6 Days in the Dragon Kingdom

Day details

Paro Altitude:2,250m Thimpu Altitude: 2,350m Distance: 50 km approx. Driving time: 1 hour approx Your arrival at the Paro International Airport- country’s sole international airport, in Paro marks the beginning of this 5 nights 6 days Bhutan trip. Upon landing, proceed through immigration with your pre-arranged visa. Then collect your luggage and proceed through customs, before meeting your English-speaking Bhutanese tour guide awaiting your arrival outside the arrival area to traditionally welcome you to this beautiful and peaceful country.  Now enjoy a scenic drive to Thimpu- the country’s vibrant capital. The road, passing through lush valleys, pine forest and traditional villages, runs along the Paro River until Chhuzom Bridge, where Paro River (Paro Chhu) meets Thimpu River (Wong Chhu). However, just before reaching this confluence, you will stop at Tachog Lhakhang traditional suspension bridge to walk and explore a 15th-century temple Tachog Lhakhang (also known as Tamchog Lhakhang), located on the left bank of Paro River, built by Thangton Gyalpo, who is popularly known as the “Iron Bridge Builder of the 15th Century". Now following the Thimpu River and enjoying the picturesques surrounding views, you will continue your drive to Thimpu. Upon arrival at Thimpu, you will check into your hotel.  After lunch, you will set out to explore the Centenary Farmer’s Market. It’s a vibrant two-story, bright, spacious and clean market, located along the Wang Chhu River that exclusively sells local organic produce as well as imported produce and packaged goods. The valley dwellers as well as the farmers from neighboring areas gather here to buy and sell fresh produce: fruits, vegetables, dairy products etc. making it a great place to mingle with farmers and shoppers and experience local life up close. This market also provides great photo opportunities. Having spent some time at the market, you will now walk (approximately 5-10 minutes) to Changlimithang National Stadium to watch an Archery match. Archery is also Bhutan’s national sport. This visit provides you a great opportunity to witness the country’s unique archery tradition and interact with local people.  After the national sport, it’s time to get acquainted with the national animal of Bhutan, Takin- a vulnerable goat-antelope native to the eastern Himalayas. Thus, from the stadium, you will now drive to the Motithang Takin Preserve, a 3.4ha forested wildlife sanctuary which is a home to Bhutan’s national animal. The drive takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Once at the preserve, you will take a peaceful forest walk on a well-maintained trail that goes through the forest of Pine and Rhododendron, observing Takins grazing near the trail and other wildlife like sambar and barking deer, Himalayan serow, red muntjac and birds like Monal and Tragopan. This destination is ideal for both bird watching and wildlife photography.  Every evening, at sunset (around 4-5 PM), the National Flag Lowering ceremony is held at Tashichho Dzong, the fortress that houses both government and monastic bodies. It’s a 30-minute ceremony in which soldiers and monks participate in the lowering, folding and reverently storing of the country’s flag, featuring a blend of military discipline and monastic presence. Therefore, after visiting the Takin preserve, you will drive to Tashichho Dzong to witness this living tradition and solemn ritual in a breathtaking surrounding. If time permits, you will also stop at the Tashichho Dzong view point to enjoy the picturesque view of the Thimpu Valley. Having explored the dzong and witnessed the ceremony, you will now drive back to the hotel in Thimpu for overnight stay.  Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day details

Thimpu Altitude: 2,350m Punakha Altitude: 1,300m Distance: 71 km approx. Driving time: 2 hour approx Soon after having breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Punakh, traveling via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,140m). Located about 30 kilometers from Thimpu, the drive to this pass takes approximately 40-45 minutes. On a clear spring morning, you’ll be rewarded with a mesmerizing panorama of the Himalayan Mountain range. But the most iconic feature of this pass is the Druk Wangyal Chortens, which is a cluster of 108 white stupas, built by the Queen mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, to commemorate the Bhutanese soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the military operation in 2003. You’ll pause at Dochula Pass for a short break to enjoy a peaceful walk around the site, breathe in the crisp mountain air and soak in the serene, spiritual atmosphere. Take in the the sweeping views of the easter Himalayas - including the world’s highest unclimbed peak, Gangkar Puensum- visit the nearby Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple), and capture stunning photographs of the landscape, fluttering prayer flags and the striking contrast between the white stupas and the surrounding green hills or snow covered peaks.  From the pass, you will continue your journey to Punakha. The climate gets warmer as you descend to the very picturesque village of Lobesa. Here, you will visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, to experience the warmth of rural hospitality and authentic Bhutanese lunch prepared by the host family.  After lunch, you will take a leisurely 20-minute walk through Sopsokha Village - a charming little village nestled amid picturesque paddy fields near Lobesa- to visit Chimi Lakhang ‘the Fertility Temple’. Established in the 15th century by Ngawang Chogyal, this temple is closely linked to Lama Drukpa Kunley, who is also famous as the “Divine Madman”. A revered yet a very unconventional Tibetan Buddhist saint, Lama Kunley was known for his unorthodox methods of teaching, often using humor, songs and sexual symbolism to impart spiritual wisdom. The temple is believed to have the power to bless couples with fertility, attracting both Bhutanese and international visitors who come to pray for children. Inside, there’s an album featuring photographs of couples who successfully conceived after receiving blessing at the temple.   Later in the afternoon, you will go for a short hike to a historic Rinchengang Village, located opposite Wangduephodrang Dzong. This village is famous for its master stone craftsmen, who have passed down the art of traditional Bhutanese stonework through generations. As you walk through the village, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Wangduephodrang Dzong and the serene Wangdue Valley, with rivers flowing through its lush landscape. You can also engage in a little conversation with the amiable villagers, who are ever ready to help you gain insight into their way of life, craftsmanship and cultural tradition. You will then get back to your hotel in Punakha for overnight stay.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day details

Punakha Altitude: 1,300m Thimpu Altitude: 2,350m Distance: 71 km approx. Driving time: 2 hour approx Starting the day after a hearty breakfast in Punakha, you will first visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang - a stunning temple that is famous for its exquisite architecture and the panoramic views of the valley below. For this, you will first drive through the scenic upper Punakha Valley, take a leisurely walk across the suspension bridge and pass through lush paddy fields to ultimately reach the temple complex. It’s about an hour walk that offers a peaceful and immersive experience amidst nature. Upon reaching the temple, spend some time exploring its architecture, soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and photograph the serene beauty of the Punakha’s landscape from its vantage point.   After visiting the temple, enjoy a picnic lunch by the river and head to Punakha Dzong, which is also known as Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). This dzong, perched at the confluence of Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River), is the largest, oldest and historically and spiritually most significant dzongs in Bhutan. The Dzong safeguards sacred relics that have shaped Bhutan’s history, earning it profound cultural and spiritual significance.  After visiting the Dzong, you will take a scenic 15-minute walk to one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges that spans 350 meters high above the swift-flowing Pho Chu, connecting Punakha Dzong to the nearby village of Lungkha. The bridge offers a stunning view of the valley as well as the river below. Crossing the bridge, you will now hike to Lungkha Village, to immerse yourself in the tranquility of its lush paddy  fields and engage in conversation with the friendly farmers. Enjoy butter tea and local snacks at one of the households and get a glimpse into rural life of Bhutanese people.  Later in the afternoon, enjoying the picturesque villages of Toebisa and Thinleygang along with Dochula Pass and the scenic landscapes along the way, you will drive back to the capital, Thimphu.  In Thimpu, if you are not tired, after checking into the hotel, you will set out to explore the bustling capital, mainly the craft bazaar- an art and craft market with around 80 stalls where artisans and craftsmen from across the country to display and sell their traditional arts and handicrafts. After visiting the market you will get back to the hotel for overnight stay.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day details

Thimpu Altitude: 2,350m Paro Altitude:2,250m Distance: 50 km approx. Driving time: 1 hour approx Beginning this day after breakfast at the hotel in Thimpu, you will set out to explore the attractions and landmarks that add soul to this beautiful valley. You will start with a visit to Buddha Dordenma at Kuenselphodrang Nature  Park, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Made of bronze and gilded in gold the statue is 169 feet tall and fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.  After visiting this site, you will now head to the National institute for Zorig Chusum, which is more popular as the School of Traditional Painting, Arts and Crafts. This institute is dedicated to teaching 13 skills ranging from painting and sculpture to wood carving and embroidery, in commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage. The students here undergo a six-year training program and the visitors can observe students diligently honing their skills. From here, you will now visit Simtokha Dzong, built in 1629 by Shadrung Ngawang Namgyal (a spiritual man who unified Bhutan). It is the first dzong built in Bhutan.  After exploring the Dzong, your journey continues to the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center, where talented women artisans breathe life into Bhutan’s rich textile tradition. It’s very entertaining to watch as they meticulously weave intricate designs using vibrant silk and cotton thread, creating beautiful shawls, scarves and traditional kiras (women’s dress) and ghos (men’s attire). After enjoying a flavorful lunch in Thimpu, you will now drive back to Paro. A roughly 2-hour drive will bring you back to Paro where you will take a scenic walk over Rimpung Bridge (Bhutan’s oldest traditional cantilever bridge) to visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, a majestic fortress built in 1645 to defend the valley.  After exploring the Paro Rinpung Dzong, in the afternoon, you will take a 10-minute drive to enjoy a 20-minute walk to visit Dzongdrakha Temple. Built on the cliff above the Bondey village, and is also popular as the mini-Taktsang. According to legend, one of the temples was built around a levitating monument. Fearing it might ascend into the sky, locals constructed a sturdier structure around it to keep it grounded. After visiting the temple, you will get back to the hotel in Paro for an overnight stay.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day details

Breakfast at the hotel in Paro and you will drive to trailhead parking for Taktsang Monastery located a little beyond Ramthangka Lhakhang to begin your hike to the Tiger’s Nest. Starting from the trail head, about a 1.5-hour hike will bring you to the viewpoint that rewards you with a breathtaking view of the monastery that is dramatically located on the cliffside. Before continuing further, you will stop for the  refreshment at the Viewpoint Cafeteria. From here reaching the monastery takes another 1.5 hours.  Legend holds that in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche flew to this sacred site on the back of a tigress and meditated in a car for three months. The main monastery, part of the present-day complex, was built in 1692. Though it suffered extensive damage from a fire in 1998, Taktsang has since been meticulously restored to its original splendor.  After exploring the monastery, you will slowly descend to the Viewpoint Cafeteria for lunch, before continuing your return journey to the trail head.  Later, if you are still energetic, you can visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, where you will be welcomed with traditional Bhutanese tea and snacks, providing a warm introduction to Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. After enjoying the tea, engage yourself in Bhutan’s National Sport by trying your hand at Archery, using traditional bow and arrows crafted from bamboo. You can also enjoy authentic traditional Bhutanese dinner at the farmhouse if you are up for it. You will then drive back to the hotel in Paro for an overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day details

After breakfast, as per your airport reporting time, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your onward flight. Your guide will accompany you to the airport to ensure hassle free transfer.  Meals: Breakfast