Bhutan Trip - 7 Days 6 Nights

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at the Paro Airport- Bhutan     

After you arrive at the Paro Airport, we will take you to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu (2320m/7656ft). The one-and-a-half-hour flight into the Himalayas offers breathtaking views of the world's highest mountains. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to see Mt Everest (8,848m/29,198ft) and other Himalayan mountain ranges. Our Local representatives will pick you up from the Thimphu airport and transfer you back to the hotel to get some rest and refresh.

The Thimphu visit will then begin at the temple Tamchhog Lhakhang, located on the opposite side of the river. The temple was built by Thang Thong Gyalpo of Tibet, who also built numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan. Then, we will have a view from Kuenselcholing View Point, which offers a good overview of the Thimphu valley from Buddha Point. You can pay your respects and offer prayers to the Buddha here. The place will also provide a view of the country's largest statue, and then let you walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
We will then tour the Memorial Chorten, a chorten built in 1974 as a memorial to the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is also widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. We will then relax and stroll around the city. Overnight in Thimphu

Day 02: Whole day in Thimphu

We will take an early morning hike to Cheri Monastery, which also includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary. After about one hour, the hike will lead us to Cheri Goemba. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620, and also established the first monk body here. You also  have a considerable chance to spot birds such as Mrs. Gould's Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, and Ultramarine Flycatcher.

The tour will then follow the Paper factory, the handmade paper-making in Bhutan, which stems from an age-old tradition originating in the eighth century in Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes a valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is

preserved through all the ages. We will then visit the weekend market, held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We will also visit the Bhutan Craft Bazaar, where private stalls offer a variety of high-quality products from across the country, including wood-carved national symbols, bags, and western wear. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu to Gangtey (2800m/9240ft) - 5 hours drive

Traveling towards Gangtey, we will eventually come across a pass known as Dochula (3140m,10362ft) from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens, 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. Then, we will travel to the beautiful Phobjikha valley, which lies a few kilometers down from the monastery. The place is the winter home of black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north to pass the winter months in a milder climate. Overnight in Gangtey.

Day 04: Gangtey to Punakha/ Wangdue ( 2800m/ 9240ft) 2 hours drive

We will visit Gangtey Goemba in the early morning. The place lies on the slopes of Phobjikha Valley. We will then take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley in 1499, a thirty-minute hike across fields from the road. Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha/Wangdue to Paro (2280m/ 7524ft)4 hours

After an early breakfast, we will take the trip to Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung, which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo Chu and Pho Chu. Then, we will drive to Paro and be followed by a visit to Rimpung Dzong. The Bhutanese Dzongs are immense architectural structures constructed for a variety of functions. The Rimpung Dzong, a fortress of the heap of jewels in the picturesque setting of the Paro valley, can be a lovely refreshment. Overnight in Paro.

Day 06: Full day in Paro

We will go for an early morning hike to Taktshang Monastery(800m/2640ft), the Tiger's Nest, Bhutan's most recognizable cultural icon. After the five-hour hike to and fro, some gentle and some steep steps, we will complete the hike. We can also take the horse ride, which will cost an extra US$25 per person. Then, we will visit the farmhouses that dot the valley amongst fields and hillsides. The two to three-storied Bhutanese farmhouses are handsome in appearance, with colorful, decorated walls and lintels, built traditionally.  We will stroll around the town later to explore how locals live. Overnight in Paro.

Day 07: Full-day departure from Paro

On the last day, we will take an early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport. Your escort will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.

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