The Shangrila’s Delight

Your Tour guide and driver will meet you at the Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu valley. A short stop to view Tamchog monastery built in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo. Afternoon – visit memorial chorten, tallest Statue of Buddha (51.5 meter), Changangkhalhakhang, Takin preserve center. In the evening, visit Sangaygang view point and Dupthoplhakhang, the oldest nunnery in Thimphu. Free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.

In the morning, visit national postal museum where you can print your pictures on the official Bhutanese stamps. The visit textile museum, school of 13 arts and crafts. Afternoon – witness the archery match at Changlimithang stadium. In the evening, visit TashichhoDzong, the royal secretariat. In early autumn, the grand Thimphu festival is held here.

In The Morning, Drive To Punakha. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan until the rule of second king of Bhutan, Jigme DorjiWangchuck. On the way, visit the beautiful Dochu La Pass (Altitude 3140 m). Just few kilometers below is Chimilhakhang built in 1499 to honor Drukpa Kuenley or “The Divine Madman”. The temple is also popularly called The Temple of Fertility. He was known as The Divine Madman for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism often with sexual overtones. After lunch, visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal. King Jigme DorjiWangchuck convened the first national assembly here in 1952. In the late afternoon, walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 meters) across Pho Chu river. You can enjoy the view of Punakha valley below.

In the morning, drive to Gangtey and Phobjikha. A short stop on the way to view WangduePhodrangDzong. Note: The lower part of the valley is called Phobjikha and upper part is Gangtey. The Gangtey monastery is perched on a hillock overlooking the beautiful Phobjikha valley. The cup shaped glacial valley of Phobjikha is considered the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas. It is the roosting ground for the rare black necked cranes in winter. Visit GangteyGompa monastery built in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley. The annual black necked crane festival is held here. Then visit the crane information center. In the evening, walk around the beautiful Phobjikha valley.

In The Morning, Drive to Thimphu. We occasionally stop on the way to take pictures. In the afternoon, visit to textile museum, witness archery match at Changlimithang stadium and free for shopping.

In The Morning, Drive To Paro And Visit To Ta Dzong, The National Museum Of Bhutan. Then visit RinpungDzong built in 1646 by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal. It is the finest illustration of Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship you’ll see. So impressive it is that even scenes of 1995 film, Little Buddha were filmed here. Later, visit to the KilaGompa nunnery which houses around 90 nuns. It was initially started as a meditation center in the 9th century.

In the morning, drive to Satsam Chorten and 2 hour hike till the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang – Highlight of 8 days Bhutan tour itinerary). Probably the most photographed monument in Bhutan – it is a world heritage site. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew here on a back of a tigress. In the afternoon visit to Drugyel Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. In the evening, visit to a typical Bhutanese farm house.

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.