Bhutan Short Stay

Paro valley is a perfect entry into this other world. On arrival, our Bhutanese guide meets us for a one hour journey to the capital Thimphu, which is situated in a large valley traversed by the Wangchu River and overshadowed by high peaks. Our city tour begins at the Memorial Chorten, with its golden spires shining in the sun, its tinkling bells and an endless procession of elderly people circling around it. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, founded by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangchuck. Also visit Kuensel Phodrang, where the Buddha Dordenma resides. You can also visit the newly opened Craft Bazaar before returning to your hotel.

We begin our day with a visit to the Changangkha Lhakhang – It is a ‘fortress like’ temple perched on a ridge above Thimphu. Next, we will drive towards Dechenphodrang, the site of Thimphu’s original Trashi Chhoe Dzong. Visit the weekend market, one of the highlights of your trip as you observe the Bhutanese people’s culture and lifestyle. Later we will make a stop at the Centenary Park where the walking Buddha resides.

We delve into the countryside towards the Punakha valley this morning, the winter capital of Bhutan. The drive ascends gradually to the Dochula pass over 10300 ft, with magnificent outlooks of the Himalayan range. The Dochula Monastery, also known as the Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens, is a tribute to the service and leadership of His Majesty the king. Visit the historic Punakha Dzong sprawled at the centre of the Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers. Enjoy overnight stay in Punakha

After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to Wangduephodrang, the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. We stop at the Ruins of the Wangdue Dzong. Like all other Dzongs in Bhutan, this Dzong also housed the administrative offices of the district. Proceed to the beautiful valley of Paro via a 4hr drive, stopping at the Dochula pass for photographs and an hour nature hike. Overnight in Paro

After breakfast, we will visit the Paro Dzong, also called Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress of a Heap of Jewels. This is, without doubt, one of the kingdom’s finest examples of traditional Bhutanese architecture and culture. The rest of the day is at leisure, you may like to take a walk down Paro’s main street, another opportunity to interact with the local people?

After breakfast, we set out for hiking to one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrimage sites in the Buddhist world, the Taktshang Lhakhang (the “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery). The trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched precariously on a sheer rock face 3000 ft above the valley floor.

In the morning our representatives will escort you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.