General Information
Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights
Start/ End: Thimphu/ Paro
Tour Route: Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Paro Arrival – Transfer from Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 3: Transfer from Thimphu to Punakha/ Wangdi
Day 4: Bhutan Rafting Tours – Day 1
Day 5: Bhutan Rafting Tours – Day 2
Day 6: Transfer from Punakha to Paro
Day 7: Paro Sightseeing
Day 8: Paro Departure
Day 1: Paro Arrival – Transfer to Thimphu
After letting your soul roll into the romantic vista of the Paro Valley while floating in the middle of the sky, you then take off the airport and, without doubt, you will immediately be greeted by the fresh air and a cooling wind of the mountain-covered country. Our representative will be waiting to warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel in Thimphu right after you complete all the immigration procedures.
Before getting into a short hike from Kuensel Phodrang to Depsi to reach Thimphu, we will visit the Tallest Buddha Statue in the world. Then, we start hiking and pass through the lush dense pine, rhododendron and oak forests. After about 1.5 hours of hiking, we finally see Thimphu city, Wang Chhu river.
Later, in the evening, head to Tashichho Dzong and stroll around the town. Having dinner and the rest of the day will be yours.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Today, we will spend our day sightseeing. After breakfast, we head out to visit the Memorial Chorten built in 1974 with the aim of commemorating the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and inside it, there would be many good examples of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy.
We then go to Mothithang minizoo to see the National animal of Bhutan – Takin; Zulikha Nunnery & Thangtoong Dewachen Nunnery which was built in 1976 and are home to 60 nuns engaged in Buddhist study and practices; the showcase – Folk Heritage Museum where you will get an insight into the 19-century farmhouse and Bhutanese family’s living style; the National Library preserving many old-aged Dzongkha and Tibetan texts.
Later, in the evening, we will have a home-like dinner at Bhutanese Farm House and some time refresh ourselves with Traditional Hot Stone bath.
Overnight at the hotel or Bhutanese Farm House.
Day 3: Transfer from Thimphu to Punakha
After breakfast, begin your third day with a drive to Punakha. En route, the road steeply climbs through pine, hemlock spruce, and rhododendrons forests; hence, let marvel at their beauty and enjoy a pretty drive. When you reach Dochula pass, ready to amaze at the stunning panoramic vista of the Eastern Himalayan Mt range as the pass is adorned with 108 small stupas and many prayer flags. The drive continues to descend through the lush forests to the fertile Punakha Valley & Wangdi Pghodrang.
On reaching Lobesa, we will visit Chhimi Lhakhang which, absolutely, leave you a deep impressive due to its outside look and furniture as well. Keep in your mind that this is the temple of fertility.
In the evening, having dinner and the rest of the day will be yours. Enjoy the nightlife in Punakha and do not forget preparing for the Bhutan rafting tours ahead.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Bhutan Rafting Tours Day 1 – Pho Chhu River
Today, our rafting & kayaking tour will begin. After breakfast. Take a short drive then you will come to the river. You will raft along the river to Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, located on the confluence of the rivers. It is great for you to keep your camera handy because, during the rafting time, you seem to be overwhelmed with the stunning vistas surrounding. At noon, we will have a picnic lunch on the riverside.
After lunchtime, take a drive passing through traditional villages and farmlands, then you will take a short hike to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang. Once there, you absolutely have a breathtaking panorama over the valley below.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Bhutan Rafting Tours Day 2 – Mo Chhu River
After breakfast, you are now full of energy to begin the second rafting day. Hiking up to the temple at Nyezengong and then, your rafting trip will begin following the flow of the Mo Chhu river along the gorgeous natural beauty surrounding.
In the evening, head to Rinchengang village in Wangduephodrang where you enjoy a short hike through the village and have an opportunity to interact with people there. Also, you can see the ruins Wangdue Dzong which was heavily damaged by fire in 2012.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Transfer from Punakha to Paro
Having breakfast and then, we will take a pretty drive to Paro ascending up to the Dochula pass. En route, it is great to marvel at the view of the Himalayan ranges outside. If you find yourself the best spot, just stop and take photos. Once in Tacho Gang, we visit Tachogang Lhakhang that was built by a wonder-working Tibetan saint – Thangtong Gyalpo. Also, you will cross the iron chain bride that will give you a fascinating feeling whenever you step toward. Lunch in Paro.
After lunch, head to National Museum where converging huge collections of art, relics, religious Thangka paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps and Paro Dzong.
Later, in the evening, the rest of the day will be yours.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Paro Sightseeing
This morning, after breakfast, we will take a short hike to Paro Taktsang Goemba – the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the most sacred religious monastery in Bhutan. After 2 hours hiking upward, the glorious view of the monastery with many prayer flags fluttering in the sky.
Lunchtime at a cafeteria in the Taktsang Goemba.
After lunch, make a way back to the village of Drukgyel and visit the old-aged Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang built in 1649 and in the 7th century, respectively.
Later, the rest of the day will be yours.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Paro Departure
Time to say goodbye Bhutan. Having breakfast at a cafeteria, then you can stroll around the city, do some shopping, or just simply relax in a coffee shop and recall the best time you have in Bhutan. Before 2 hours before your return flight launched, our representative will be waiting to meet you at the hotel and escort you to the international airport. The trip ends, hope you had a memorable Bhutan trip as you expected and wish that we could serve you next time in Bhutan.
