Highlights

• Drive to Kuensel Phodrang to see the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue
• Visit the National Memorial Chorten, the memorial bhutan
• Drive to Punakha with a tea-break at Dochula Pass (3,150 m above sea level)
• Tour of majestic Punakha Dzong, the second-oldest and -largest dzong
• Explore the local Bhutanese food
• Explore the local Paro market featuring Bhutan's distinctive products
• Trek to Taktshang Monastery or ‘Tiger’s Nest’. one of the most revered pilgrimage places in the Himalayas

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival in Thimphu

Nestled along the Wang Chu River, Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, harmoniously blends tradition with modernity, notable as the world's only capital without traffic lights. Monasteries and cheerful monks dot the landscape, adding to the city's serene ambiance. Optional tours include Tachogang Lhakhang, housing relics of Thangtong Gyelpo, and Changangkha Lhakhang, renowned for blessing newborns. Tashichho Dzong, a majestic fortress-monastery, completes this cultural immersion. Overnight accommodation is provided at the hotel.

Day 02 : Full day sightseeing of Thimphu

Drive to Kuensel Phodrang to see the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue, standing 167 feet high surrounded by smaller Buddha statues. The view of Thimphu Valley at dusk is enchanting. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, honoring Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, symbolizing world peace. Explore the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal. Visit historic Simtokha Dzong and Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery to interact with nuns. Shop at the Centenary Farmers’ Market and Handicrafts Market for local products. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03 : Thimphu to Punakha

The spectacular drive to Punakha with a tea-break at Dochula Pass (3,150 m above sea level) will take you past interesting monuments and awe-inspiring views of the great Himalayas. Arrive at majestic Punakha Dzong, or the Pungtang Dechen Phortang Dzong, the second-oldest and -largest dzong. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal Wangchuck built it in 1638 at the confluence of Bhutan’s two major rivers, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. It is believed that the Guru Rinpoche prophesized this event 800 years before it happened. The view on sunny days is spectacular, with sunlight reflecting off the water onto its white-washed walls.

‍Day 04 : Full day sightseeing in Punakha

Take an early morning hike through the upper Punakha valley to the regal Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, the stupa built to provide spiritual protection, peace and harmony in the changing world. Enjoy the stunning views of the Mo Chhu as well as the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. Next visit the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, overlooking the Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys. You will find the largest Avalokitesvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong) statue in the country as well as statues of Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Guru Padmasambawa, and others here. There is a meditation and higher learning centre for nuns, for their religious and life-skills training. Stay overnight in a hotel in Punakha.

Day 05 : Punakha to Paro

Drive to Paro, home to Bhutan’s only international airport and a wealth of historical and sacred sites. The town is nestled in a flat valley bottom adorned with over 155 temples and monasteries. Check into your hotel upon arrival. Visit the National Post Office, built in the Dzong style, to learn about Bhutan's postal history and collect stamps as souvenirs. Experience the national sport at Changlimithang Archery Ground and then explore the majestic Rimpung Dzong, a prime example of Bhutanese architecture. Cross the bridge to Jangtsa Dumgtseg Lhakhang, a unique temple illustrating Drukpa Kagyu Buddhist iconography. Explore the local Paro market featuring Bhutan's distinctive products. Overnight in Paro.

Day 06 : Visit the Tiger Nest Monastery

Trek to Taktshang Monastery or ‘Tiger’s Nest’. one of the most revered pilgrimage places in the Himalayas. Defying all architectural principles, the Taktshang Monastery clings magically to a cliff and holds considerable spiritual significance in Bhutan. Its history is deeply linked to the revered Indian saint Guru Padmasambhava, who came to Bhutan in the 8th century to meditate. Next visit the Jowo Temple or Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo, this was one of the 108 temples built to save the people of the Himalayas from a powerful ogress terrorizing them. Many extensions have been added to the Lhakhang through the ages. The Guru Lhakhang houses important relics including a 7th-century statue of Jowo Sakyamuni.

Day 07 : Head for return journey

After breakfast in the morning, head to the Paro Airport to board your flight for your return journey.

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