DAY 01: Arrive Paro & transfer to Thimphu (55 km, 1 ½ hours)
Your exciting vacation in this land of happiness begins. After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by Pinehill Bhutan Travels representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour. Then drive to Thimphu and check into hotel. In the evening, there will be an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area. Overnight in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320 m).
DAY 02: Thimphu
Start the day with a drive to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) where you can see the magnificent Buddha statue. Then, proceed to King’s Memorial Chorten and Textile and Folk Heritage Museums. Post lunch, visit the National Library and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School). Then, drive to Takin Preserve. The Takin is national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and goat.
Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. The evening can be spent strolling the Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar. Sign off the day at your hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320 m).
DAY 03: Thimphu to Punakha & Wangduephodrang (75 km, 3 hours)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La. Located at a height of 3,088 m, Dochula is a scenic location with stupa and prayer flags which decorate this highest point on the road. It should be possible to see the majestic mountain peaks if the sky is clear.
Post lunch, you will visit Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day, we do an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (temple), also known as the temple of fertility. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Overnight at hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang. (Altitude 1,300 m)
DAY 04: Punakha & wangduephodrang (excursion to Gangtey)
The 4th day begins with a fascinating excursion to Gangtey. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. You will visit Gangtey Gompa (monastery) which is perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor.
Then explore the fascinating Phobjikha Valley (2900 m) which hosts the black necked cranes in winter. Phobjikha lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. Then visit Black Neck Crane Information Centre. Later in the afternoon drive back to Punakha / Wangduephodrang for overnight stay. (Altitude 1,300 m).
DAY 05: Punakha & Wangduephodrang to Paro (125 km, 4 ½ hours)
Start return journey to Paro descending back down from Dochu La. En route; you will visit Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses of the country. Upon reaching Paro, you will visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. Thereafter, walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (fortress of the heap of jewels). We will call of the day with a night well rested at your hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280 m)
DAY 06: Paro
An exciting excursion to Taktshang Monastery/ Tiger’s Nest (approx 5 hours round trip walk) is scheduled for today. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the Paro valley floor.
Thereafter, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang (temple) and in the evening an exploratory walk around main street and market area. Overnight at Paro. (Altitude 2,280 m).
DAY 07: Depart Paro
Drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. We hope to serve you again with our other exciting tour packages in the future.