Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Fly to Paro, transfer to Thimphu
Visiting: Paro, Thimphu
Upon arrival at the airport and customs your Bhutanese escort will greet you and drive you 1.5 hours through the beautiful Paro valley to Thimphu. You can spend the rest of the evening exploring Thimphu, soaking in the Bhutanese way of life.
Meals: D
Standard Lodging: Pedling Hotel or similar
Day 2 : Tour of Thimphu
Visiting: Thimphu
Sightseeing in Thimphu includes a visit to the National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the School of Thanka Paintings, and the traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts are still practiced. Then visit the Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textile then take a stroll through the streets for a little shopping. After lunch, visit the memorial Chorten to His Late Majesty (King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk), who reigned from 1952-1972. Later take a 15 minute drive to Dechenchohhling to witness the gold and silversmiths at work. Finally, visit the Tashichho Dzong (fortress of the Glorious Region) built in 1641 and reconstructed in 1961 using traditional methods without the use of any nails, plans, or paper.
Meals: BLD
Standard Lodging: Pedling Hotel or similar
Day 3 : Tour of Thimphu, Drive to Punakha Valley
Visiting: Thimphu, Punakha Valley
As well as the main sites of Thimphu you can also spend a day hiking to Tango and Cheri, two magnificent monasteries on the edge of the Thimphu valley. You may choose to visit Phajoding monastery with its stunning views over the valley, touring the markets and monasteries that flourish in this uniquely tranquil national capital. Shop for textiles, puppets, and paintings that are handcrafted as they have been for centuries.
Meals: BLD
Standard Lodging: Dragon Nest Resort or similar
Day 4 : Tour of Punakha, Drive to Paro
Visiting: Punakha, Paro
The old capital of Bhutan stands at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. The Punakha Dzong is Bhutan's second oldest, and is arguably the country's most beautiful. Construction of the dzong began in 1637 and was completed the following year. It is more properly called the Pungthang Dechen Phodrang or the Palace of Great Happiness.
Meals: BLD
Standard Lodging: Hotel Olathang or similar
Day 5 : Tour of Paro
Visiting: Paro
Drive to Drugyal Dzong, a ruined fortress 16 km from Paro town. Tour Drukgyal Dzong with massive ruins that offer insight into the unique construction of Bhutan's famous dzongs. This Dzong is also of great historical importance as it was a critical point when the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. This gave the fortress it's name, translating to "victorious Bhutanese". Here you will have a magnificent panorama of Mount Chomolhari.
Meals: BLD
Standard Lodging: Hotel Olathang or similar
Day 6 : Departure
Visiting: Paro
Transfer to airport for departure flight
Meals: B
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