Detailed Itinerary
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and transfer you farm house in Paro. On arrival to farm house you will greeted by the family of the farm house. Visiting a farm house offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer. Later in the afternoon you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century. In the evening you can stroll in the paro town. Overnight at farm house in Paro.
Today, drive to Haa valley across Chellela pass(3900m) dotted with the colorful prayer flags and offering amazing views of Mount Jomolhari and other mountains too. Drive downhill from pass is through the forest of blue pine, fire and oak. In the afternoon, you will visit Lhakhang Karpo(white temple) and lhakhang Nagpo(Black temple), explore the Haa valley and farm house. Overnight stay in Farm house.
After breakfast drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan through many small villages and pine forest. On the way you can stop and visit some of the farm house. Locals will be happy to have you in to their homes for a cup of tea and to learn how they live in villages, continue your drive to Thimphu. Later in the afternoon visit Buddha statue, and is presumed to be the largest Bronze statue in the world. The three storied high throne of the statue will consists of temples on each floor, visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan);visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, visit Painting school, and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Overnight at farm house in Thimphu.
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated inbetween the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight at farm house in Lobesa.
After breakfast you will be driving to Khamsum Yuelley Namgayl chorten. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stands out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley. It was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. It took 9 years to build and Holy Scriptures rather than engineering manuals were consulted to construct this 4-storey temple. It is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. This temple has been dedicated for the well being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings. From the parking it is another 45 minutes uphill walk through the rice fields and the return portion downhill takes around 30 minutes. Best view of the Punakha Valley is seen from the top of the temple. After lunch you will drive back to Paro. On arrival check in to Hotel. Overnight hotel in Paro.
In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.