Trip Overview
Discover Bhutan as you journey across the western side of the country. Admire the stunning scenery and unique Bhutanese architecture. Experience the peaceful rural life.
Tour Info
Duration: 5 Days
Places to Visit: Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa, Punakha & Wangduephodrang
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air
Druk Air flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills, each flight is a mesmerizing feat and offers exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival at the airport received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu / Punakha (75 Km, 2 1/2 Hours)
After breakfast Thimphu sightseeing. Visit to Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room it is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit National Library which has vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After that drive to Painting School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate design on cloth. Also visit to Traditional Medicine Institute is worthwhile where century’s old healing arts still practiced. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Evening drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,050m). Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 3: Punakha / Wangduephodrang / Paro (150 Km, 5 Hours)
After breakfast visit to Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress which has played important role in building up of modern Bhutan followed by visit to local market. Also visit here, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, the newly built stupa. Then drive to Wangdiphodrang visiting Dzong and local market. The district of Wangdiphodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. After lunch drive to Paro with a short stop at Dochula pass. Later enroute visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, it now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 4: Paro
After breakfast visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is acting as the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history. After lunch drive north of Paro valley to ruins of Drukgyel Dozng. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. While return to Paro town visit en-route Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 5: Paro from Depart
After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.