6 Nights Itinerary Coverage: Thimphu - Punakha - Paro
A warm welcome on arrival at Paro Airport by our representative. Meet our driver & take scenic drive to Thimphu, roughly 1.5 hrs drive. Check in at your hotel in Thimphu. This afternoon set out for visit to Changankha Lhakhang, this 12th century historic temple perched on ridge above central Thimphu, you can collect most beautiful stamps from here & take stroll in the main streets to see the beautiful Himalayan artifacts.
This morning visit weekend market & collect the things you want, it’s a nice experience to see people selling & purchasing. Later start to Cheri Monastery, 12 kms north of Thimphu with an hour hike from road head. This is the important site of pilgrimage & center of higher studies for graduate Buddhist monks. Return to city for lunch at hotel or at local restaurant & proceed for visit to Memorial Chorten, built in memory of Third King of Bhutan. Afterwards, visit Tashicho Dzong, the structure dates back to 1216 AD located on the right bank of Thimphu Chu. It is the prime seat of Government. (From Monday – Friday, visitors are not permitted inside the Dzong before 5 PM, during weekends it opens for visitors from 9AM – 5 PM) Spend the rest of the time exploring National Textile Museum, followed by overnight stay at hotel.
This morning set out for scenic drive to Punakha through high mountains of Dochu La Pass in Himalayas. This drive allows the splendid views of mighty Himalayas. On arrival, check in at hotel. After freshen up proceed for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a small hill & a 30- minute hike takes you to this temple which is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley was famous for his outrageous sexual humour, songs to dramatize the teachings in an unusual way & became the ‘Divine Madman’. It is believed that the couple who do not have children, if they pray here, they will be blessed by children, that’s why it is also called as ‘Temple of Fertility’.
Today take a short hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, stunningly located on ridge above Punakha Valley built by Her Majesty Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wanghuk & a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. Drive towards Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of Pho Chhu & Mo Chhu rivers. The present structure fully restored by present monarch which damaged over the centuries by catastrophic fires & earthquake. Have lunch in town & return to hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Paro en-route visiting Semtokha Dzong, 5 kms out of town stand on a hill is famous for profound tantric teaching. Drive to Paro & check in at hotel. Have lunch at proceed for sightseeing of Ta Dzong, built as a watchtower in 1649 & now houses National Museum. It has impressive collection of thangkas, weapons, armour and much more. Take a short trail to Rinchen Pung Dzong (shortened to Ringpung Dzong, built on steep hillside & famous for its architecture. Along the way visit Kyichu Lakhang, the famous Buddhist temple built by King Songsten Gampo followed by dinner with local family to have deeper insight on Bhutan’s culture & rich traditions.
Early morning embark on hike to Taktshang Goemba or Tiger’s Nest, perched 900 mts above Paro valley & 3 – 4 hrs trek from ground takes you to the most significant monastery for Buddhists in the world. Its history takes you back to the 8th century when Guru Padmasambhava came from India & gained its spiritual significance in the world after Guru Rinpoche who flew here on Tigress to subdue a demon. Have lunch at a local restaurant or cafeteria & proceed to visit Dungtse Lhakhang, was constructed in 1433 by great bridge builder Thangtong Gyelpo & repository of unique Kagyu lineage arts. It is said that it is built on demoness head was terrorizing the local inhabitants so he built this to overpower on demoness. Later enjoy a lively private dance show which represents the Bhutanese culture.
Transfer to Paro International Airport for onward flight.
