Day 1: Arrival in Paro, Private transfer to Thimphu for city sightseeing
Paro airport is the only international airport in Bhutan, which is around 65 kilometers (40 miles) away from the capital city - Thimphu. Once your flight arrives at the airport, our guide will greet you there and transfer you to the hotel in Thimphu in 1.5 hours. On the way, you will see the Tamchog Lhakhang (Iron Bridge) and enjoy the spectacular view of the Thimphu Valley. After a short rest at the hotel, we will start with Thimphu's landmark, the National Memorial Chorten. It was built in memory of Third Druk Gyalpo and is dedicated to World Peace. You will experience a sense of calm and relaxation as you watch the locals turn their prayer wheels and walk around the stupa. Then visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a Shakyamuni Buddha statue celebrating the 60th anniversary of the fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang hill, the 169 feet tall statue is almost visible from anywhere in the town. In addition to visiting the Buddha statue itself, you will have a vast 360-degree view of the Thimphu valley and the snow-capped mountains surrounding it. After that you will see the national animal Takin at the Sanctuary. Takin is a rare creature with the head of a goat and the body of a cow, which can only be seen in Bhutan. Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Thimphu Deluxe (3 stars) or similar
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This morning, take in the charm of the Thimphu Valley with a 1-hour hiking through the dense primeval forest to Chagri Dorjeden Monastery. Built in 1620, it was the first temple established with the support of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and now a major teaching and retreat center of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu sect. Walking to the monastery is not an easy task, as some roads are steep and require physical strength and stamina. However, it is also a good exercise to test whether you can climb the world-famous TakTsang monastery in Paro. For tourists worried about this activity, some other attractions such as Simply Bhutan, Bhutan Post Office Headquarters, and Traditional Paper Making Factory are good substitutes. After lunch, visit the School of Traditional Arts and the Folk Heritage Museum. These are the best places to experience the essence of Bhutan's traditional crafts and arts. Then you will visit Thimphu Dzong (TashiChho Dzong), which is a large fort originally built in the 13th century. Now it houses the government administration, King's office and a temple. Visits here are only possible after business hours on weekdays or at the weekend. At night, you can make your own way to Norzin Lam, Thimphu's only thoroughfare, lined with shops selling traditional ethnic crafts, including sculptures, weaving, silver, stone carvings and paintings. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Thimphu Deluxe (3 stars) or similar
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Day 3: Private transfer from Thimphu to Punakha with stopover at Dochula Pass
After breakfast, we will continue our itinerary to Punakha, which takes around 3 hours on the way. En route, we will stop at Dochula Pass for the best panoramic view of the magnificent Eastern Himalayas with the snow-capped peaks. Sipping hot coffee and enjoying freshly baked pastries (own expense) while admiring the view will be an unforgettable experience. In addition, you will also see the 108 grand stupas built in memory of the soldiers who died in the Bhutanese war. Then visit the Chimmi Lhakhang. This small hilly temple is very popular as a lot of couples travel here to be blessed for a child. Afterwards, we will continue our drive to the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha, with an elevation of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) above sea level. Located at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, Punakha Dzong is the second largest Dzong in Bhutan and is also considered as the most beautiful Dzong in terms of history, location and architecture. Very close to the dzong is the longest suspension bridge in the country. The views from this bridge are outstanding with the rivers flowing below. You will stay overnight in Punakha. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Meri Puensum Resort Punakha (3 stars) or similar
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Day 4: Drive back to Paro, Paro highlights with Kyichu Lhakhang
Today we will drive back to Paro and visit the impressive Paro Dzong first. It is an ancient fortress, also called Rinpung Dzong. You will see numerous beautiful paintings, murals, artifacts and statues of Buddha in this colorful traditional Bhutanese wooden architecture. Now it is the administration office, so dressing up adequately is well respected. On a cliff of the hill is the watch tower of Paro Dzong housing the National Museum. It is an overall showcase of Bhutanese life including art, relics, geology, etc. The next stop is the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in the 7th century by Tibetan Emperor Songtsan Gampo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tenzinling Resort Paro (3 stars) or similar
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Day 5: Paro day sightseeing with hiking to Taktsang
Taktsang, Tiger's Nest in English, is the most famous and sacred monastery in Bhutan. It is located in a cliff side over 900 meters (2,953 feet) above the Paro Valley. The hiking to the Tiger's Nest will be the highlight of this Bhutan tour package. After breakfast, we will transfer you to the foot of mountain where you can start your trekking to this holy place. It takes around 2-3 hours strenuous climbing the way up. On the half way, you could rest at the cafeteria. Some may stop here and just take a distant look at the temple, while most prefer to continue the arduous climb to the temple eventually. Getting to the top can be very tiring, but once you get there, the view is amazing and rewarding. Inside the monastery, each floor has a balcony, where visitors can enjoy the stunning Paro River scenery. Then you will visit the Drukgyel Dzong. The fort now in ruins was built to celebrate Bhutanese victory over the Tibetan Invasion. If you happen to visit here in a clear day, you will have a close view of the Mt. Chomolhari. Take your camera along for mind blowing captures. After that, you will visit a typical local farmhouse. Chatting with the family members is a good way to know how they live in the land of happiness. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tenzinling Resort Paro (3 stars) or similar
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Day 6: Departure from Paro, Airport see-off
Your trip to Bhutan will end after we transfer you to the airport and see you off there. We wish you have a nice trip! Meals: Breakfast
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