Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL PARO – THIMPU (2,350 M) (65 KMS/ 2 HRS DRIVE)
Fly to Paro (1 hr). Upon an arrival, drive to Thimpu valley, the capital of Bhutan.
Afternoon, visit the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley offering a nice view of the valley and Taschichho Dzong, the secretariat of the national monk body from outside.
Overnight at your hotel in Thimpu
Day 2: THIMPU (2,350M
Visit the Painting school of Buddhist art, the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and the Indigenous Hospital, where century’s old healing arts are still practiced, National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” national animal of Bhutan.
Then, visit the handicraft emporium for a little souvenir shopping.
Day 3: THIMPU - PUNAKHA (1,300 M) (77 KMS/ 3 HRS DRIVE)
Drive to Punakha through Dochula pass 3,100m - site of one of Bhutan's most enchanting views. On a clear day the whole range of the Himalaya stretching from east to west can be viewed.
Visit Punakha Dzong from outside. This Dzong (fort) is set on the junction of the two rivers Phochu (Male River) on the right & Mochu (Female River) on the left with their waters merging right in front.
Overnight at your hotel in Punakha
Day 4: PUNAKHA – GANGTEY (2900M) - PUNAKHA (166KMS/6 HRS DRIVE) Day excursion to Gangtey
Drive to Gangtey valley through Wangdi province and view the ruins of Wangdi Dzong (Fortress). Visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Ningmapa monastery which is largest in western Bhutan.
A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor, lies the village of Phobjikha. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900m and, lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. Phobjikha valley is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water).
Overnight at your hotel in Punakha
Day 5: PUNAKHA – PARO (2250 M) (143 KMS/ 5 HRS DRIVE) Drive back to Paro visiting Simthoka Dzong.
Visit Paro Dzong / Rinpung Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Continue further to stroll around the old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. You could get some opportunity to see the traditional game, Archery match going on. Also, visit Taa Dzong (‘the Watchtower’) now housing the National Museum. Built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong, it was originally used to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war.
Overnight at your hotel in Paro
Day 6: PARO - TAKTSANG (2950 M) - PARO (2250M)
Morning, hike to Taktsang Monastery meaning “Tiger’s Nest”, a place of pilgrimage for local people. It is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambav) mediated, clings seemingly impossible to a cliff of rock at 3,000 feet above the valley floor. The legend has it that Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown to the site of the monastery on back of a tigress from Tibet and meditated in the cave there for three months.
Later, visit Drukgyel Dzong. On a clear day, the 7,314m, white-domed peak of sacred Mt. Chomolhari (mountain goddess) looms overhead.
Overnight at your hotel in Paro
Day 7: PARO- DEPARTURE
After an early breakfast, drive to the airport to board the flight.