4 Night 5 Day Bhutan Tour

4 Night 5 Day Bhutan Tour

Day 1:

Arrive at Paro & Paro-Thimphu.

(Distance: 54 km, estimated driving time: 1 hr)

Arrive Paro. After immigration formalities you will be received by our representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour.

Then travel to Thimphu which will take you through Chunzom (confluence of Pachu- the river flowing through Paro valley & Wangchu –the river flowing through Thimphu valley). On the way, enjoy walking over a suspension bridge to view 15th century iron chain bridge suspended over the Pa chu and also walk for about 10 minutes to visit Tachog Lhakhang (temple), this 15th century temple located on the base of a mountain across the Pa chu on the Paro-Thimphu highway.

After crossing Chunzom, the drive will take you along the Wangchu upto Thimphu city.

On arrival at Thimphu, check into your hotel and relax for some time. After lunch visit the following:

• Archery Match (National Sport of Bhutan) at Changlimithang National Stadium. Normally you will spot Bhutanese men playing archery game during weekends or public holidays. Good opportunity to interact with local people.
• Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Thu-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held by the side of Wangchu River. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Friday afternoon till Sunday evening. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people.
• Craft Bazaar -A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product.

In the evening explore Thimphu town on your own.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2:

Thimphu-Punakha and Wangdue.

Distance: 71 km, estimated driving time: 2 hours

After breakfast travel to Punakha & Wangdue through Dochula Pass 3140 m).

At Dochula, in the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. You can take photos at the beautiful 108 chortens.

You will also visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery) which was built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan).

You will have refreshment (tea/coffee and snacks) at Dochula Pass Cafeteria and then travel onto Punakha.

On the way, stop for traditional Bhutanese lunch at a farmhouse Lobesa village. After lunch walk through paddy fields for about 20 minutes to visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

Then walk over traditional canteliver bridge to visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho - Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river).

Then walk for about 15 minutes to one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan spanning 350 m and perched high above the very swift Pho chu (male river). Draped with prayer flags the bridge connects the town of Punakha and Punakha Dzong.This bridge is mainly used by locals from the village located on the other side of the river as a shortcut to Punakha Dzong.

In the evening visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery and enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys from there. This scenic place gives you a good opportunity for photography.

Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Punakha.

Day 3:

Punakha short nature hike & sightseeing and Punakha-Thimphu.

After breakfast travel through upper Punakha valley and take a leisure walk passing through suspension bridge and through paddy fields to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang. The leisurely walk up to the temple would take about an hour. Visit the temple and also enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view from there.

After lunch travel to Thimphu crossing over Dochula pass.

Upon arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel and visit the following:

• Buddha Point /Kuenselphodrang: This massive Buddha statue is 51.5 meters in height and it is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall. The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.
• The School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
• Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Yet another place for photographer’s delight.

Dinner at a restaurant in Thimphu town and overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4:

Thimphu-Paro & A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

After breakfast, travel to Paro and drive further for about 20 minutes to the base of Taktsang Monastery and then hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The walk up to the viewpoint will take about 1 – 1 ½ hrs depending on your fitness and from View Point you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Take photos with great view of Taktsang behind you.

Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point.

Next visit Kichu temple,one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo.

Then visit a Farmhouse in Paro Valley and a visit to a farmhouse offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.

In the evening relax in the Traditional Bhutanese Hot stone bath at a farmhouse in Paro valley.

Traditional Hot stone bath: A traditional Bhutan hot stone bath uses river rocks that therapists place in water where they crack and steam, releasing key minerals and relieving deep-set aches.

You will also see around inside of the traditional Bhutanese house.

You will enjoy traditional Bhutanese dinner with the family members of the house.

Overnight at hotels in Paro.

Day 05:

Departure from Paro.

It’s time for good bye!

Unfortunately, it is time to depart from the Paro International Airport.

***Thank you & Tashi Delek***

The above Bhutan tour package prices includes the following:

• Bhutan Government Royalty of US$ 65/person/night
• FIT surcharges of US$40/person/night for a single traveler and US$30/person/night for a double
• Twin sharing hotel rooms at 3 star hotels
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments) with standard menu at 3 star hotels
• English speaking tour guide service
• All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
• All entrance fees to museums and monuments
• All internal taxes and fees
• Mineral drinking water

The above tour prices do not include the following:

• Single room supplement of US$40/room/night during low season and US$ 50/room/night during high season (optional)
• Visa fee of US$40/person (must be paid in advance with tour cost)
• Airfares (optional)
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• 4 star and 5 star accommodations and meals (optional)
• Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry. ,etc