General Information
Start/ End: Paro/ Paro
Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights
Tour route: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Guides: Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages depends on your Request)
Transportation: Private first-class air-conditioned vehicles
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges.
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Paro Arrival – Sightseeing
Day 02: Explore Thimphu Valley (B)
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (B)
Day 04: Village Walk in Punakha and Evening Drive to Gangtey (B, L)
Day 05: Gangtey – Punakha (B, L)
Day 06: Punakha – Paro (B)
Day 07: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (B)
Day 08: Paro Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Paro Arrival & Sightseeing (B)
Welcome to Paro. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by our drivers and tour guides, those will help you check into your hotel.
If your flight lands in the morning, you will pay a visit to the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels” with its long and rich history.
Along with the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong, you can witness the fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore. Afterward, you will pay a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 8th century. Then, in the afternoon, you can stroll around Paro town. Walking through the market and meeting with people will be a fun time.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Thimphu City Day Tour (B/ L)
After having breakfast, you will transfer to Thimphu. Sightseeing in Thimphu includes the Folk Heritage Museum and the School of Arts and Crafts is an amazing experience.
At lunchtime, you will be served delicious lunch before heading to Kuenselphodrang overlooking Thimphu valley and where the giant Buddha statue is located. In fact, this 169-feet statue is recognized to be the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world.
Evening visits the Tashichhodzong, the stunning medieval fortress-monastery, which houses most of the Government’s office and Kings’ Throne Room.
When the sun begins to set, you transfer to the hotel for dinner and then you can stroll in Thimphu city and get a closer insight into the lifestyle of the people.
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (B)
Wake up early in the morning and enjoy breakfast before driving to Punakha with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters). The pass, which is marked by Bhutanese Chortens and prayer flags offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the Himalayas on a clear day. En route stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley popularly known as the Devine Madman. If you wish, you may receive a special fertility blessing from a wooden phallus.
Upon arrival in Punakha, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 04: Village Walk in Punakha and Evening Drive to Gangtey (B/ L)
After having a delicious breakfast, you will pay a visit to a village hike which is connected by the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.
After crossing the bridge, you will travel to a local village to discover the village farmhouse, architecture, and lifestyle.
At lunchtime, you will have a great chance to enjoy lunch at farmhouses with Bhutanese butter tea and “ara” a local wine. After that, you will transfer to Gangtey, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes, through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons.
From Wangdue, it is a steady ascent to Lawal Pass, 3 km short of Pele La which is the crossover point into central Bhutan. Just after a few minute’s drive downhill from Lawal Chorten, you will arrive at Gangtey village from where you can see the picturesque Black Mountain range. Spend time visiting and interacting with monks studying there.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Gangtey.
Day 5: Gangtey – Punakha (B, L)
After having breakfast, you will hike through Gangtey valley to explore the nearby villages. The valley is mostly surrounded by high altitude dwarf bamboo, pine trees, hiking trails, and farmhouse with impressive art and wood carving. You can pay a visit to a few farmhouses to see their way of life. You can also travel Nature Information Center which has informative displays about the crane and the valley environment. Later drive to Punakha. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 6: Punakha – Paro (B)
In the morning, we drive back to Paro. You will stop in Thimphu for lunch.
After that, we start to visit the Weekend Market, the largest vegetable market in the country. You can see the manifold food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and fruits. Many stalls converge Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. This is a great opportunity for photography and to mingle with locals coming from nearby villages to sell their farm products; thus, keep your camera handy.
Keep driving to Paro and stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (B)
This morning we enjoy a short hike to the Taktsang Goemba aka Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. It is truly impressive, situated at 10,400 feet and perched on the edge of a steep cliff about 4,000 feet above the Paro Valley.
Lunch is served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After an exciting time, you will hike down to the valley floor.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Departure (B)
After breakfast in the morning, check-out and wait for the drive to pick you up for a flight to your departure. This Bhutan trip for family ends. We wish your family have unforgettable memories
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