Exotic Getaway

Day 1: Arrival at Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing

Upon arrival drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

En route visit Tachhogang Lhakhang, the Temple of the hill of Excellent Horses. This temple was built in 15th century as a result of visitation from Balaha, the Excellent Horse.

There, visit Semtokha Dzong. It was the first of its kind in Bhutan and was built in 1629 by the unifier of the country, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.

Visit the Great Buddha Dordema popularly known as Buddha Point. At 169 feet (52 m), it is one of the largest Buddha rupas in the world. Sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of 13th Druk Desi (Temporal Ruler of Bhutan), it overlooks the Thimphu valley.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the 3rd King (reigned from 1952-72); affectionately known as the father of modern Bhutan.

In the late afternoon visit the Handicrafts Emporium and the Craft Bazaar if you like to browse through examples of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy textiles, thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelries; interesting items made from local materials, and all manner of unique objects; and visit to the colorful Centenary Farmers’ Market. You may also like to check out the archery field for competition and practice and one or two good book stores for books on Bhutan.

Overnight in Thimphu (1 Night)

Day 2: Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed to Punakha valley, the ancient capital of Bhutan.

En-route, enjoy the scenic beauty of the pass with the majestic Druk Wangyal Lhakhang and 108 stupas on the crest of Dochu La. If the sky is clear one will also be able to enjoy the panoramic view of beautiful mountain ranges and peaks of the Greater Himalaya including Gangkar Puensum (7497 M), probably the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

After an early lunch, visit the Grand Fortress of Punakha Dzong which houses the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. This massive fortress, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, is situated between two rivers known as Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river)

Then drive 7 km upstream Puna-Tshang Chu and hike up to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, perched high on the strategic ridge above Punakha valley. En-route, visit the Dho Jhaga Lama Lhakhang.

Overnight in Punakha (1 Night)

Day 3: Punakha – Gangtey Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to Gangtey. Enroute you will be able to see the ruins of Wangdi Phodrang Dzong, built in 1639 AD..

Over an hour’s drive from Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is Gangtey. There, we will visit Gangtey Gompa (monastery) built in 1613 AD.

Take a two hour-long pleasurable walk along the Nature Trail.

Lunch will be arranged at a farmhouse.

Then, explore Phobjikha valley, which is famous for being the winter home of endangered Black Necked Cranes. There, visit the crane centre.

Overnight at Gangtey (1 Night)

Day 4: Gangtey – Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive back to Thimphu. En route; visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple built on a round hillock in 1499. The 14th Drukpa hierarch Lama Ngawang Chogyel built this temple, also known as The Temple of Fertility. Lama Ngawang Chogyel’s cousin, Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the divine madman, formerly blessed the site. It is believed that Drukpa Kuenley subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunderbolt”. The Chimi Lhakhang is worshipped as the Temple of Fertility

Once there, visit one of the oldest temples of Thimphu valley, the 15th century Changangkha Lhakhang.

In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the massive structure that houses the office of the King, the Throne Room and part of Government Ministries. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the senior monks and the Chief Abbot (the Je Khenpo). It is the main Secretariat building. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Optional:
Visit Motithang Takin Preserve. Originally a small zoo, it was later converted to a preserve when it was observed that these animals refrained from inhabiting in the surrounding forest, even when they were set free following the Royal Decree that mandated animals should not be captivated.

The animal owes a special place in the culture of Bhutan and hence is the national animal.

Overnight at Thimphu (1 Night)

Day 5: Thimphu – Paro Sightseeing

Thimphu – Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive to Paro.

Upon arrival, visit Dungtse Lhakhang, which was built in 1421 by Dupthop Thangthong Gyalpo. It was later restored in 1841 and the names of donors can still be seen written on the wooden pillars of the ground floor.

Then, visit the National Museum, which once served as a Ta Dzong (watchtower) to protect the Paro Rinpung Dzong below from invasions from all directions. A visit through the galleries shows the country’s transition from the Stone Age to a modern Mahayanist Buddhist and multicultural kingdom with its cultural heritage intact.

Visit the Rinpung Dzong. Fortress built in 1644 now houses the government administration offices of the district and district monastic body.

Then visit Kichu Lhakhang. The Tibetan King Srongsen Gampo originally built this temple in the 7th century.

Optional
Drive to Chele La pass (3810m), the highest motor able pass in Bhutan. On a clear day, there are spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake and adjoining peaks to the North West, as well as the view of Haa and Paro valley.

Overnight in Paro (2 Nights)

Day 6: Taktshang Excursion

Taktshang Excursion
After an early breakfast, drive to Satsham Chorten in Paro for a 4 hour excursion to Taktshang (Tiger's Lair). Perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of 4000ft, Taktshang gets it's name from its foundation. It is one of the most venerated pilgrimme sites in the Himalayan world. Despite the fact that it has 13 holy places, most people can only visit the main site called Taktshang Pelphug.

Picnic lunch will be arranged at the Taktshang Cafeteria.

After the hike, visit the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Tenzin Drukdra built the dzong in 1649 at the behest of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate victory over Tibetan invasion. Unfortunately, this massive structure was razed down by fire in 1950s.

In 2016, it was announced that the Dzong will be rebuild and restored to its formerly glory to commemorate important events including the birth of the Crown Prince, 400 years since the visit of Zhabdrung in 1616, and the birth year of Guru Rimpoche.

At the end of the day, you can enjoy Hot Stone Bath at a Farm House.

Day 7: Depart Paro

After breakfast, drive to the airport for your onward flight.