An Inspiring Private bhutan Tour – Thimpu, Punakha, Paro

Day 1. Paro / Thimphu
Arrive in Paro and travel by road to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital of approximately 100,000 residents. The scenic one-hour drive meanders through the hamlets of Paro, which is adjacent to the Paro river and then the Thimphu river. After lunch at a local restaurant, commence sightseeing of Thimpu town, visiting the Memorial stupa of the 3rd King of Bhutan. Afterwards, visit the impressive Buddha Dordenma, a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue that houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which are made of bronze and gilded in gold. Check in at your resort and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure to stroll through Thimpu Town. Dinner is served at the hotel. (D)

Day 2. Thimphu
This morning, visit the School of Arts & Crafts, National Library and Folk Heritage Museum. Visit the view point of Thimphu, Zilukha nunnery and Thimphu Dzong. Enjoy the afternoon to relax or embark on an invigorating hike (approx. 6 km) up the mountain through the pine forests. Dinner is served at a local restaurant or at your hotel, respectively. (B,D)

Day 3. Thimphu / Punakha
This morning, embark on a scenic 2.5 hour overland journey for Punakha, passing through Dochula Pass, which offers spectacular views of the Himalayan Ranges. Visit the 17th Century Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s first fortress monasteries en-route. Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country; Chimi Lhakhang Monastery (fertility temple); and a leisurely hike along Mo Chhu River through rice paddies and rural villages. Check in at your resort and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 4. Punakha / Paro
This morning, visit the Crown Prince’s Monastery, Temple of the Devine Madman and Wangdu Dzong. In the afternoon, proceed to Paro by road. Check in at your resort where dinner will served. (B,D)

Day 5. Paro
Sightseeing today includes visits to the Ruins of Drugyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, Ta Dzong and the National Museum, which is housed in an ancient watchtower. Also visit Paro Dzong, which is representative of some of the finest Bhutanese architecture. (B,D)

Day 6. Paro (Tiger’s Nest Trek)
Enjoy a morning trek (5 hrs) to Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. Tiger’s Nest is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries and is perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley floor. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place, was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure to relax and explore charming Paro on your own. Dinner at a local restaurant or at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 7. Depart Paro
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight onward. (B)