8 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. You will find beautiful mandalas and murals here. The large prayer wheels are coloured red in this chorten which sees hundreds daily who meditate here.

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." It was erected in 1641 and was subsequently rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. 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.

DAY 02: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING. OVERNIGHT IN THIMPHU.

Tango Buddhist Institute

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 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. Visitors to the paper factory are given a demonstration of the paper making process. 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. The preserve is a forested preserve that mimics the Takin’s natural habitat, in addition to the Takin there are a few musk deer and barking deer that live inside the preserve.

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. From round, square, rectangular to even 3-D stamps, you will find multiple varieties of stamps in here. This place is any philatelist’s dream come true. You can even create personalized stamps with your photo on it. It will be an interesting souvenir to bring back home. Get to this fascinating land of stamps and take something for your friends as well.

Authentic Craft Bazaar

This is the craft market located at the center of Thimphu. Here you can get authentic Bhutanese arts and crafts handmade locally.

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).

DAY 03: THIMPHU TO GANGTEY. OVERNIGHT IN GANGTEY.

Dordenma Buddha statue

Atop a hill in Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, is a massive, golden Buddha sitting atop a gilded meditation hall. This massive statue of Buddha measures about 51.5 meters and is made of Bronze and also gilded in gold. Located in the Mountain of Kuenselphodrong Nature Park. It is believed that the Dordenma Buddha Statue fulfills an ancient prophecy which dates back to 12th century A.D. which is said to bestow the blessings, peace, and happiness to the whole world.

Drive to Gangtey and stop at Dochula Pass. We won’t deny the fact that Dochula is a 40-minute drive from Thimphu but it is definitely worth the visit especially for those who are looking for Thimphu sightseeing places. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal chortens. The site along with the breathtaking views of the mountains will give you goosebumps as you explore it with your travel buddies. It is a very popular site where locals and tourists come to enjoy a picnic.

If you prefer, drive further around 15 minutes and visit Lamperi Botanical Garden.

Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi

Lamperi Botanical Garden is a 125 acres botanical garden with 46 species of rhododendron flower. The best time to visit this place will be between April and June. The park also has trekking routes, walks around the Baritsho lake, and treehouse. The area of the botanical park is 47 km2 (18 sq mi) and the highest point is 3750 meters. Royal Botanical Park also forms a biological corridor of 120 km2 between the Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park and Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park. There are many trails through which you can walk. It’s a beautiful, calm place.

On arrival in Gangtey, visit Crane information Center where you get information about the valley. 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.

DAY 04: GANGTEY TO PUNAKHA. OVERNIGHT IN PUNAKHA.

After breakfast, hike across Gangtey Nature Trail which is one and a half hours and enjoy the breathtaking view of Phobjikha valley. Gangtey Nature Trail hike is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the Mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hiking places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds – Black Neck Cranes.

Visit Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century, perched atop a small hill that overlooks almost the entire Phobjikha Valley, the spectacular Gangtey Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 gomchens who devotedly take care of the blessed monastery. A 17th century Buddhist monastery, it is one of the most famed as well as sacred sites to visit in the entire valley. A must-visit when in Gangtey.

Later, drive back to Punakha.

DAY 05: PUNAKHA SIGHTSEEING. OVERNIGHT IN PUNAKHA

After breakfast 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Khasum Yulley Namgyal is a beautiful chorten located on ridge at Kabesa Gewog in Punakha overlooking several villages. It is 30-minute drive from the Khuruthang Town and a 45-minute uphill hike from the base of the hill through suspension bridge and rice fields.

Then visit Punakha Dzong, one of the majestic fortresses that sits at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Female) and Pho Chhu (Male) rivers. To access the dzong, you’ll need to cross the Bazam Bridge, originally a bridge built in the 17th century.. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Its magnificent structure showcases the world-class architecture of Bhutan and finest Bhutanese craftsmanship. Punakha Dzong is truly one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and one of the most visited places by tourists.

Suspension Bridge

This colorful overpass is one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges. Punakha Suspension Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan measuring 180 m in length. From the bridge, you can get a spectacular view of the Po Chhu river (male river) and the valley. It’s an ideal place for a photoshoot with a stunning background. You will definitely enjoy the cool and breezy vibes from the suspension bridge.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple

Chimi Lhakhang Temple or Chimi Lhakhang Monastery is the most well-known temple of Bhutan which stands tall on a round hillock in a village called Punakha. It is famously known as the “Fertility Temple” and is mostly visited by several childless couples from in and around Punakha District. It has become a popular tourist destination with visitors flocking in from all across the world to witness the unusual traditional and cultural ceremonies performed here. The monastery is exquisitely built with ancient Thai themed architecture with paintings and carvings of phalluses on all walls.

DAY 06: PUNAKHA TO PARO SIGHTSEEING. OVERNIGHT IN PARO

The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery is perched on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Punakha valley and Wangduephodrang valley. Surrounded by rich lush green pine forest the nunnery complex is a true expression of Bhutanese architecture portraying strong traditional values.

Then drive to Paro and 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.

Namgay Artisanal Brewery

Did you know Bhutan has some of the most reputed and highly enjoyed brews? Well, if you are a beer lover and want to taste some of the finest brews, you must visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro Valley. The brewery is also reputed for its unique produce that are emulsified with rare Bhutanese ingredients.Visit this brewery; join its beer tasting tours at an additional cost to sip over Red Rice Lager, Milk Stout, Indian Pale Ale, Wheat, Apple Cider, and Dark Ale. While enjoying this exciting thing to do in Paro Bhutan, you can also enjoy Namgay Artisanal Brewery’s own brand called ‘Bhutanese’!

DAY 07: PARO TIGER’S NEST. 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.

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. 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.

DAY 08: DEPART FROM PARO AIRPORT.

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