Glimpse of Bhutan

Today you will fly to Paro airport. When you are on the air, the scenic beauty of Himalaya, mountains will amaze you. Upon arrival in Paro, Keep your copy of the visa clearance letter handy. Meet your guide and driver outside the airport and transfer to Thimphu. Explore the Buddha Point, Traditional School of Arts & Crafts, and Tashicho Dzong and walk around the city in the evening. ...more ...less

After breakfast, we start our Thimphu sightseeing tour with visit Tashichho Dzong, a beautiful medieval fortress. Explore government offices as well as the king's throne room. Explore the National Library of Bhutan next. Visit a huge collection of manuscripts in the library. It is followed by a explore to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Bhutan's national arts and crafts school) as well as the National Handicraft Emporium. After that, we head to the Memorial Chorten in the capital city that was built in the memory of Bhutan's third king who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. we Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Today we drive to Punakha via the Dochula Pass. If the weather is clear, we will stop at the pass to see the Mountains. See Chimi Lhakhang, which is said to have been built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15th century after having subdued demons with his magical thunderbolt. This temple is also known as the 'Temple of Fertility'.

We will have a Lunch in Punakha. Our next destination is Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated near the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo, the senior religious hierarch of Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel.

After having breakfast, Drive to the valley of Wangdi Phodrang. explore Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built-in 1638 AD atop a high ridge between Punak Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu. We enjoy the view of the valley below. Wangdi Phodrang holds an important place in Bhutan's history because in the early days it was the country's second capital.

We Drive for the village of Limbukha, accessible by a feeder road from Punakha. Farmers in Limbukha are known for growing Bhutan's famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values.

We will Enjoy hiking to Khamsum Yuley Chorten, built in the 1990s, in the evening. The Chorten is located in an idyllic countryside north of Punakha, about 30 minutes’ drive from town. From the parking, it is another 45 minutes of uphill walking through paddy fields.
Stay overnight at Punakha.

From Punakha Valley, early in the morning for your westward journey to the Paro Valley. Arrive in Paro in time for a late lunch in one of the local restaurants. Time for an orientation tour of Paro next.

Visit the major sights of Paro city including Paro Dzong, with its cantilever bridge; Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples; and the ancient fortress of Drugyel Dzong. If weather is clear we will able to see amazing views of Mt Chomolhari (7314m) from the fortress. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Today morning, we head for the National Museum of Bhutan in Paro to see the fine collection of ancient Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, and other artifacts. You have the evening free to relax and explore around. Overnight stay at Paro.

Our journey to Paro Taktsang starts with 30 minutes drive to the north of Paro where we disembark the vehicle and start our hike to the famed monastery located on the face of a sheer cliff above the Paro Valley. The beginning point of the hiking trail is near Satyam (2,650 m) from where it climbs steeply uphill to reach Cafeteria (2,940m), an area with an exposed ridge that offers magnificent views of Taktsang. It takes little more then an hour and we can rent ponies for this part of the journey if you do not prefer to carry out the journey by foot. We can also hike further uphill for another hour or so to reach the monastery. Here are several other temples and sites within the vicinity of the monastery. We will have a Lunch at teahouse. We return back with the road involves a steep, downhill descent. Stay overnight at Paro.

After an early morning departure from the hotel, at around 6.00 a.m., we will head to the airport for our return flight to Nepal. We should arrive back in Kathmandu before 1 pm where Sherpa Trekking & Expedition staff will take you back to your hotel.