Day 1: Arrival Paro
On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Paro for one night. Afterwards, visit the Ta Dzong (ancient watch tower) which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan and continue to the Paro Dzong (also known as the Rinpung Dzong), built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The evening is at leisure to relax – so why not stroll in the Paro town?
Day 2: Paro – Thimphu
After breakfast, begin the day with a hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). No visit to Bhutan would be complete without a trip to Taktshang. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900m above the Paro valley and takes about a 2-hour climb on a well-maintained trail through beautiful pine forest, trees festooned with Spanish Moss and fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to Paro Taktshang cliff in the form of Guru Dorji Drolo, mounted on a flaming tigress in the 8th century. In the evening, we will drive a distance of 65-km for about one hour journey to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
Morning sightseeing includes the best of Thimphu city at an altitude of 2,300m. First stop off is at the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Next, drive up to the Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point) offering a panoramic view overlooking the Thimphu valley, then visit the Mini Zoo for Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Continue to the Tashichhodzong, which houses some ministries, the office and throne room of His Majesty the King and the Central Monk Body. In the afternoon, travel to Punakha for a distance of 77-km for about 3 hours journey and stop off at Dochu La Pass at an altitude of 3,050m. Punakha, at an altitude of 1,300m, was once the old capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha – Paro
After breakfast, Visit the Punakha Dzong built in 1637, which is strategically located at the confluence of the Phochhu (male) and Mochhu (female) Rivers. After that visit the Chimi Lhakhang, which is dedicated to the legendary Lama Drukpa Kinley (known as the Divine Madman). The monastery is also revered as a sanctum of fertility. Legend has it that the couples wishing to have a baby from across Bhutan and occasionally from overseas are blessed with a child after visiting the temple – Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children. We then head back to Paro for a final overnight stay. There may also be time to visit the ruined Drugyal Dzong (fortress), built in 1649 to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders or the Kichu Lhakhang, which is one of the oldest 7th century temples in Bhutan. The evening is at leisure to relax or go for shopping to buy souvenir items for your loved ones back home.
Day 5: End of Tour
Early morning transfer to Paro Airport for your onward journey accompanied by your guide from Bhutan Green Travel. Goodbye and Good luck!