Day 1: Arrival at Paro Airport and Transfer to Thimphu
– Distance: 48 km | Drive Time: 1 hr 25 min
– Arrive at Paro Airport (PBH) and proceed to Thimphu.
– Check into your hotel and unwind or explore Thimphu’s charming streets and local cuisine.
– Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
– After breakfast, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Thimphu:
– Buddha Dordenma Statue: A massive statue of Buddha overlooking the valley.
– National Memorial Chorten: A stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s third king.
– Takin Zoo: Home to Bhutan’s national animal.
– Changangkha Lhakhang: The oldest temple in Thimphu.
– Simply Bhutan Museum: Experience Bhutan’s traditional culture, try local wine, archery, and watch cultural performances.
– Return to the hotel in the evening.
– Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
– Distance: 75 km | Drive Time: 2.5 hrs
– After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,150 meters), which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and 108 memorial stupas.
– Upon arrival in Punakha, check into your hotel and explore:
– Punakha Dzong: The second oldest Dzong and former seat of Bhutan’s government.
– Punakha Suspension Bridge: One of the longest and oldest suspension bridges in Bhutan.
– Return to your hotel for the night.
– Overnight stay in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha to Paro and Paro Sightseeing
– Distance: 115 km | Drive Time: 3.5 hrs
– After breakfast, drive to Paro and check into your hotel.
– Explore Paro’s landmarks:
– Ta Dzong: The National Museum of Bhutan.
– Rinpung Dzong: Also known as Paro Dzong, located in the Paro Valley.
– Return to your hotel for the night.
– Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 5: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
– Distance: 6.4 km | Hiking Time: 3-5 hrs | Altitude: 10,245 ft
– After breakfast, embark on a hike to the renowned Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), a sacred Buddhist temple perched on a cliffside.
– The hike is moderate, and horses are available for hire if needed.
– After the hike, enjoy a traditional hot stone bath in the countryside.
– Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 6: Departure
– After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Paro Airport for your onward journey.
This captivating adventure promises to leave you with unforgettable experiences and a deep connection to the spiritual and cultural essence of Bhutan.