Glimpses of Bhutan Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Paro and drive to Thimphu
Fly from Kathmandu to Paro that takes about 1 hr 35 min. GAT staff will receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel where you can relax. Following lunch, Bhutanese tour guide will take you on a guide tour of 17th century Drukgyal Dzong, Rimpung Dzong and 7th century Kichu Lhakhang. In the late afternoon drive to Thimphu which takes about one and a half hours. Overnight in hotel.
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
The whole day today is reserved for Thimphu sightseeing. Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan. We begin by visiting National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple, Tashichhodzong and Zilukha nunnery of Dupthop Lhakhang. Thereafter the National Library which is stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, Painting School and Traditional Medicine Institute. Lungtenzampa and Handicrafts Emporium offers you a history and artistic excellence of royal silver smiths and Bhutanese craftsmen. You will end your tour by calling on Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Overnight in hotel.
Day 03: Drive from Thimpu to Punakha
Take an early morning breakfast and drive to Punakha. En route you will go over Dochula pass (3100m) which allows beautiful views of Himalayan peaks including Jomolhari (7326m). You will also visit Chime Lhakhang, or ‘the Temple of Fertility’ and 17th century Punakha Dzong. The road further ahead passes through the popular Pho Chu (Male) and Mo Chu (Female) rivers. By late afternoon you will have reached Punakha, which is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo. Overnight in hotel.
Day 04: Drive from Punakha to Thimpu and then to Paro
Enjoy an early morning drive to Yabesa and then hike through rice fields up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten. Built by Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk, the chorten showcases paintings of Buddha. Afterwards visit Wangduephodrang Dzong before returning to Paro via Thimphu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Paro Sightseeing
After early morning breakfast, go on a full day sightseeing of Paro. You will explore Satsam Chorten and Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery. Taktsang Monastery is where Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, came on the back of a flying tiger. Next is the ancient watchtower of Ta Dzong, Paro Rimpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and 15th century Tamchog Monastery. Overnight in hotel.
Day 06: Final Departure
As per your flight schedule, you will be driven to Paro international airport for your departure.