Day 1 : Fly into Paro and then take a shuttle to Thimphu (55km, approx 1 hours & 15 minutes drive)
One of the most breathtaking flights over the Himalayas is the one to Paro. The flight offers magnificent vistas and an exhilarating descent into the Kingdom, whether taking off from Kolkatta or Kathmandu across the foothills of the Himalayas. The crisp, fresh mountain air you'll breathe as you exit the plane will be Bhutan's first present to you. You will be greeted by one of our representatives after completing immigration procedures and retrieving your luggage. He or she will then drive you to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, with a stop at Chuzom, where the Thimphu and Paro rivers converge.This confluence is adorned with stupas in three different styles: Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese. On your left, you will see Tschogang Lhakhang, also known as "the shrine of the good horse," not far from Chuzom. It is a private temple that was constructed in the 15th century as a consequence of a visitation from Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha, who appeared as Balaha,the magnificent horse.
Later visit to the "citadel of the holy religion," Trashichhoedzong. Here is where the monarch's throne room and the office of the Chief Abbot, Je Khenpo, are located. Built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Bhutan's political and religious unifier, it was restored in the 1960s using traditional Bhutanese methods without nails or architectural drawings. After that, go to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Visitors may obtain a fantastic overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point, which is only a short drive from the center of Thimphu (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest statue of the Buddha in the nation is where you can pay respects and offer prayers. After that, you can stroll around and catch a glimpse of the valley. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 2 : Drive to Punakha or Wangdue after sightseeing in Thimphu (75 km, approx 3 hours drive)
Visit the National Library, which has a vast collection of precious Buddhist manuscripts, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (also known as the Painting School), where students take a 6-year training program in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts, among other places, after breakfast. Visit the Textile Museum later to learn more about Bhutan's most distinctive art form. Visit Simply Bhutan as well, a studio and living museum showcasing the rich cultural legacy of the Bhutanese people.
Visit the King's Memorial Chorten after lunch. People are constantly walking around it while muttering mantras and turning their prayer wheels. His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, known as "the father of modern Bhutan," the third monarch of Bhutan, had the idea to build this landmark as a tribute to world peace and prosperity. It was finished in 1974, after his tragic death, and it serves as both a monument to peace and a memorial to the Late King.
Then proceed to Punakha by driving across Dochu-la Pass (3,088 m/ 10,130 ft), pausing short to appreciate the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags that line the road's highest point. If the sky are clear, the peaks to the left and right of this pass include: Masagang (7,158 meters), Tsendagang (6,960 meters), Terigang (7,060 meters), Jejegangphugang (7,158 meters), Kangphugang (7,170 meters), Zongphugang (7, 060 meters), and then Gangkar Puensum, the tallest peak in Bhutan at 7,497 meters.
The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, also known as chortens or stupas, were constructed at Dochula Pass by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the oldest Queen Mother.These chortens are constructed in three layers, with the main chorten in the middle and 45 chortens in each of the lower two layers, 36 in the middle layer, and 27 in the top layer.
Day 3 : Punakha / Wangdue – Paro (125 km, approx 4 hours drive)
Visit Punakha Dzong in the morning, also known as the "Palace of Great Happiness," which Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal erected in 1637 at the confluence of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. In the past, Bhutan's stately Dzong functioned as the country's political and religious hub. It boasts a six-story, gold-domed tower and is around 600 by 240 feet. Courtyards and religious statues inside give a hint as to the breadth of history and spiritual tradition present. Your tour guide will help you better grasp this complex, yet long-established, culture that is foreign to us. excursion to Chimi Lhakhang later in the day.
This Lhakhang is also referred to as the temple of fertility and is located on a mound in the valley's middle. It is a common belief that if a couple prays at this temple and expresses a desire for a child, they will typically be blessed with a child fairly shortly. The trail travels through rice fields before arriving at the small town of Pana, which means "field." You can get rare views into the inhabitants' way of life by taking a stroll through the village next to the temple.
Drive back to Paro after lunch by descending Dochu La, then ascend the stunning Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river basins before passing through Paro Town and continuing to the northern end of the valley.
Visit Simtokha Dzong, a site of important tantric teachings, en way. The Dzongkha language is now taught at this dzong's school.
When you get to Paro, check into your accommodation. The stunning Paro valley is home to a thriving culture, breathtaking scenery, and countless stories and legends. Many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, as well as the National Museum and the nation's sole international airport, are located here. At the northern end of the valley, Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white splendor, and its glacial waters plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). One of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, Paro produces a significant amount of the region's renowned red rice from its terraced fields.
Day 4 : Paro
Taktshang Monastery excursion after breakfast (approx. 5 hours round trip walk). One of Bhutan's most well-known monasteries, Taktshang or Tiger's Nest, is positioned 900 meters above the Paro valley floor on the side of a cliff. The monastery is known as "Tiger's Nest" because it is said that Guru Rinpoche meditated there after riding here on the back of a tigress. Since Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited this location in 1646, it has been revered as a most sacred spot, and today all Bhutanese visit it at least once during their lifetimes.
Visit the National Museum, Ta Dzong, later. Antique thangkha paintings, textiles, armor, household items, and a wide range of historical and natural relics are all included in the enormous collection.
After visiting Ta Dzong, visitors can take a short detour down a trail to Rinpung Dzong, which means "fortress of the heap of gems" and has a rich and interesting history. Fine wall paintings depicting Buddhist mythology include the four friends, the elderly man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from Milarepa's life, Mount Sumeru, and other cosmic Mandala along the wooden galleries flanking the inner courtyard.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang in the evening, one of the 108 temples Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo built in the Himalayas, if time allows. Kyichu Lhakhang dates back to the seventh century. Buddhism was first practiced in Bhutan with the construction of this temple.
Day 5 : Leave Paro
Drive to the airport after an early breakfast at the hotel to catch your flight to the next location. After assisting with the necessary leaving procedures, our representative will bid you farewell.