Explore Bhutan – 6N/7D

Early morning, check out from the hotel and arrive at the airport. Board the flight to Paro, Bhutan. The most spectacular mountain flights you will ever experience in a life time. Flying in from the heat of the plains of India one can witness from the left side of the aircrafts window a series of the world’s highest peaks. Your pilot will announce the names of the peaks if the weather is clear. You will descend into the high mountains and as the plane lowers you will not find any airstrip or any city but instead you will enjoy the view of the approaching valley of Paro, the alpine forests, little monasteries, temples and farm houses. Before the plane touches the runaway you will get a glimpse of the fertile valley of Paro, the Paro Dzong and Paro chu (river). Our representative will be at the airport to assist, meet and greet you and later you’ll be taken to the capital city, Thimphu and the rest of the day is at your leisure. En-route we will take a leg stretch walk to Takchogang Lhakhag cross over small suspension bridge. Stay overnight at the resort in Thimpu.

Morning drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 10,000 ft and on the stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. Next to the check point you will find small local stalls selling fresh juicy local apples available for sale in plastic bags you could try some. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. You could take three rounds and offer prayers, take some best photo shots. If the weather is clear you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north, Gangar Punsum among others is the highest unclimbed peak (24,000 ft) in the world. Proceed down towards Punakha through Thinleygang village and upon reaching Lobesa turn left and drive down further. Stop and take a short walk through the villages to Chimmi Lhakhang – The divine madman also known, as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide will excite you to visit Chimmi Lhakhang. Do not miss the master’s deeds painted on the walls. In the afternoon, a visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk. Late in the after noon return to Thimphu. Stay overnight at the resort in Thimpu.

When in Thimphu you got to prepare for surprises where this unique capital has no traffic lights but adopted its own version of the British – Indian colonial times traffic policemen who can startle you and memorize others with his elaborate hand gestures, sometimes he may be signaling stop when it looks like go but don’t worry you can observe the flow and notice his smile as you stare at him. Sightseeing includes the Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, and Handicraft Center to view the traditional arts, the indigenous Medicine Hospital, the Painting School and from the road point take a glimpse of Trashichho Dzong. Further drive uphill and visit Takin Zoo where you will find national animal of Bhutan. Afternoon visit National Memorial Chorten a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan and Buddha statue. Evening take a walk to the main city from Clock tower square. Stay overnight at the resort in Thimpu.

Morning transfer to Paro and visit Paro Dzong, the National Museum housed in a round fortress called as the Ta Dzong considered to be one of the best natural history museums in Asia where it has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts. Kyichu Lhakhang , the monastery dates back to 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred. Afternoon visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th century fortress that used to keep invaders from Tibet and in 1951 the fort was destroyed by fire. The evening is at your leisure. Stay overnight at the resort in Paro.

If you are adventurous and physically fit, you could hike to the world famous ͞Tigers Nest ͞or popularly known as ͞Taktsang͟ one of the popular spiritual heritage sites. It was here that the great tantric master Guru Padma Sambhava flew in from Tibet on a tiger to bring Buddhist teachings to Bhutan. (Round hike takes 7 hours) OR Hike to Dzongdrakha temple often called as mini Taktsang, the temple is built in the cliffs above Bondey village. The walk is not as strenuous as to Tigers Nest OR Hike to Kila Gompa – if you are fit for it, as mountain goat Kila Gompa awaits you. These magnificent clustered temples are built on the cliffs and have been home for nuns for a longtime. Kila in Sanskrit means subjugating spiritual dagger that destroys the negativities. Hike up and subjugate all your negative energies within you and if it does not give you any spiritual satisfaction you will feel physically rejuvenated after the hike. OR If you want to spend some time near by the river side before reaching Tigers Nest base you will come across a small river where you could stop and walk down near the riverbed. Experience and feel close to nature and visit some Farm House where you will be able to see the lifestyle of the villagers of Paro. In the Afternoon if you are left with some energy you could visit the town for shopping or leisure. Stay overnight at the resort in Paro.

Visit the temples of Dzongdrakha on foot which studs the rock cliff. Continue driving to Chelela Pass, highest road pass in Bhutan at 3988m. When the weather permits one can view the most scared mountain in the country Mt. Jomolhari (7314m). We can explore many walks around the pass and return back to the hotel in the evening. Recommend picnic lunch excursion to the pass. Stay overnight at the resort in Paro.

Morning transfers to Paro International Airport to board a flight to your hometown. Tour concludes with happy memories!