The Bhutan Essentials - 6 Nights / 7 Days

On the arrival at Paro International Airport and after all the immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative.

The landing itself will be quite stunning as the plane slowly descents for the runway, passing alongside the Magnificent Tiger’s nest (Taktsang) and over the green paddy fields of breath-taking Paro Valley. The very first thing you will experience after de boarding the flight is the wisp if chilly and fresh mountain air tingling around your nose.

After arrival, travel to Thimphu to visit the local market and overnight at Thimphu (altitude: 2,334 m).

After breakfast, we will drive towards the traditional beauty of the capital city along the scenic, curvy roads near the river. Buddhist Chortens and Stupas will be a common sight on the way.

We will visit Buddha Point where a Buddha statue stands 160 ft tall at an altitude of 2850 meters above sea level, then descend a little to visit Memorial Chorten (a temple built in the memory of the late 3rd king of Bhutan). Also experience unique wildlife at BBS Tower, famous for Takin (national animal).

Traditional Lunch at Kawazangsa ‘Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant’. Experience the breath-taking view of Tashichhodzong (The palace of the King and head administrative centre of the country). View closely the life of seclusion in Zilukha nunnery. Free time in the evening at the National Handicraft Market. Overnight at Thimphu (Altitude: 2,334m)

Early in the morning, we’ll head towards Punakha, catching the glimpse of 108 temples on Dochula Pass at 3100 m, where you can witness a breath-taking view of the Himalayas. Heading down to Punakha, we’ll take a short excursion to famous ‘Chimi Lhakhang’ (temple of fertility), according to the choice of the guest.

After lunch, visit the Majestic Punakha Dzong (fortress built in 1637-1638). Leisure time during evening touring of local markets. Overnight at Punakha. (Altitude: 1,242)

In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through rice fields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.

Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before exploring the bustling town of Wangduephodrang. Visit the market and Wangduephodrang Dzong. Built in 1639, the strategically located Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. In the 17th century Wangduephodrang played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern regions of the country. Leisure time in the evening. Overnight at Punakha. (Altitude: 1,242)

We’ll head towards ‘The Royal Botanical park’ (Lamperi) for picnic at the backdrop of Dochula. Guests can enjoy the pristine environment and can also spot rarest of wildlife. You can witness rhododendron garden with 46 species, a magnanimously flawless beauty of nature at its fullest can be witnessed here. We’ll head towards Paro after the picnic and relax towards evening to prepare for strenuous hike the next day. Overnight at Paro (Altitude: 2,200 m)

After breakfast, embark on a driving excursion to Chelela Pass. At an elevation of 3,988 meters, it is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour’s drive along a thickly-forested road, this pass is a botanical paradise. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jumolhari and Jichu Drakay.

It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. En route also visit Dzongdrakha Temple. Often called as mini Taktsang, Dzongdrakha is a cliff-side temple complex on the western side of the Paro Valley. Four shrines make up the complex, dedicated to Drolma (Tara), Tsheringma (Goddess of Longevity), Guru Rinpoche and the Buddha of the Future, Maitreya.

Local oral tradition states that when Guru Rinpoche first came to Bhutan, he came from Nepal, first landing at Drakarpo, and then Dzongdrakha before arriving at Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) farther north up the valley.

Later in the afternoon, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. In 1954, the DrukgyelDzong was completely destroyed by fire, and today only the ruins remain. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess, can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.

While returning to the hotel, along the way, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, SongtsenGampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280 m)

Today, as per your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Paro Airport, where you will take your flight back home.