Itinerary

Day 1 Paro

Paro, with Bhutan’s only airport, is the gateway to the kingdom for most visitors. Along the main street is a complex of traditional architecture: two lines of richly decorated buildings housing small shops, institutions and restaurants. Paro Dzong is a fortress-monastery overlooking a beautiful valley. Ten kilometres from Paro by road you will see in the distance the famous Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Hermitage on the face of a sheer 1000m cliff.

Upon arrival in Paro, you will be required to present two passport photos to the immigration official for your Bhutan visa (included), which will be stamped into your passport. Once you pass through customs your guide and driver will be waiting for you.

Our first stop after lunch will be the impressive Ta Dzong - the ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong, which now houses the National Museum.  The museum has an interesting assortment of costumes from the different regions of Bhutan along with a wonderful collection of paintings and sculptures. We will have the opportunity to stroll in downtown Paro this afternoon before returning to our hotel for a welcome dinner and a brief orientation session.

Those who visit Bhutan via the beautiful valley of Paro would find it hard not to notice Tashi Namgay Resort. Located on a rocky hill overlooking the Drukair airport and the pa chu river below, the resort would be one of the first glimpses of Bhutan for visitors to our small and beautiful kingdom. The resort is set amidst five acres of lush foliage and sprawling green lawns and has 39 spacious rooms housed in 15 cottages and bungalows. Located outside Paro town, it offers a calm and peaceful environment that merges traditional Bhutanese and modern architecture in its own unique style that incorporates its concern for the environment as seen through the use of solar lights, wooden shingle roofing and mud walls. Tashi Namgyal resort is an ideal resort for vacationers looking for a calm and relaxing resort that offers an authentic Bhutanese ambiance along with all the comfort of a modern resort.

Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort.

Day 2 Paro

The day begins with a short hike to Dzongdrakha (8,100 feet).   This is an area in which Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th Century.  Situated on the cliffs just above the Bondey valley, it is not far from terraced fields.  Dzongdrakha is a tranquil village of about eight farmhouses built around four temples. This hike will also help one acclimatize for the trek.  The large temple on the extreme right and the furthermost temple are situated below the last farmhouse and are privately owned by a family from the village. The two temples at the center of the village are owned jointly by all the villagers of Dzongdrakha. It takes about a half-hour to hike to the first temple from the Chele La road; the trail goes along a wide dirt track. After about 20 minutes on the track, the path makes a steep climb up through oak trees. The entire village is set up over the cliffs, stretching horizontally over the ledge, with farmhouses and temples vying for the limited space. It has a beautiful view of the Bondey valley.  After exploring Dzongdrakha, we will continue up the road, heading to the top of Chele La (la means “pass”).   From the summit we will enjoy stunning views of Chomolhari, Jitchu Drake and Drake Gang (weather conditions permitting).   A short (10-minute) hike takes us to a viewpoint where it may also be possible to catch a glimpse of Kangchenjunga in the distance.  There are various hiking options from Chele La.  A hike up the ridgeline (very steep in places) leads to a large mound where sky burials are performed (please note that if a burial is scheduled, we may not be able to do this hike).   After exploring the ridge, we will return to the Paro valley where the remainder of the day is free for individual exploration.

Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort.

Day 3 Thimphu

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, and sprawls across the western slopes of the Wang Chhu river valley. Norzin Lam, the recently upgraded main thoroughfare, is lined with shops, restaurants, retail arcades and public buildings. Dechenphu, Tango and Cheri monasteries, and Dechenchoeling Palace, the official residence of the King, are located to the north of the city.

Thimphu lies at an altitude of 8000 feet high. After arriving, you will travel to the first stop of the day at the Memorial Chorten. The Royal Grand Mother Ashi Phuntsho Choden built this chorten in 1974 in memory of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who died in 1972. The ground floor of the Chorten is consecrated to the cycle of the teachings for subduing eight kinds of harmful spirits, and the top floor to the cycle of teachings of lama Gondu. Together these form the three basic teachings of the Nyingmapa School. All three are revealed texts that were hidden by Guru Rinpoche in order that the first Dudjom Rimpochey rediscovers them in the 19th century. An exterior gallery above the top floor makes it possible to circle the Chorten at the level of its spires from where there is a splendid view over the city. After visiting the Chorten we will bring you back to the Hotel in Thimphu. The guides will check in the baggage in the rooms while the group is having lunch at the restaurant in the hotel. After lunch we continue our sightseeing. We drive to the viewpoint of Thimphu from where you can get an excellent panoramic view of the city. On your way back check at the small zoo in the pine trees to spot some Takins, the national animal of Bhutan.  Our next stop is at the Zilukha nunnery which comprises of about 65 nuns. The temple which houses the nuns is dedicated to the famous saint Drubthob Thangthong Gyalpo, the man who first introduced and built the chain of iron bridges in Bhutan. We then pass the Tashichhodzong, which was expanded in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the temporal ruler in Bhutan during the 16th century. To this day the Dzong serves as the seat of the government and the home of about 300 monks during summer. The monks move towards Punakha for three months during winters. We are not allowed to visit the Dzong when the monk body is in Thimphu.

Namgay Heritage Hotel was built on the concept that guests to our country come to experience the culture, history and the way of life of the people of Bhutan, and deserve to do so in a manner suited to their sensibilities. If you are looking for a hotel that reflects the culture and traditions of Bhutan and at the same time offers you all the amenities of a truly modern hotel, it is our sincere believe, that we should be your hotel of choice.

Overnight at Namgay Heritage Hotel.

Day 4 Thimphu

The capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu, has a number of stops & sights for the tourists to enjoy. Some of the day-time activities include the Handmade paper factory, Painting school, Textile Museum, The Heritage Museum, Arts & Crafts School, The Handicraft Emporium, and The Archery ground (where you might catch the archery match). Evening and weekend options to explore include the weekend market, Longchutse Hike from Dochula, Phajoding hike, Tangocherry hike, and Begana Hike.

Overnight at Namgay Heritage Hotel.

Day 5 Paro

Today is your departure from Thimphu Bhutan aboard Druk Airlines. Your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport and bid their farewells there. Your journey to Bhutan ends today

Overnight at Depart.

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