Day 1: Paro Arrival – Transfer to Thimphu
Sitting at the ‘iron bird’ and looking outside the window, you will see the panorama of several of the impressive mountains as well as the gorgeous Paro valley with the green terraced fields. As you arrive at the Paro International Airport, our representative will be waiting to warmly greet you at the existing doors following customs formalities.
After lunch, we head to the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang which is one of 108 temples built by the Tibetan King – Songtsen Gampo. Once there, you will get into a purification ceremony to bring good luck on your trip. Later, we will escort you to Thimphu and the rest of the day will be yours.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Free Day in Thimphu – Thimphu Sightseeing
Today, we will enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the bustling capital. There will be several impressive attractions that we will visit such as the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a giant structure made of bronze and gilded in gold and the National Memorial Chorten where you will get an insight into Buddhist faith via paintings and statues there. Our Bhutan sightseeing tour continues on to the National Library which is home to the collection of the 8th-century Bhutanese scriptures; the Tashi Chho Dzong being home to some ministries.
Lucky you because your day 2 in Thimphu is the weekend and you can enjoy the Thimphu Market to discover various Bhutanese food like basket upon basket of fiery chilies, greens, fresh cheese, and so on. Also, you can see an arrange of stalls selling Bhutanese handicrafts that you can buy some of them as souvenirs.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Changangkha Lhakhang Festival – Thimphu to Punakha | November, 11th 2019
Time to attend the Changangkha Lhakhang Festival. With an appraisal to the local deity ‘Domsap’, the festival will begin followed a religious and cultural dancing performance of monks from Changangkha Lhakhang wearing masks and elaborate costumes. So many vibrant and sacred things which will be displayed during the festival, are waiting for you.
Later, leave Thimphu behind and transfer to Punakha over the Dochula pass. On a lovely day, the route offers you an incredible vista of the Himalayan peaks. The pretty drive takes you 3 hours to reach Punakha Valley.
After dinner, we stroll around Punakha town.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Free Day in Punakha – Punakha Sightseeing
After breakfast, head to Punakha Dzong, also known as the Palace of Great Happiness. This Dzong is considered the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu offering an opportunity to enjoy both the sacred ambiance in the Dzong and the majestic view surrounding.
Having lunch and then, we go to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility built by the Drukpa Kuenly or the Divine Madman. Once there, be ready to see something strange that cannot be seen at other Buddhist sites in the world. Because of this is the temple of fertility, the monastery has many phallic paintings on the wall and, inside the property, many wooden phalluses is placed too. The Chimi Lhakhang is visited by most childless couples for a blessing.
Latter, overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Transfer from Punakha to Paro
This morning, we take a pretty drive to Yabesa village and enjoy a hiking trip through paddy fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten perching high on a hill on the bank of the river. Enter the chorten, it is time for you to witness something incredible like paintings of Nyingmapa Traditions.
Today, we have a special lunch as we have a picnic on a picturesque riverbank before discovering Wangdue Phodrang Dzong built-in 1639 perching on a spur at the confluence of 2 rivers.
Later, we drive back to Thimphu and visit handicraft and souvenir stores. Then, we proceed to Paro and head to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress built in 1627, housing the Institute for Language and Culture studies.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Free Day in Paro – Paro Sightseeing
The last day in Bhutan. Having breakfast and we enjoy a hiking trip to Taktsang Goemba. Hike uphill (about 2 hours) and you will be taken above the Paro Valley floor. If you cannot hike, we will arrange horses for transfer up to the viewpoint where you can marvel at the Tiger’s Nest on a sheer cliff face 900m above the valley floor offering a spectacular sight. Then, we have lunch in a teahouse nearby.
Later, in the afternoon, we pay a visit to the International Museum – Ta Dzong where gives you an insight into Bhutanese historical, cultural, and religious past through many religious relics, arts, and handicrafts. Head to Rimpong Dzong to learn about saint Milarepa, the master of meditation by the Bhutanese belief.
There will be an alternative option that you can spend your day 6 with a trip to Haa Valley, one of the most gorgeous districts in Bhutan. Once there, we hike uphill and reach the impressive Chele La pass offering you a stunning view of the whole valley. Keep your camera handy because you will not want to miss an opportunity to take some photos.
Later, we drive back to Paro. Enjoy your last night in Bhutan.
Day 7: Paro Departure
Time to say goodbye Bhutan. Enjoy your last moment in Bhutan with breakfast in the hotel and then, stroll around the city, do some shopping, or just simply relax in a coffee shop with friends and recall the most beautiful memory about our Changangkha Lhakhang Festival tour. Your Bhutan trip ends, hope you have the most memorable time with us and wish that we can serve you next time in Bhutan.
