Bhutan First Impressions

DAY 1: PARO - THIMPHU Upon arrival
in Paro, reception and ground transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

Along the way, visit Chuzom, the meeting between the Paro and Thimphu rivers, where there are three styles of stupas: Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, stop by Tachogang Lhakhang, the “Temple of the Excellent Horse” or Horse Hill Temple.

In Thimpu, accommodation for 2 nights, with half board.

In the afternoon, visit the Chorten National Memorial, built in 1974. The monument is characterized by its white stupa with golden spires. Then, visit Ka Ja Thorm, a market center where modern and traditional elements of Bhutanese life converge.


DAY 2: THIMPHU
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel north of the city to visit the Buddha Dordenma, an impressive 54-meter-tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, made of bronze and covered with a layer of gold. The statue is situated on top of a hill, within the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. Possibility of meditation in a specially designated area.

Then a walk of about an hour and a half, from Buddha Dordenma to Changangkha Lhakhang. The easy level trail runs through a forest with different tree species and features gazebos along the way.

Arrival at Changangkha Lhakhang to visit the complex, where the statue of Chenrezig is located, a figure that symbolizes the compassion of all Buddhas.

Visit Zilukha Anim Dratsang, a Buddhist nuns' convent that once belonged to Thang Tong Gyalpo, a Buddhist master famous for having built dozens of bridges made of iron chains across Tibet and Bhutan.

Time for lunch (without drinks) at a local restaurant and stop at the Zorig Chusum National Institute, aimed at the preservation and promotion of Bhutan's thirteen traditional arts and crafts.

Continuation of the visit to The Folk Heritage Museum, which presents a portrait of rural Bhutanese customs.

Finally, visit Tashichho Dzong, the medieval fortress that houses government offices and the king's throne room.


DAY 3: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
Breakfast and check-out at the hotel. Travel to Punakha via the Dochula Pass, with its stupas and prayer flags. Dochula Pass, a mountain pass in the Himalayas, which offers a beautiful view of the mountains on sunny days.

Arrival in Punakha and accommodation for 1 night, with half board.

After lunch (without drinks) at a local restaurant, visit the courtyard of the Punakha Dzong, the citadel built at the junction of two rivers, where religious and civil powers are concentrated.

Then, walk of approximately 1 hour between rice plantations and villages to the Chimi Lhakhang Monastery, known as the Temple of Fertility.


DAY 4: PUNAKHA - PARO
Breakfast and trip to Paro, which brings together a rich culture, ancient temples and is home to important monasteries.

Accommodation for 2 nights, with half board.

Arrival in Paro and private half-day tour, with an English-speaking guide, including lunch (without drinks) at a local restaurant.

Visit Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong. Ta Dzong was originally built as a watchtower, which now houses the national museum. Rinpung Dzong was a large monastery built in 1644.

Then, visit a typical farmhouse, representing authentic traditional Bhutanese architecture, with the possibility of interacting with the local community and following ancient agricultural practices. A unique opportunity to connect with the culture and way of life preserved for generations in this picturesque region. In addition, it is possible to practice archery using the traditional bamboo bow and arrow. Considered Bhutan's national sport, archery is present at every special occasion in the country.


DAY 5: PARO
Early in the morning, hike to the Taktshang Monastery, popularly known as the “Tiger's Nest”, which is on top of a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. The walk/tour lasts about 5 hours; as an alternative, for those who do not wish to go hiking, it is possible to reach the temple on a pony. This is one of the holiest places in Bhutan, visited by Buddhists at least once in their lives. The climb is steep; therefore, en route, you can stop for refreshments at a cafe.

On the way to the city of Paro, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century and built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo as part of the 108 temples erected in the Himalayas. The founding of this temple marked the arrival of Buddhism to the country.

At the end of the day, free time at the local market.


DAY 6: PARO
After breakfast and check-out at the hotel, transfer to Paro airport.

Combine this itinerary with:

INDIA: HISTORY AND CULTURE