Day 1 - Arrive Paro – Drive to Thimphu

Welcome to Bhutan, the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments. Spirituality permeates every aspect of daily life, time-honored festivals are living manifestations of national faith, and the king decrees “Gross National Happiness” as the standard by which to measure the country’s wealth. 

Upon arrival at Paro International airport, you are met by your Guardian Angel and transferred by private vehicle to Hotel Ariya, Thimphu (55Km / approx. 1h & 30m), where you are assisted with check-in. Reach Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, traversing the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers at Chhuzom (confluence).

A traditional Bhutanese welcome awaits you on your arrival at the hotel.

Later, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Ariya, Thimphu (Standard Room)

Meal Plan: D

Day 2 - Thimphu

After breakfast, proceed on a full-day guided tour of the city.

Start at the Textile Museum which is part of the Royal Textile Academy and worth a visit to experience Bhutan's living national art of thagzo (weaving). Visitors can learn about Bhutan’s history and culture in this centre for textile research. Next, it’s on to the National Library, a glowing example of traditional Bhutanese architecture which not only houses ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts and manuscripts but also modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. A visit to Simply Bhutan is also extremely interesting and demonstrates a project that works towards the preservation and promotion of Bhutanese culture. The structure has been built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from demolished houses. 

After lunch, see the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, in 1974 and one of the most iconic religious structures of Thimpu. Then see Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point) - the largest Buddha statue in the country, with incredible views. Continue to Great Buddha Dordenma that commands the entry to Thimphu valley. Inside the 165-foot Buddha, 125,000 miniature Buddha statutes are embedded. The statue was set up to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Finally visit Trashi Chho Dzong, located on the western bank of the Wang Chhu river and the seat of the head of Bhutan’s civil government and monarch.

Overnight: Hotel Ariya, Thimphu (Standard Room)

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 3 - Thimphu – Punakha

After breakfast, enjoy a drive to Punakha (75km / approx. 3 hours) through the Dochula Pass (3,080 meters above sea level), marked by a large Chorten and trademark prayer flags. (75km / approx. 3 hours).

Arrive at Punakha and transfer to your hotel RKPO Green Resort.

Proceed to visit the Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1.1/2 hour walk, including both way). Perched atop a hillock in the valley, Chimi Lhakhang is known as The Fertility Temple.

Post lunch, visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It is home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler and the winter residence of the monastic leader and his entourage of monks. Having been ravaged by fire, earthquakes, and floods many times, Punakha Dzong has had to be rebuilt several times and always to the original specifications.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: RKPO Green Resort, Punakha (Deluxe Room)

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 4 - Punakha

After breakfast, visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a four-storied temple built by the Queen Mother in the 1990s. To reach this beautiful chorten, hike through paddy fields and vegetables patches, walk along the banks of the Mo Chhu river and cross a suspension bridge. Upon reaching your destination, bask in the stunning view of the lush valley and mountains around you.

Hiking time: 2 hours

Altitude: 2,250 meters (7,382 feet)

The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Overnight: RKPO Green Resort, Punakha (Deluxe Room)

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5 - Punakha - Paro

After breakfast, embark on a four-hour drive to Paro. Cross back through the Dochula Pass where you can stop to soak up the panoramic views of the towering Himalayas once again.

The charming town of Paro lies on the banks of the Paro (or Pa) Chhu, just a short distance northwest of the imposing Paro Dzong. The main street, only built in 1985, is lined with colorfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants. Paro remains one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot.

En route visit the 17^th-Century Simtokha Dzong, that showcases skilled craftsmanship in the form of its architecture, interiors, paintings etc.

Arrive Paro and transfer to your hotel Raven Nest Resort.

After lunch, set out on an excursion of Paro valley. Visit Ta Dzong; once a watchtower, it now houses the National Museum. Here, see the massive collection of antiques including thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts.

Later, visit Paro Dzong (Rinchen Pung Dzong or Rinpung Dzong), meaning “fortress on a heap of jewels”, and unlock its long and fascinating history.Visit Ta Dzong; once a watchtower, it now houses the National Museum. Here, see the massive collection of antiques including thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts.

Overnight: Raven's Nest Resort, Paro (Deluxe Room)

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6 - Paro

After breakfast, reach the trailhead and embark on a walking excursion to Taktsang Monastery (approximately five hours roundtrip, on foot).  Located on the side of a cliff 900 meters (2,952 feet) above the Paro valley floor, it is Bhutan’s most popular monastery. Legends say that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated in this monastery, hence the term ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Packed lunch at the cafeteria midway. 45 minutes drive to the starting point, 5 hours round trip walking, Level – Moderate.

Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities/ spa, or independent exploration of downtown Paro.

Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Raven's Nest Resort, Paro (Deluxe Room)

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7 - Depart Paro

This morning bid farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan. You will be escorted to Paro airport in time for your homebound flight.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B