6-Day Classic Bhutan Tour to Paro, Thimphu and Punakha

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Paro, Private transfer to Thimphu for city sightseeing
5 stops
1
Paro
Paro airport is the only international airport in Bhutan, which is around 65 kilometers (40 miles) away from the capital city - Thimphu. Once your flight arrives at the airport, your guide will greet you there and transfer you to the hotel in Thimphu.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge
On the way, you will see the Tachogang Lhakhang Iron Bridge, which crosses the Paro Chhu River to a small Dzong (fortress). This is the first bridge to have ever been built in Bhutan.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
3
Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
After a short rest at the hotel, you will be escorted to visit the Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten), built in memory of the third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is actually a stupa, housing many valuable religious paintings and Buddha statues. Over here you will see many local people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
4
Buddha Dordenma
Next visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue. It is 169 feet tall and located high atop a mountain, so it can be viewed from anywhere in the town.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
5
Motithang Takin Preserve
After that you will see the national animal Takin at the Sanctuary. Takin is a rare creature with the head of a goat and the body of a cow, which can only be seen in Bhutan.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Thimphu Valley
3 stops
6
This morning, take in the charm of the Thimphu Valley with a 1-hour hiking through the dense primeval forest to Chagri Dorjeden Monastery. Built in 1620, it is now a major teaching and retreat center of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu sect. Walking to the monastery is not an easy task, as some roads are steep and require physical strength and stamina.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
7
National Folk Heritage Museum
After lunch, visit the School of Traditional Arts and the Folk Heritage Museum. These are the best places to experience the essence of Bhutan's traditional crafts and arts.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
8
Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
Then you will visit Thimphu Dzong (TashiChho Dzong), which is a large fort originally built in the 13th century. Now it houses the government administration, King's office and a temple. Visits here are only possible after business hours on weekdays or at the weekend. At night, you can make your own way to Norzin Lam, Thimphu's only thoroughfare, lined with shops selling traditional ethnic crafts, including sculptures, weaving, silver, stone carvings and paintings.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Private transfer from Thimphu to Punakha with stopover at Dochula Pass
5 stops
9
Punakha
After breakfast, you will be taken to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha, with an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level. It takes around 3 hours driving.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
10
Dochula Pass
On the way to Punakha, stopover at Dochula Pass, where you can have a coffee break and see the 108 grand stupas. If it is a clear day, you will get great views of the Himalayas mountain ranges.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
11
Chimi Lhakhang Temple
Then visit the Chimmi Lhakhang. This small hilly temple is very popular as a lot of couples travel here to be blessed for a child.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
12
Punakha Dzong
Located at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, Punakha Dzong is the second largest Dzong in Bhutan and is also considered as the most beautiful Dzong in terms of history, location and architecture.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
13
Punakha Suspension Bridge
Very close to the dzong is the longest suspension bridge in the country. The views from this bridge are outstanding with the rivers flowing below. You will stay overnight in Punakha.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Drive back to Paro, Paro highlights with Kyichu Lhakhang
2 stops
14
Rinpung Dzong
Today you will be taken back to Paro and visit the impressive Paro Dzong first. It is an ancient fortress, also called Rinpung Dzong. You will see numerous beautiful paintings, murals, artifacts and statues of Buddha in this colorful traditional Bhutanese wooden architecture. Now it is the administration office, so dressing up adequately is well respected. On a cliff of the hill is the watch tower of Paro Dzong housing the National Museum. It is an overall showcase of Bhutanese life including art, relics, geology, etc.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
15
Kyichu Lhakhang
The next stop is the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in the 7th century by Tibetan Emperor Songtsan Gampo.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Paro day sightseeing with hiking to Taktsang
2 stops
16
Paro Taktsang
Taktsang, Tiger's Nest in English, is the most famous and sacred monastery in Bhutan. It is located in a cliff side over 900 meters above the Paro Valley. After breakfast, you will be escorted to the foot of mountain where you can start your trekking up to this holy place. It takes around two hours strenuous climbing. On the half way, you could rest at the cafeteria. Reaching the top could be extremely tiring, however once you get to the top, the views are amazing and deserving.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
17
Drukgyel Dzong
Then you will visit the Drukgyel Dzong. The fort now in ruins was built to celebrate Bhutanese victory over the Tibetan Invasion. If you happen to visit here in a clear day, you will have a close view of the Mt. Chomolhari. Take your camera along for mind blowing captures. After that, you will visit a typical local farmhouse. Chatting with the family members is a good way to know how they live in the land of happiness.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Departure from Paro, Airport see-off
1 stop
18
Paro
Your private 6 days trip to Bhutan will end after we transfer you to the airport and see you off there. We wish you have a nice trip!
30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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