Bhutan First Impressions

This package can be used as an extension of a trip to India.

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 arriving at Chuzom, stop by Tschogang Lhakhang, the “Temple of the Excellent Horse”

Check-in at the hotel for accommodation for 2 nights, with breakfast.

In the afternoon, visit the Thimphu market.


DAY 2: THIMPHU
Tour of the serene and beautiful Thimphu, the only capital in the world without traffic lights. Visit to the National Museum of the traditional textile and artisanal paper factory. It is also possible to visit the National Library, which houses a collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts.

After lunch, brief excursion to the 16th century Pangri Zampa monastery, where Buddhists learn about Buddhist philosophy and theology.

Visit to Simply Bhutan, which is an exclusive youth development project, and visit to King's Memorial Chorten, whose construction was the idea of the third king of Bhutan, who wanted to build a monument to peace and world prosperity.

Stop at Buddha Point, located a short distance from the center, for a panoramic view of the city. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the medieval fortress that houses government offices and the king's throne room.


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

Arrival in Punakha and check-in at the hotel for accommodation for 1 night, with breakfast.

Then head out for an approximately 1-hour walk between rice plantations and villages to the Chimi Lhakhang Monastery, known as the Temple of Fertility. Locals say that to get pregnant you just have to pray in this temple!

After lunch, visit the courtyard of the Punakha Dzong, the citadel built at the junction of two rivers where religious and civil powers are concentrated.


DAY 4: PUNAKHA - PARO
Trip to Paro, stopping on the way to visit Dzong Simtokha, built in 1627 and which has an institute for teaching the Dzongkha language. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Arrival in Paro for accommodation for 2 nights, with breakfast.

At the end of the day, departure for an exploratory tour of the Paro Valley. 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.


DAY 5: PARO
Early in the morning, hike to the Taktshang Monastery, popularly known as the “Tiger's Nest”, which is atop a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. The walk/tour lasts about 5 hours; as an alternative to 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, so en route, you can stop for refreshments at a cafe.

Visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress and a monastery built in the 17th century to commemorate the victory over an invasion of Tibet. Nearby, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, which offers a glimpse into the daily life of the local population.

Finally, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan, built in the 7th century.

Upon return, free afternoon to explore the street market.


DAY 6: PARO
Transfer to the airport to board a flight.



Kathmandu Extension Package

To Ananda in the Himalayas Extension Package