Day 1: Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport, assistance and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit National Museum, followed by visit to Rinphung Dzong (Monastery/Fortress). Later visit 7th century Kichu Lhakhang (temple) and Dungtse Lhakhang that contains some ancient murals. Stroll through the charming Paro town. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Paro – Punakha
After breakfast, drive for about 2hrs till Dochula pass (3,050m). Along the way, you get the glimpse of capital Thimphu as well. At Dochula pass, take a short break for tea and to enjoy the panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan peaks. Continue drive, descending about 1500m in two hours through ever changing vegetation into semi-tropical Punakha and Wangdue valley. After lunch, visit 17th century Punakha Dzong, straddling at the confluence of Pho and Mo Chu river. Then drive short distance through idyllic countryside to Khamsum Yuley temple on Nyinzergang hill, that provides good vista of the valley and paddy fields. Overnight at hotel in Punakha (1450m).
Day 3: Punakha - Thimphu
Breakfast at hotel. Visit Richengang village, unique for cluster of houses connected with each other, followed by short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang temple, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (1455 – 1529), popularly known as ‘the divine madman, a folk hero and a cultural icon around whom countless yarns of facts and fiction, stories and legends have been spun. Drive back over spectacular Dochula Pass to capital Thimphu, which takes about 3hrs.
Late afternoon, visit great Tashicho Dzong and the giant Buddha statue on Kuensel phodrang ridge. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu (2400m).
Day 4: Thimphu
Breakfast at hotel. Full day city tour the capital of Bhutan. Visit memorial Chorten, Takin Preserve, Zilukha nunnery, a Viewpoint, followed by visit to traditional Art school (also called painting school) and visit Indigenous Hospital. See the textile academy and museum, stroll through the Farmer’s market, peek at Changlimithang ground, where you may see the archery (national game) in progress. Stroll in the core city area, and shop for souvenirs. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5: Paro (Takstang Hike)
Breakfast at hotel, drive for about hour to Paro and hike to famous Taktsang (tiger’s nest) monastery (3120m/10,200ft). Visible from afar, this magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 1,000 feet above the valley floor. It is one of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan. If for some reason, you are not able to hike, your Guide can arrange other interesting alternatives. You can also hire pony for the uphill part, till the first view point & cafeteria but you must be able to walk back downhill. While some will probably not make it all the way to the monastery, however it is worth even to try getting till the first view point. Return to Paro, where we may have more time for stroll around the town. Farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 6: Departure
Breakfast at hotel. As per your flight schedule transfer to airport for your departure flight.
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