Day 1 – Arrive Paro
When arrive you will be received by the representative of Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks (Bhutan tour operator) who will be your guide throughout your tour.
Check into your hotel in Paro and visit the following:
- National Museum, built in the 17th century as a watchtower for the Paro Dzong. This dzong was converted into the National museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thankha paintings, textiles, weapons and armor.
- Paro Dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks.Then walk down to Rimpung Bridge (Traditonal Bridge), oldest bridge in Bhutan.
- Paro International Airport view point.
In the evening stroll through Paro town and you may visit local Markets.
Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 2 – Paro to Thimphu vai Sightseeing
Distance: 64 km estimated driving time: 1:50 hr
After breakfast travel to Thimphu and check into your hotel. Visit to the following:
- The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. The National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only), where Bhutan’s famed traditional herbal medicines are compounded and dispensed.
- The Institute for Arts and Crafts (Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
- The National Folk Heritage Museum to get an insight into the typical Bhutanese way of life.
- The Textile Museum to get an understanding of the beautiful hand woven Bhutanese textiles.
- Centenary Farmers’ Market where farmers sell their farm produces (vegetables, fruits, cereals, spices, wild vegetable collections, livestock products,etc) and free interaction with local people who come shopping to this market, especially on weekends.
- Takin Preserve which houses the national animal- takin which is found only in Bhutan. Takin is an extremely rare member of goat family.
- Craft Bazaar where artisans and craftsmen from across the country come to sell their products.
- Buddha Point and take a short leisure hike to the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and enjoy the full view of Thimphu Valley below.
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3 – Thimphu to Punakha/wangdue vai Dochula Pass
Distance: 71 km estimated driving time: 2:50hrs
- After breakfast, drive to Punakha via the Dochula pass. An hour’s drive from Thimphu will take you to this pass (3140 m) where one can have a superb view of the Eastern Himalayas on a clear day with a powerful binocular telescope. Visit the beautiful 108 chortens.
- Drive onto Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan and presently the winter residence of the central monk body. Visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho-Chu (male) river and the Mochu (female) river. Visit the Dho Jha Gha Lam Temple.
- Visit also the Divine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where couples unable to concieve come here for blessing.
Overnight at hotel in Wangdue/Punakha.
Day 4 – Punakha to Thimphu
Distance: 71 km estimated driving time: 2:50hrs
- After breakfast, drive through Punakha valley and walk through farmhouses to khamsum Yuelley Namgyel temple which was built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan for peace and stability in this ever-changing world. This temple is situated on the hillock overlooking the valley below.
On arrival at Thimphu check into hotel and visit the following:
- National Memorial Chorten, chorten literally means ‘ seat of faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments the ‘Mind of Buddha’.
- Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.
In the evening relax or stroll around Thimphu town, do shopping.
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5 – Thimphu to Haa vai Paro
Distance: 108 km estimated driving time: 3:15 hrs
- After breakfast drive to Haa valley (the valley of Guardian Spirit) through the stretch of villages of Dogakha, Susuna and Jabana visiting typical Bhutanese farmhouses along the way and you will see farmers working in their farms. Drive further onto Haa Valley. After lunch at Haa valley, explore the valley and then travel to Paro valley via Chilela pass (3810 m). On a clear day you will see Himalayan mountain peaks from Chilela pass. Then drive onto Paro valley.
Overnight at a hotel in Paro
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Day 6 – A Day Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
- After breakfast, take a hike to Taktsang, popularly known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery. Hike to the world’s seventh wonder and historic place of Bhutan.
While returning visit Kichu temple on the way. One of the 108 temples was built in 7th century.
Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 7 – Departure from Paro
In the morning, your tour guide from Charisma Bhutan will escort you to the Paro airport for your onward destinations.