Overview
The Kingdom of Bhutan, the Land of Thunder Dragon is well known for promoting its state philosophy "Gross National Happiness" over Gross Domestic Product and productivity. As a tourist, you will enjoy witnessing rich culture heritage, cultural sites, old buildings, monuments, shrines, and landmarks that have cultural significance and historical values. A tour to Bhutan generally offers sightseeing tours of two or more places namely Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, and Bumthang, and hikes to Chari Monastery,Taktsang Goenba (Tiger's Nest Monastery), etc depending on your length of stay. Bhutanese culture is observed as one of the most antique culture which is based on Buddhism and the state religion is Vajrayana Buddhism. For many centuries Bhutan remained isolated from the rest of the world, thus steadily taking its toll for the development of her own culture, which is now considered as prominent and living culture.
Highlight
Tour Highlight
- Visit some of the important and religious landmarks in Bhutan
- Immersion in Nature Biodiversity
- Day Hike to ‘Tiger’s Nest’
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Paro, drive to Thimphu. Sightseeing.Overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing. Overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu- Punakha sightseeing. Overnight stay at hotel in Punakha
Day 04: Punakha - Paro sightseeing. Overnight stay at hotel in Paro
Day 05: Paro Tigers Nest hike. Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.
Day 06: Departure
Daywise Tour Itinerary
Distance: 65km (1.5hrs)
Elevation: 2,250mts / 7,382ft
Paro: It is a broad and beautiful green bowl valley surrounded by jagged Himalayan Mountains and forested hillsides, crossed by beautiful rivers and dotted with medieval fortresses. It was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 AD and has been the legislative, executive, judicial and religious centre for the people of Paro. Also the nations home of National Museum and International Airport. The flight to Paro is considered one of the most spectacular flight experiences in the world. While flying in and out of Bhutan, one can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makula, and other high peaks such as Jumolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tsrim Gang. After immigration and customs formalities you will be received by the representatives from HatchWay Holidays.
After landing, drive to Thimphu and visit Tachog Monastery & Tachog Temple & Iron Chain Bridge
- Tachog Lhakhang Dzong is located on the way to Paro valley, and one must actually cross one of Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo bridges to get to the Dzong. Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo was the man who built the iron chain bridges in Bhutan in the late 1300s, and is said to have built 108 of these bridges around Tibet and Bhutan. Many of them are still in use today, showing how strong and durable the bridges are.
Thimphu (2320m): Is the capital of Bhutan with a population of about 100000 and is the nation's largest city. It depicts strong national character in its architectural style yet it is legislative, executive, judicial and religious centre of the government.
Check into hotel and visit the following places:
Buddha Point
- Built in 2006, world’s largest sitting Buddha housing over Hundreds of Thousands of small statues inside. It is the center of attraction to all the people radiating its splendor in all directions and harbinger of happiness and peace.
Changangkha Lhakhang
- It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.
Tashichho Dzong
- Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Other government departments are housed in buildings nearby.
Evening: Free to explore Thimphu town and the authentic Bhutanese handicraft stalls.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Morning: Hike to Cheri Monastery (15km/30-45min)
- It was established in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The monastery is now a major teaching and retreat center of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu sect. The Monastery serves as the monastic school for study of Buddhist Philosophy, metaphysics, mathematics, poets and many other Buddhist studies. According to legend or history of Bhutan the place was first visited by Padmasambhava in the 8th century. In the 13th century it was visited by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo the Tibetan Lama who first established the Drukpa Kagyu tradition in Bhutan. Zhabdrung spent three years in strict retreat at the monastery and stayed for many years.
Picnic lunch will be arranged. After lunch drive back to Thimphu city and visit;
Handmade paper factory
- Although the process of making traditional paper may be simple, a considerable amount of time is required to collect the raw materials, such as the bark of the Daphne plant and certain plant roots for glue. Apart from a small heater to dry the sheets of paper, everything is manually done. Daphne paper is one of the finest papers in the world and is highly recommended for artists.
Centenary Farmer’s Market
- Talk a walk though this market and shop/interact with the local farmers. Thimphu’s new weekend market is by far the largest domestic market for the farmers in Bhutan. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market. With its wide assortment of fresh, organic produce, the Farmer’s Market has become a favorite spot for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life. Nearby, across a cantilever footbridge, Kuendeyling Bazaam, to the west bank is a collection of stalls selling clothing, textiles and handicrafts.
Evening: relax at the hotel or free to explore further.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Distance:77km (2.5hrs)
Elevation: 1,200mts / 3,900ft
The journey to Punakha includes the 108 DrukWangyelChorten commonly known as Dochula standing at 3150m above the sea level. The DrukWangyelChorten was built to celebrate the Stability and progress brought to Bhutan by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth king of Bhutan. The pass provides spectacular 360 degree panaromic view of Himalayan Mountain Range.
After checking into hotel visit the following places:
Chimmi Lhakhang (45 min hike round trip)
- Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as "Divine Madman". Commonly known as fertile temple among and is frequented by childless couples and others alike for blessings.
Punakha Dzong
- The name means Palace of Great Bliss. This Dzong stands magnificently on the spit of land where two rivers (Phochu and Mochu) meet. PunakhaDzong has special significance in Bhutanese history as the place where Bhutan's first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned in 1907.
Suspension Bridge
- This Bridge is located near Punakha Dzong and is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. The bridge connecting the nearby villages and mountains adjacent gives a magnificent view.
Evening: Free to explore Punakha Town.
Overnight in Punakha.
Distance: 130km (4-5hrs)
Elevation: 1,200mts / 3,900ft
After breakfast drive back to Paro. After reaching check into hotel visit the following places:
National Museum (Ta Dzong)
- Was built in the 17th century to guard the ParoRimpongdzong (fortress) below. It was said that the future first king was kept in this tower as a prisoner for a week. It was the third king who restored the Ta-dzong and converted it into the National Museum. The visit to the museum will familiarize you with the Bhutanese way of life and will also acquaint you with the natural and cultural history.
Farm house
- Visit a local farm house for an experience for authentic Bhutanese lifestyle and unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host. Enjoy a meal with the family here
Evening: Explore Paro Town.
Overnight in Paro.
Bhutan’s most picturesque landmark, Taktshang the Tiger’s nest clings to the side of a steep cliff 300 meters above the Paro valley. The place was first visited by Guru Rimpoche, founder of the tantric form of Buddhism in Himalayan countries, in the 8th century. It was said that he meditated there for about three months. The original temple was built in the 17th century, but tragically, it was consumed by fire in 1998. Like a phoenix, the temple was rebuilt to its fullest glory in 2003. Takshang is considered to be the 10th-holiest site in the Buddhist world. The programs afterward are optional to the guest
Evening: Relax at hotel or free to explore further.
Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast, representative from HatchWay Holidays will see you off at Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
Places Covered
- Phuentsholing
- Thimphu
- Paro
- Punakha
Tour Inclusions
- Sightseeing
- Hotel
- Car
- Guide
Inclusions
- Transfers from one place to another
- Sightseeing in private cars
- Vehicle will be provided based on the itinerary
Exclusions
- Entrance fees at the monuments/ temples
- Meals not mentioned in inclusions
- Personal Expenses / Purchase of things
- Any kind of insurance
- Any increase in the govt. taxes and state taxes
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
