Best of Bhutan 07 Days / 06 Nights

Day 01: - Arrive Paro-Thimpu (60 Km/Approx.02 hours drive)

Arrival transfer from the airport in Paro to the hotel in Thimphu, en route visit Tashichodzong (Private).

On arrival at the airport in Paro, post the immigration formalities you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Thimpu, the modern capital city of Bhutan. En-route visit Tashichodzong The beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the government's office and King's Throne room.

On arrival, check into the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city, Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02: - Thimpu

Enjoy a city tour of Thimpu (Private).

After breakfast, proceed on a city tour of Thimpu, visiting places like - The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, National Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma Statue.

The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory was established in 1990 to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho using traditional techniques that have been practiced for generations. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne and Dhekap in the manufacture of the paper.

The large Tibetan-style National Memorial Chorten, was built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (the father of modern Bhutan). This whitewashed chorten with its golden spires, features elaborate mandalas, statues and a shrine dedicated to the popular third king. The religious paintings and complex tantric statues inside the monument reflect both peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities.

Made of bronze and gilded in gold, the Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni statue. It is the largest Buddha statue in the world at a height of 169 feet. Sitting upon a large meditation hall, there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, also cast in bronze and gilded in gold, that have been placed within the main statue., Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03: - Thimpu-Punakha (90 Km/Approx.03 hours drive)

Transfer from hotel in Thimphu to the hotel in Punakha, en route visit Dochula Pass (Private ).

This morning, drive to the valleys of Punakha, en route visit Dochu La Pass, one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas. The Pass on a clear day offers magnificent view of the snowcapped mountains of the Himalayas. It is marked by an array of prayer flags and 108 chortens (stupas), known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens

Visit the Punakha Dzong.

Later, in the evening, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan. One of the most picturesque ancient fortresses, it was constructed in 1637-38 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and was the seat of Bhutan's government until Thimphu was established as the new capital in 1955.

Note: The Punakha Dzong is closed in winter months when the monk's body is in Punakha. All visits to Dzong and Monasteries are limited till the courtyard only, Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04: - Punakha-Paro (130 Km/Approx.04 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Paro, the land of unsullied wilderness and long-forgotten customs. On arrival, check in to the hotel, The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities., Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05: - Paro

Visit the National Museum, Paro Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang (Private).

Today after a sumptuous breakfast, proceed to visit the National Museum, Paro Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.

The National Museum of Bhutan is housed inside the revamped Ta Dzong, which was formerly a watchtower. It showcases an intriguing collection that illustrates the rich and unique cultural heritage and tradition of Bhutan, including ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts.

Later visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. Built-in 1646 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, it serves as the administrative and religious center of the valley. A prime example of Bhutanese architecture, the Dzong is an imposing square fortress with a central tower and courtyards housing the offices of the district administration and the court and a state monastic community of about 200 monks.

Lastly visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, originally built in the 7th century. The temple complex is composed of two temples - the first was built to subdue a giant demoness and the second temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, Post sightseeing, transfer back to your hotel.

Day 06: - Paro

Enjoy a visit to Taktsang Lhakhang.

After breakfast, drive till the base of Taktsang Lhakhang or the Tiger's Nest, the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site and temple complex in Bhutan. Visible from afar, this stunning and highly revered monastery is perched on a high granite cliff at an altitude of 10,236 ft., overlooking the northern Paro valley. According to the legend, this cliffside fortress was where Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. It has been recognized as a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have traveled here to meditate.

Day 07: - Paro

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Paro for your onward journey.