Rivers Dzongs and Lhakhangs

Day 01: Enter the Kingdom of Bhutan

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. On arrival at Paro Airport, our representative will receive you and explore the wonders of Paro valley.

Visit “Paro Dzong” also known as Paro Rinpung Dzong, which means “the fortress on heap of jewels”. This structure serves as the house for the district monastic body and government administrative office of Paro. It is perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture.

Visit Ta Dzong, which in the past served as a watchtower for Paro Dzong - for protection from invaders. Now, it is the National Museum of Bhutan and houses artifacts dating back to 4000 BCE.

Take a stroll through Paro town, a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings.

The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind and absorb the beauty of this isolated kingdom.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 02:  Journey to the Golden Punakha valley

After a hearty breakfast, journey to the golden Punakha valley

Stop at Tachhog Lhakhang (the Iron Chain Bridge), a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). Devour yourself to the invigorating ambiance of the cool-sweeping breeze and bright colored prayer flags of the temple.  The whole set up a feast to the eye.

On the way, stop at Dochu La- Pass at 3,100 meters above sea level. Sip a cup of hot coffee at the Dochu La cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory.

Take in the 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass with the blue sky backdrop.

Continue towards Punakha:

Chimi Lhakhang: On arriving at Punakha; walk along the path through the traditional houses of Sopsokha village amidst the agricultural field of rice and mustard, leading to a hillock where the temple of the Divine Mad Monk is located. Sopsokha village is a typical example of clustered Bhutanese settlement. You may witness unusual paintings of phalluses on the walls of the houses. The phallus paintings are traditionally believed to ward off evil influences and bad-mouth/gossips of others that bring bad luck.

Driving Distance: (71kms/4-5hours)

Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 03: River Rafting In the Untamed Rivers of Punakha Valley

Elevation at Punakha: 1,200 meters.

Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: Drive further to take a small hike to Nyzergang to visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. We can begin the day with a hike up through fields of rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The scene from the stupa is spectacular; it stands majestically on the high hilltop of the Punakha Valley. This structure is a classic example of gorgeous traditional architecture built by the Queen Mother for dispelling negative forces and maintains peace and harmony in the country and for all the living beings. It is a moderately strenuous hike of about one hour from the car parking.

Excite the trip up by venturing into the crystal clear rivers of Bhutan fed by the glacier of the eastern Himalayas in a rafting boat. Try out river rafting- which starts from, the bridge to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel and ends at Changyul village. The rafting stretches to 10 kilometers and about one and a half-hour. The river maneuvers in a scenically beautiful environment offering lots of opportunities to see birds especially from the month of October to April. As you flow to the lower part of the valley you will have a fine 360-degree view around you.

Visit Punakha Dzong: Punakha Dzong is just as striking inside as outside and it is arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Located magnificently between Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) confluence, the intricate carving and amazing architecture of the Dzong is a great source of inspiration. This famous structure built-in 1637 has a lot to tell about the historical background and various Tibetan invasions won from this strategically located Dzong. It also houses the kingdom’s most sacred relic the “Rangjung Karsa-pani”.

Overnight: Hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha- Thimphu (73kms/3hours)

Take a scenic drive back to Thimphu. On the way back you can drop by Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi

It is a breathtaking 125 acres’ botanical garden with 46 species of rhododendron flower. The best time to visit this place will be between April and June. The park also has trekking routes. Stroll around the Baritsho (lake), treehouse, and camping space for visitors. The annual rhododendron festival is held here.

Upon arriving in Thimphu, visit the gigantic Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang.

Capture the vibrant Buddha Dordema statue and the tranquil atmosphere in the evening sunset. Apart from the serenity of the place, the view of the Thimphu city from this mountain is gorgeous.

Visit ABC, the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar is a perfect place to buy authentic Bhutanese souvenirs to take back home.

Later in the evening take a stroll in Thimphu City: the Capital without a traffic signal. You may drop by a café for a coffee or a light snack on your own.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 05: Explore Thimphu Valley

Visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum. Zorig Chusum means the Thirteen Arts and Crafts. You will come across students actively engaged in painting, embroidery, woodcraft, masonry, sculptor, and carpentry.

Visit National Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connecting people with rich Bhutanese Folk Heritage & rural history through exhibition and demonstrations of Bhutanese Rural life.

Visit Centenary Farmer’s Market. It is a marketplace where you can see the produce of Bhutan and people from all walks of life.

Visit the National handicraft Emporium and Craft Bazaar, where you can buy authentic Bhutanese souvenirs.

Bhutan Post: Visit Bhutan Post and create your own stamp at the National Post Office.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 06: Tiger’s Nest Hike

We have saved the best for the last. Get your energy up at breakfast this morning and drive from Thimphu to Paro. Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Venture through the pristine surrounding of the monastery resting on a cliff.

Hike up to Tiger’s Nest - one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrim sites. Be rewarded to the overwhelming sight of the monastery perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters above sea level and 900 meters above Paro valley.

Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. He blessed and preached tantric Buddhism in Bhutan.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 07: Departure

Our team will drop you at the airport and bid you farewell.