Experience the Spirit of Thimphu Tshechu

During the flight to Bhutan, you will have a chance to enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and driven to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Thimphu is about 54 km from Paro Airport and takes around 45 minutes by car. Later in the afternoon, visit the Post Office, where you can personalize your own stamp. Continue to the Giant Buddha Statue, the Traditional Paper Factory and the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will visit Tashichhodzong to attend the Thimphu Festival and witness the traditional mask dances and cultural performances. Later in the afternoon, visit the Motithang Takin Preserve, where you can see Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. Continue to Changangkha Monastery and visit a weaving centre to see traditional Bhutanese weaving. In the evening, take a stroll through Thimphu town and explore the local shops and surroundings. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters) for tea. On a clear day, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, the road descends through forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. On the way to Punakha, stop at Metsina Village and take a short walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of the Divine Madman and traditionally regarded as a fertility temple. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, beautifully situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, drive to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which stands on a beautiful ridge overlooking the Punakha Valley. The temple was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, and took nine years to complete. It is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and traditional art. From the parking area, it takes about 45 minutes to walk uphill through the rice fields to the temple. The return walk downhill takes around 30 minutes. From the top, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Punakha Valley. After lunch, drive to Phobjikha Valley, a famous winter roosting place for the Black-necked Cranes. Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.

After an early breakfast, you will hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and is also a winter roosting place for the Black-necked Cranes. The hike takes you through pine forests and small bamboo plants, with beautiful views of the Phobjikha Valley along the way. It is a pleasant hike and is ideal for nature lovers. After the hike, visit Gangtey Goenpa, the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan. A small temple was built here by Gyalse Pema Thinlay in 1613 and was later enlarged into a Goenpa by the second reincarnation, Tenzin Legpai Dhendup. After visiting the monastery, proceed to Paro, with a stop at Dochula for lunch. After lunch, continue the drive to Paro. In the evening, take a stroll through 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. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche, the spiritual master, flew on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where the monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After lunch, explore the monastery before hiking back down to the valley. Later, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

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