6 Nights 7Days Tour
6 Nights 7Days Tour
- Day 1:
- Arrival at Paro Bhutan
(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 early morming flight. 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.
- 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.
- 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 ½ 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 sightseeing and Punakha-Phobikha Valley
Distance: 68km, estimated driving time: 3 hours (due to poor road conditions)
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 Phobjikha valley through Wangdue. Phobjikha valley is part of the beautiful Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (formerly known as Black Mountains National Park), one of Bhutan’s most important nature sanctuaries. Each winter it is home to a flock of 300 rare and endangered black-necked cranes. The surrounding hills and mountains are home to nomadic shepherds and yak-h erders. This is one of the most remote and untouched regions in Bhutan.
On arrival at Phobjikha check into your hotel and in the evening visit a farmhouse which gives you into the way of life of people of Phobjikha valley.
You may enjoy typical Bhutanese dinner.
Overnight at hotel in Phobjikha valley.
- Day 4:
- Phobjikha Sightseeing and Phibjikha-Thimphu.
Distance: 135 km, estimated driving time: 5 hours
After breakfast visit Gangtey Monastery and take a short hike from Gangtey Monastery along the Gangtey Nature Trail enjoying spectacular view of several villages in Phobjikha valley. You will end your hike at Black Necked crane center and visit the Black necked crane center (cranes will start immigrating to this area by Novermber). From black crane center take short walk through fields and farmhouses where you can have free interaction with local people and visit their houses.
After lunch travel to Thimphu a through Nobding village which is about 45 minutes’ drive from Phobjikha valley and also through Wangdue Phodrang and Dochula Pass.
You are expected to arrive Thimphu late in the evening.
On arrival at Thimphu a check into your hotel.
Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
- Day 5:
- Thimphu Sightseeing & Thimphu-Paro & Paro sightseeing.
After breakfast Thimphu city tour and visit the following:
- The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The term ‘chorten’ literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation, especially in the evenings, at the National Memorial Chorten.
- 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.
- Changzamtok Weaving Center to observe women weaving intricate patterns of colourful silk and cotton textiles into shawls, scarves and traditional Bhutanese dresses.
- 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.
- Traditional Bhutanese paper making factory. The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages.
After lunch travel to Paro and drive to parking lot near Paro Dzong and walk over traditional Cantilever Rimpung bridge which is oldest bridge in Bhutan to visit Paro dzong Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. From the Dzong you will walk back down to Rimpung Bridge.
Then visit National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here is an intriguing collection of artefacts which provide you with a wonderful insight to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
In the evening explore Paro town on your own.
Dinner and overnight at hotel in Paro.
- Day 6:
- A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
After breakfast, drive 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 in Paro.
- Day 7:
- Paro departure.
It’s time for good bye!
Unfortunately, it is time to depart from the Paro International Airport.