7 Day Bhutan Tour

DAY 01: ARRIVE AT PARO to THIMPHU. OVERNIGHT IN THIMPHU.

The flight to Paro reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If

weather permits you will be able to see Mt. Everest (8848 m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan Mountain Ranges. Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative (Guide) and then drive to Thimphu (50km) which takes approximately an hour. On the way visit;

Tachog Lhakhang

Tachog Lhakhang is located along Paro-Thimphu highway, before Chhuzom. It is just a 10 minutes walk from the highway. It is a great spot for photography with a stunning view and peaceful ambience.

After arriving in Thimphu, check into the hotel and freshened up. Then visit;

National Memorial Choeten

Probably one of the most popular Thimphu points of interest, this chorten features as a daily place of worship in many natives’ lives. This Memorial Chorten is visited every day by elderly people, kids and other people on their way to offices, schools and back home. Bhutan Postal Museum: Fascinating Stamps

If you have any sort of interest in philately, then you should definitely stop by the National Post Office in Thimphu. You can even create personalized stamps with your photo on it. It will be an interesting souvenir to bring back home.

Dordenma Buddha statue

Atop a hill in Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, is a massive, golden Buddha sitting atop a mountain.

Tashichhodzong

The original Thimphu Dzong (the Dho-Ngyen Dzong) is said to have been constructed in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. And later the Dzong was conquered by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who found the Dzong to be too small and expanded it to what is now known as theTashichho dzong is also called the "fortress of glorious religion." Now it houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King and central monk body.

Later, visit the archery ground to see local people playing traditional archery.

Overnight in Thimphu

DAY 02: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING. OVERNIGHT IN THIMPHU.

Tango Buddhist Institute: A day-hike

Set around 14 kilometers away from the city center, the Tango Buddhist Institute is a place of serenity set in the picturesque valley of Thimphu. Founded in the 13th century by the much revered Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa, the three-storey monastery houses a number of remarkable statues.The temple can be reached through a hike (1 hour up and 45 minutes down approximately) through the scenic mountains and alpine woods, which is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Thimphu.

Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory

The Jungshi factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper, made using an age old method instead of the modern way. One of the most popular things to do in Thimphu, you can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.

Motithang Takin Preserve

The Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin - Bhutan’s national animal. This is a rare animal of the goat antelope family and a particular species is only found in Bhutan.

Archery

The glory of Bhutan is not hidden from anyone. The country, as beautiful as heaven itself, is known for its vivid culture, vibrant festivals and its richness in sports, it never becomes complete until its citizens have an unleashed spirit for sports. And it is the royal sport of archery or "Da" (as it is called in Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan).

Overnight in Thimphu

DAY 03: THIMPHU TO GANGTEY. OVERNIGHT IN GANGTEY.

Drive towards Gangtey. Gangtey/Phobjikha valley is also the winter home of Black Necked Cranes that

migrate from the arid plains in the north (Tibetan plateau) to pass their winter in the milder and

lower climate. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and offers incredible scenery.

On the way, stop at Dochula Pass 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level.

Dochula Pass is a mountain pass located in the Kingdom of Bhutan, a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas. It sits at an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. The pass is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the majestic peaks of the snow-capped Himalayas. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.

After arrival, hike across Gangtey Nature Trail which is one and a half hours and enjoy the

breathtaking view of Phobjikha valley and Crane Information Center where you get information about the valley.

Overnight in Gangtey.

DAY 04: GANGTEY TO PUNAKHA. OVERNIGHT IN PUNAKHA.

After breakfast, visit Gangtey Monastery dating back to the 17th century.

Then drive to Punakha.

In Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Fertility blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing.

Then visit Punakha Dzong, one of the majestic fortresses which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Then visit the longest suspension bridge across the dzong.

Overnight in Punakha.

DAY 05: PUNAKHA TO PARO. OVERNIGHT IN PARO

After breakfast 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Then drive to Paro.

In Paro visit:

National Museum

The National Museum captures the heritage of Bhutan, and promotes it through the well preserved artifacts displayed from across the country. The National Museum is located very near to Paro Dzong.

Rinpung Dzong

Rinpung houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts. Famous as Paro Dzong, it was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. This dzong has been used on various occasions to protect Paro from the invasion of Tibet. Below the dzong is a traditional wooden bridge called Nyamai Zam, which was reconstructed when the original one got washed away in a flood in 1969.

Overnight in Paro

DAY 06: PARO SIGHTSEEING. OVERNIGHT IN PARO

Taktsang Monastery

The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru

Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the

teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. The monastery was built in

1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgaye who is said to be one of the reincarnations of Guru Rinpoche.

From the road, the hike toward Taktshang follows an uphill route and takes approximately 2-3

hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.

Visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery. They brew many styles of beer.

Farmhouse visit

Picturesque farm houses dotted the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We welcome you to visit Bhutanese homes for dinner with them and experience their hospitality. A visit gives you an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of Bhutan.

And try the Hot Stone Bath (Extra charge). A Bhutanese hot stone bath is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing and is also believed to have numerous health benefits. The heat of the water, combined with the medicinal herbs and minerals from the stones, combine to work wonders. The Bhutanese use hot stone baths to treat ailments such as arthritis, hypertension, joint pain, stomach disorders, other deep-set aches, and over 50 skin ailments. Above all, soaking in the bath is a great way to release stress. Artemisia has a meditative effect.

Overnight in Paro

DAY 07: DEPART FROM PARO AIRPORT.

In the morning drive to the Airport for flight to your onward destination.