Day 01

Arrive Paro – Thimphu

After arriving & visa formalities and collection of baggage, you will be welcomed by our tour representative who will be your tour guide during your entire trip in Bhutan.

• Check into your hotel in Thimphu. Free until lunch time for some rest from early morning flight, refreshment and lunch.
• Afternoon, you can choose to visit any or all of the following places:-

Tachogang Lhakhang

Tachogang Lhakhang is located in Paro district, on the way to Thimphu. It was founded by Thankthong Gyelpo after he experienced a vision of Guru Rimpochhe, Amitaba and Avalokiteshvara near site. The caretakers today are said to be descendants of Thangtong Gyelpo. Inside the temple one can see the masters relics, including his walking stick.

Tashichho Dzong

The Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress at the northern edge of Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. The Dzong was built on the western bank of the river Wang Chu, and has historically served at the seat of the Druk Desi or the Dharma Raja of Bhutan’s government. After the kings assumed power in 1907 this post was combined with that of the king and Thimphu severed as the summer capital of the kingdom before becoming the full time capital of Bhutan.

Overnight  in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu

After the breakfast we will drive to following places:

Kuensel Phodrang

The Kuensel Phodrang or the Buddha point is the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue, the statue is 167 feet high. The statue is situated on top of a hill overlooking the city of Timphu, it can be accessed by road and is about 15 minutes away from the city’s center. The word Kuensel means everything is clear and from this place you will sure enjoy a great view of the Thimphu Valley on both sides. The statute will house a temple inside it, the statue and its adjoining car park and recreational center.

National Memorial Chorten

The National Memorial was built by Bhutan’s third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is also known as the “father of modern Bhutan.” He wanted to erect a monument carrying the message of world peace and prosperity. However, he was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime due to pressures of state and other regal responsibilities. After his untimely demise in 1972, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to eternal peace, harmony and tranquility.

 Motithang Takin Preserve

The Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Thimphu Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin Bhutan’s national animal.

It was originally a mini zoo, but it was converted in a preserve later on as the Takin. The mini zoo contained a small number of Takin but the King of Bhutan later decreed that it was improper for a Buddhist nation to keep an animal in captivity. The animals were set free and the zoo was shut down, but for some reason the Takinrefused to leave the area for the forests nearby. Instead the animals were frequently found roaming around the streets of the capital city in search for food. As a result the government decided to demarcate an 8 acre fenced location as the Motithang Takin Preserve.

Overnight in Thimphu

DAY 3 Hike to Tango monastery

Tango Monastery

This sacred monastery is located about 30 minutes drive due North of Thimphu. After getting off at Dodena (2600m), we hike uphill for about an hour. As you walk up it will be shaded with pink, white, and mostly red rhododendron shrubs in late spring. Once you get there you will be greeted with a sight of a beautiful white structure. The surrounding buildings and the three-storied central tower which stands proud to these days was build in the 18th Century by Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgye. 
​Tango monastery was once the abode Pajo Drujom Zhipo and his descendants, however many influential and important lamas graced the place on later dates. One of them was Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who meditated in the nearby caves in the 17th century.  It was during the time when Bhutan was frequently invaded by the Tibetans. A legend has it that Zhabdrung’s meditation ensured their defeat and the temple was then offered to him. He carved a statue of Chenrezig (avalokiteshvara) out of sandal wood and installed it as the main relic.
Note: Phojo drugom Zhipo is one of the founding fathers of Drukpa Kagyuin Bhutan. He took a consort from Wang Simo in Thimphu, called Sonam Pelden a reincarnation of Machig Lhabdron. They had 4 sons together who went to other parts of western Bhutan to spread Buddhism.

Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha

Post early breakfast, you will drive towards Punakha via Dochula Pass. We will stop over for tea at Dochula (3,100 m), where on a sunny day, you can get stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. The Dochu La Pass is probably the best known mountain pass in Bhutan. Located at an altitude of 3150 meter above sea level, the Dochu La Pass is about 30 kilometer away from the capital city Thimphu and the road to Punakha.On a clear day the pass offers visitors a spectacular view of the majestic eastern Himalayan Ranges.

Punakha Dzong

The Punakha Dzong or the Pungtang Dechen Phortang Dzong is located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and the Po Chhu River, combine to form the Puna Tsang Chu which in turn is a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River. The Dzong was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal Wangchuck in 1638 on the exact spot as prophesized by the Guru Rinpoche some 800 years ago. According to the prophecy of Guru Rinpoche “a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant”. And lo behold! Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal found that the peak of the hill was in the shape of an elephant’s trunk and built the Dzong at that very spot. Another legend associated with the Dzong is that of ZowePalep, the architect of the Dzong received vision of the Dzong in his sleep. This vision got imprinted in the architects mind and enabled him to construct the Dzong without putting his plans to paper.

(Overnight in  Punakha)

DAY 5 . Day Excursion to Phobjikha Valley (80 kms / 3 hours)

Today after breakfast in the hotel ,drive to Gangtey Gompa (at 3500 metres, 2 Hours drive)  Enjoy the views of the immense and remote Phobjikha valley and the black mountain ranges.  Visit Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries). Where the villagers continue live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle.  This is the site where black-necked cranes visit in their hundreds in November each year after spending the summer in Tibet.  As a result no electricity is run to the valley to avoid disturbing their habitat. Later in the evening drive back to Punakha for overnight.                                       

Overnight in Punakha Hotel .

DAY 6 Punakha to Paro

 after breakfast in the Punakha hotel we will drive back to Paro on the way we will visit Simtokha Dzong one of the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. Lunch in Paro. After lunch you can visit Ta Dzong (‘the watch tower’) now housing the National Museum.  Built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong, it was originally used to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war.  Its unusual circular construction resembles a conch shell and it now contains a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts – costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps.

DAY 7 Hike to Tiger’s Nest 

Take a day walk to the ‘Tiger’s Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery which climbs to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress.  He subsequently meditated here for three months.  It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries.  You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.

Overnight in Paro Hotel.

Day 07: Hike to Tiger’s Nest

After early morning breakfast, we will take you for a morning hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Hanging precariously and magically from a rather steep cliff, the Taktshang monastery is a monument of genuine pride for the Bhutanese nation. It defies architectural principles to the core and amazes tourists from around the world. It is a sight to behold.

Tiger’s Nest

Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is called, it is widely regarded is one of the most important monuments of spiritual significance in Bhutan. Its history is deeply associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the revered Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in eastern Bhutan while riding on a tigress. When he landed in the cave, he took the wrathful form of Guru DorjiDrolo who is regarded as one of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche to decimate the demons.

Kyichu Lhakhang

The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The temple was built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th Century AD. The Kyichu Lhakhang was one of the 108 temples constructed by him to subdue a demon that was terrorizing the people of the Himalayas.

The Lhakahng underwent many extensions during the ages with the last one being carried out in 1965 by the Queen Mother Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck. She added another new structure to the temple called the Guru Lhakhang. As one of the oldest Lhakhangs, it houses many important relics. One of the most important relics of the temple is a 7th century statue of Jowo Sakyamuni which is believed to have cast at the same time as it famous counterpart in Lhasa Tibet.

Overnight in Paro.

DAY 8 . Day excursion to Chelela pass to Kelela Geoenpa

After breakfast you drive to chelela pass and  walk to Kila Goemba is about an hour through a beautiful and magnificent forest. You will find the hike through this forest worthy, where you will see great beautiful clouds, yaks, hemlock trees, wildflowers, tall firs, Paro valley, Haa valley and natural beauty of the forest. You can also see the beautiful mountains of Bhutan such as Mt. Jomolhari (7314 meters/24000 feet), Mt. Jichu Drake (6794 meters/22290 feet) and the world’s third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga (8586 meters/28169 feet) in a clear weather from the spot.

In Kila Goemba, there are about 40 nuns whose age ranges from 15 to 80. These nuns reside in Kila Goemba as some were orphans and some left their homes and wealth for spiritual happiness. Nuns live here by dedicating their entire life for religion, meditation, studies, prayers and spiritual peace.

The main temple of Kila Goemba has ancient statues such as of Chenrizig (Avalokiteswara) and Guru Rinpoche. Nuns here live a simple lifestyle where their day begins and ends with prayers. The nuns have their breakfast at 10 am where their meal includes rice, vegetables and tea. After the breakfast, they continue with their studies until 9 pm. After the study, they have their simple meal for the night. The nuns are off to bed after their final session of prayers. Older nuns have entered into meditation by retiring while the younger nuns still undergo their dharma studies and even perform religious ceremonies. The courses take about five to six years and after that they start meditation which can take four months to five years.

When you visit this beautiful place, you will witness the atmosphere of peace and discover the undisturbed lives of nuns. One of the interesting things about the nuns here is that they also get lesson in carpentry. You will witness the nuns learning carpentry when you reach the temple.

Visitors usually hike to Kila Gyemba from the Chelela pass which is 45 kilometers from Paro. Chelela pass is located at 3822 meters and is located between Paro and Haa. The hike takes about four hours through the spectacular views of valleys, pine trees, rhododendron tress and exotic highland flowers such as orchids and blue poppy which is the national flower of Bhutan.

The Chelela pass is the highest road point in Bhutan and people usually come here for picnic. Visitors usually start their hike on early morning around 8 am for fresh view and atmosphere. The pass is beautifully decorated with prayer flags and looks colorful and peaceful as well. Sometimes fogs make the scenes look very breathtaking and beautiful in pictures while captured

Overnight in Paro  

 Day 9:  Departure :

In the morning after early breakfast we will see you off at the Paro Airport for your onward destinations.