Bhutan Highlights Tour

Day 01: Arrive Paro (by Druk Air) – Transfer to hotel.

Your Bhutan Highlights Tour starts with the flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control you are met by your guide and then drive you the short distance to your hotel. Afternoon drive to visit the Rimpung Dzong, built-in the 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The dzong is now used as an administration center and school for monks. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Paro – hike to Taktsang – Thimphu

After breakfast drives the winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Jhomolhari, can be seen on a clear day from Drukgyal village. Then drive back to Ramthangkha to hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s nest). The hike to the cafeteria will take around one and a half hours. At the view, point enjoys the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Walk back to the road point and then visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Later depart to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. Thimphu has a population of about 100,000. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. Check-in at the hotel. Later in the evening walk around the main streets and visit Handicrafts Emporium, this has all types of Bhutanese handicrafts for sale. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Thimphu Sightseeing – Punakha

Continuing Bhutan Highlights Tour, after breakfast drive to visit National Memorial Chorten with its golden spines shining in the sun, its tinkling bells built in honor of third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Institute of Traditional Medicine, where old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced. Also visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of items and artifacts used in rural households, Textile Museum, where the art of traditional weaving is still kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in its color and design. Later in the afternoon depart to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m). This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After stopping for tea and the view, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Punakha – Paro

After breakfast walk across the bridge and visit Punakha Dzong, the ancient capital of Bhutan, spanning the MoChu and Pho Chu rivers. It is also the winter capital for the monks and the Je Khenpo (chief abbot) and after the visit drive to Lobeysa for lunch. After lunch hike another 20 minutes to Chime Lhakhang, the temple of the “Divine Madman” built-in 1499 and today it is mostly visited by the women who couldn’t bear children. Also, it is known as the temple of fertility. After the visit walk back to the road point and then drive Paro via confluence. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Paro – Day excursion to Haa valley – Paro

Enjoying Bhutan Highlights Tour, after breakfast drive over the Chelela pass (3899 m). From the pass, one can get a good view of the Himalayan Ranges and the valley beyond. After having a good view continue your drive to Haa. Haa is made up of five counties and is closed to the outside world until 2002. There is a military camp by the Indian Army. In Haa valley visit Wangchucklo Dzong which dates back to 1915 and visits Lhakhang Nakpo (Black temple) is said to have been built by pigeon emanation of King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and Lhakhang Karpo (white temple). After the visit drive back to Paro. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Depart Paro (By Druk Air)

Your Bhutan Highlights Tour terminates today so after breakfast, your representative will help you with the exit formalities and bid you farewell and wish you a happy journey back home.