BHUTAN 5N/6D

Reach the Paro International airport.At 2280 meters, Paro is a great beginning to this enchanting kingdom and is located in a lovely valley. After meeting you, your guide will drive you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, which is located at 2320 meters above sea level, along the Paro and Thimphu river valleys in about an hour. Enjoy the ambiance of this enchanted capital with its bustling bazaars and stores, as well as its picturesque residents dressed in traditional attire, by taking a stroll about town in the late afternoon. You could go to Tashichho Dzong, which was constructed in 1641 and once held the first National Assembly. Today, it houses the King’s offices, government offices, and the throne room.

Spend the night in Thimphu

Visit Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery, also called Zilukha Nunnery, which is situated in Zilukha, right above Tashichho Dzong, to begin your day. You will have the chance to observe the everyday activities of the Bhutanese nunnery and what it looks like.  You are welcome to join the Nuns in their prayers by sitting with them. With a little donation, you may provide the nuns with tea and snacks if you’d like.  You can then visit the School of Traditional Arts to observe students in action and learn about the 13 traditional arts, which include carving, painting, needlework, producing masks, and creating statues. The Takin Reserve, which has the distinctive national animal, the Takin, is another place you can go.

Spend the night in Timpu

Thimphu to Punakha. We will drive for around three hours in the morning to Punakha, the old capital, via Dochu La pass, which is at a height of 3050 meters. Here, we will pause for a hot beverage and take in breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalaya peaks.  As we go closer to low-lying Punakha, which is 1250 meters above sea level, you will note the shift in vegetation and temperature.  Spend an hour or more strolling through the terraced fields of Sopsokha hamlet to the Temple of Fertility, Chimi Lhakhang, which was constructed in the 15th century by the “Divine Madman” (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). You can experience the traditional Bhutanese way of life here by stopping by a farmhouse for tea or lunch and sampling the red rice and regional cuisine.

Spend the night in Punakha

We make the four-hour drive back to Paro today. You can visit the National Museum in the afternoon at the Ta Dzong (watch tower), an odd circular structure that resembles a conch shell and was constructed on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong to protect Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of conflict. The Ta Dzong is home to an impressive collection of Bhutanese artifacts, including textiles, religious artwork, costumes, weapons, and an intriguing assortment of Bhutan stamps. One of the best specimens of Bhutanese architecture, the magnificent Paro Rinpung Dzong, is only a short drive away. Take a walk around Paro town in the late afternoon.
Spend the night in Paro

Visit the revered Taktshang monastery, known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” which is perched 900 meters above the valley level on a granite wall. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to the location on a tigress.  He then spent three months meditating here.  It is one of the holiest places in Bhutan and attracts pilgrims from neighboring Buddhist nations as well as from within Bhutan.  The Taktshang café offers a breathtaking view of the monastery and is a great place to enjoy lunch.

Spend the night in Paro

Your guide will accompany you to the airport early in the morning to greet you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck) and to see you off on your journey.