5 nights /6 days Bhutan Tour

After landing at Paro airport, you will be received by the Bhutan tour representative of the Himalaya Trip following the customs clearance. The drive to Thimphu comes next where you will have a brief orientation of the tour along the way. This drive hour or so of a scenic drive overlooking some sublime landscape view. As most flights to Paro are Prone to be early in the morning due to weather conditions, you will have some time to spare after reaching Thimphu.

Visit the Tasichho Dzong or the Dho-Nguyen Dzong in Thimpu after some rest with your guide. Tasichho Dzong is one of the most historical Dzongs on the edge of Thimphu. It is the seat of ‘DrukDesi’ the head of Bhutan’s Civil Government. The dzong is a great way to get an immediate glance at Bhutanese history, culture, and art. Rest for the day after returning from the visit to your hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After a light breakfast, we will start the drive towards the Punakha district. About three hours of driving distance from Thimphu will take us to the former capital of Bhutan, Punakha. Midway we will stop at one of the iconic passes of Bhutan the Dochula Pass. Situated at a beautiful location you can enjoy fantastic views of the Himalayas dominated by Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7570 m) from the pass. The memorial Chortens here, also known as Druk Wangyal Chorten, are a beautiful monument where you can spend some time. After a brief break and pictures in Dochu La pass, we will continue the drive to Punakha.

The Chime Lhakang temple is the first site we’ll visit in Punakha. This temple is one of its kind in Bhutan and is said to be blessed by Saint Drukpa Kunley locally known as the “Divine Madman”. The sculptures and paintings in the temple display different kinds of phalluses that represent the unique approach of Drukpa Kunley. The majestic Punakha Dzong is next which translates locally as “the palace of great happiness or bliss”. The scenic location of the Dzong at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu makes it even better. Once the seat of the Bhutanese Government, Punakha Dzong is also one of the oldest and biggest dzongs in Bhutan. After the tour return to the hotel. You can also visit the lively local market in the evening here. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

The next part of the Bhutan tour leads you to the different halves of Bhutan. A short drive from Punakha leads us to Gangtey Valley and the Gangtey Monastery. As one of the major and oldest monasteries of Nyingmapa School in Bhutan, it is also a popular option for short hikes. A view of vast marshland meeting the chain of the Black Mountain range, along with the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, is truly scenic. This renovated monastery still holds and exhibits the centuries-old history and art beautifully here. From the broad observation deck here, visitors can view the full extent of the surrounding landscape.

The Gangtey Valley is also popular for migrating black-necked cranes often spotted in the Marshlands here. In certain festivals, locals perform the Black-necked crane dance too which will be a unique experience for travelers. After going through the brief history and stories of the monastery by your guide you can rest for the day here. Overnight at a hotel in Gangtey Valley.

View a fantastic sunrise from Gangtey Valley to start the fourth day of your Bhutan tour. Following breakfast, you will drive to Paro Valley with your guide. Midway to Paro, we will visit the Kuensel Phodrang which is the biggest statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Bhutan. Glided in gold this massive structure overlooks the southern parts of Thimphu. Giving you a wide view of the skyline in clear weather, this statue celebrated the 60th anniversary of Jigme Singye Wangchuck (fourth king of Bhutan). There are thousands of small statues throughout the premises some offered by the visitors to the statue. After spending some peaceful time at Kuensel Phodrang, we will continue our drive to Paro.

After a brief rest and lunch at your hotel, you will start the cultural tour of Paro Valley. Here, we will first visit one of the tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Paro Dzong. Locally known as the Rinpung Dzong, this Dzong is one of the major Kagyu School of Drukpa Lineage in Bhutan. Explore the murals and architecture of this wonderful Dzong and go through the history and stories of Rinpung Dzong with your guide. We will visit the Ta Dzong here next. Encapsulating the National Museum of Bhutan, this dzong is just above the Rinpung Dzong. Travelers can look at the finest of Bhutanese art and masterpieces at the museum. Return to the hotel in Paro after the tour and rest for the day. Overnight at Paro.

We will head towards one of the most iconic destinations of Bhutan, the Taktsang Monastery from Paro and back today. The hike to the monastery is a beautiful stretch to walk in Bhutan. Midway on the trail to Taktsang, there is a beautiful waterfall where you can rest and enjoy the view. Hiking gradually and enjoying the views we will reach the Taktsang Monastery after about 3 hours. Also known as the “Tiger’s Lair”, Taktsang Monastery lies on the steep face of a Cliffside. First built in about 1692 AD, the monastery we see today was restored from fire destruction in 1998. Located about 900 meters above the Paro Valley at an altitude of 3,120 meters, Taktsang Monastery is magical. Legends say that the Great Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava meditated in the caves (Tigers Nest) of the monastery. The architecture and scenery of Taktsang monastery never fail to amaze the visitors. After a tranquil time in and around the Monastery, we will hike back to Paro.

After some rest following the hike, we will visit the Jowo Temple of Kyichu one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The Temple is believed to have been built by King Tsongten Gampo of Tibet in the 7th century. Similarly, there are stories stating that; Guru Rinpoche himself concealed some magical items within the premises of the temple. After some exploration here, you will rest for the day back to the hotel in Paro.

After your breakfast, we will drive you to Paro Airport for your departure. The team of Himalaya Trip will stay connected for your valuable feedback. Return with some best bits of memories and fantastic stories of Bhutan from the tour.