Holiday Experience to Bhutan

Day 1: Paro –Thimphu and explore Thimphu

On arrival at Paro your tour guide and driver from Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks will greet you and then drive to your hotel in Paro and you may explore Paro town then.

  • You may visit Tachog Lhakhang located at the base of Pa Chu on the Paro Thimphu Highway. In order to get to the temple, you will have to walk through the iron bridge that runs over Pa Chu.
  • You may also visit the Bhutan Postal Museum which displays the progress of Bhutan over the years due to development of the postal system in the country.
  • You may also visit the National Textile museum to witness the art of traditional weaving being preserved through exhibits which are rich in color and design.
  • You may also visit the Folk heritage museum which gives an insight into the rural life Bhutan through various displays. It is located inside a three-storied traditional building of Bhutan. You may also enjoy the traditional cuisines and get souvenirs as well.

You would halt the night at Thimphu

Day 2: Explore Thimphu

After breakfast, you may visit the following places:

  • Takin Preserve in Thimphu is home to the national animal of Bhutan, Takin is found only in Himalayan region and has distinctive features comparable to a goat.

  • You may also spectate the National sport Archery matches beside Changlimithang ground in Thimphu.

  • Buddha Point: One of the highest point in Thimphu which provides a spectacular view of Thimphu Valley. The Buddha Dordenma (Giant Buddha Statue) is situated on the top and faces the southern part of Thimphu valley.

  • The Tashichhoe Dzong: It is the largest Dzong (fortress) in Bhutan and is the central hub for all administrative operation. It is also a site for religious festivals like Thimphu Tshechu (mask dance). The Dzong houses the s secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

  • The Memorial Chorten: Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), is known as the father of modern Bhutan. The memorial chorten was built in 1974 to honor him and thus comprises of the third Druk gyalpo’s photo in ceremonial dress. The memorial chorten is one of the most visible religious structure in Thimphu.
  • Local crafts shops: The handicraft shops consist of various samples of fine Bhutanese traditional art. You can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, and other interesting items made from local materials.

You would halt the night at Thimphu

Day 3: Drive towards Punakha from Thimphu

After breakfast, you would be driven to Punakha through Dochula Pass where you can enjoy clear spring sky and the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges.

  • You will get to see the highest mountain in Bhutan that is Gangkar Phuensum which stands at 7570m above sea level. You will get to visit the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo for the wellbeing of His Majesty the 4th King of Bhutan.
  • After lunch, you can visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery- Chhimi Lhakhang located on the way to Punakha. It is popularly known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.
  • You will be then driven towards Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan and presently the winter residence of the head of the religious body the Je Khenpo and the central monks. You will get to visit the Punakha Dzong, the only Dzong located on the island of the Pho-Chu (male) river and the Mochu (female) river. You can also visit the Dho Jha Gha Lam Temple.
  • You would be taken to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten temple built by the queen of Bhutan for Peace and Stability.

You would halt the night in Punakha

Day 4: Drive from Punakha to Paro

  • You may visit the farmhouses in Paro valley and visit a farmhouse which offers a good perspective of rural life in Bhutan. You can also enjoy authentic Bhutanese Cuisines.
  • You can also visit Kyichu Temple which is one of the 108 temples built in the 7th Century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo to overcome a demon.
  • You may also visit the Paro Dzong which was built in 1645 to defend the Paro valley against Tibetan forces. It currently used as a center of administration and school for monks. You will then descend to Rimpung Bridge which is the oldest bridge in Bhutan.
  • Relax, rejuvenate and then visit the historical National Museum, the Ta Dzong (watchtower). It was established as a museum in 1968. It contains about 3000 artifacts which spans over the period of 1500 years. This will act as a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of Bhutan.

You will halt overnight at Paro

Day 5: Thimphu-Paro & A Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

After breakfast, you will be driven back to Paro town and then to Taktsang Monastery.

  • The monastery was built in 1692 around Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasamba is said to have meditated for three years, three weeks and three months.
  • You may also visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong which was used to keep the invading Tibetan forces away in 17th century. It was destroyed by fire in 1951.
  • Visit Kichu Lhakhang, which the temple is one of the two among 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to subdue a demon that lay supine across Tibet and Bhutan.

You will halt overnight at Paro

Day 6: Paro Departure

After breakfast, your tour guide from Charisma Bhutan will see you off at the Paro International Airport for your flight to your onward destinations.