Restore Your Spirit in Gasa

During the journey to Bhutan, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in the 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. You will then visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. In the evening, you can stroll around Paro town. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

In the morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, situated at an altitude of 3,180 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 monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After lunch, you will explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Today, after breakfast, you will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which is about 54 km from Paro and takes around 45 minutes. You will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan; Changangkha Monastery; Buddha Point; the School of Arts and Crafts, also known as the Painting School; the Traditional Handmade Paper Factory; and the Post Office, where you can personalize your own stamps. You will also visit the Motithang Takin Preserve, where you can see Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, and Tashichho Dzong. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast this morning, you will enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters). On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, you will drive downhill through forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will continue through rice fields and along the banks of the Punakha River before arriving in Punakha. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple. After lunch, you will visit Punakha Dzong, which is situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Today, you will begin your drive to Gasa, the northernmost district of Bhutan, which borders Punakha, Thimphu and Wangdue Phodrang, as well as Tibet to the north. You will drive through pine and oak forests, villages and wheat fields. Later in the afternoon, you can relax and enjoy a soak in the natural hot springs. Overnight at Farmhouse.

Today, you will attend the full-day Gasa Festival with the local people. It is a good opportunity to experience the festival and mingle with the locals. Overnight at a farmhouse.

After breakfast, you will drive back to Thimphu with a stop at Menchuna for lunch. After lunch, you will continue your drive to Thimphu. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. In the evening, you can stroll freely around Thimphu town. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will drive to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.