolhari.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Depart Paro
Say goodbye to Bhutan today. After breakfast we will escort you to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 1
bhutan-2
Today you will begin your journey by boarding your flight to Kathmandu.Day 2
Kathmandu
Board your connecting flight to Kathmandu. Visit Kathmandu’s sights this afternoon.
Accommodation: Tibet Hotel

Day 3
Kathmandu , Paro , Thimphu
Fly to Paro. On arrival you will be met by your guide and driver and make the short journey to Thimphu.
Accommodation: Jumolhari Hotel

Day 4
Thimphu
Today is your first full day in Bhutan. You may like to spend part of the morning looking around the weekend market in Thimpu before visiting the remaining sights.
Accommodation: Jumolhari Hotel

Day 5
Thimphu , Punakha
Travel by road to Punakha, over the Dochu La pass offering stunning views. You can also visit the Chimi Lhakhang temple before reaching Punakha.
Accommodation: Meri Puensum Resort

Day 6
Punakha
Visit Punakha Dzong and enjoy the amazing scenery with gentle walks accompanied by your guide.
Accommodation: Meri Puensum Resort

Day 7
Punakha , Paro
Return to Paro by road. In the afternoon you can visit Paro Dzong and the national museum.
Accommodation: Gangtey Palace

Day 8
Paro
Rise early to make the steep climb to the magnificent Tiger’s Nest Monastery before visiting Drukgyel Dzong.
Accommodation: Gangtey Palace

Day 9
Paro
Spend the day at Cheli La, one of the highest passes in the area. Here you can walk and visit some local villages and admire the mountain views.
Accommodation: Gangtey Palace

Day 10
Paro , Kathmandu
Return to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. The afternoon is at your leisure.
Accommodation: Tibet Hotel

Day 11
Kathmandu , I
Today you will return to Kathmandu airport for your homebound or onwards flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.