5 Day Western Bhutan Tour (Paro, Thimphu & Punakha)

On arrival at Paro International Airport, the representative from Somify Destination Tours – Gateway to your Unforgettable Bhutan Experience; Will warmly welcome & greet you. Then, you will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, hearing the sound of the peaceful river flowing of Paa-chu and Thim-chu. The drive will take 1 hour and 30 minutes along a river valley, past small villages and traditional farmhouses. It`s a small & charming capital city located in the heart of the Himalayas. On reaching Thimphu, we can have lunch in one of the restaurants. After lunch, visit Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the third late king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The temple inside gives good examples of tantric Buddhism and its philosophy. Big Buddha Point is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue overlooking the Thimphu Valley. The Buddha Dordenma is situated amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuk, the 13th Druk Desi. Now, this is considered one of the biggest  Buddha statues in Bhutan, at a height of 169 feet (51.5 meters). Mothithang mini-zoo, to see the National Animal of Bhutan Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor). The Takin is a National Animal of Bhutan and is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley. Zulikha Nunnery, the Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel and today, it houses the sixty nuns engaged in Buddhist study and practices. Evening, stroll around Thimphu city, then visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the National Government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Dinner & Overnight stay in Hotel, Thimphu.

After breakfast, we will drive to Punakha/Wangdi via Dochula Pass (3150m). Here you will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan Mountain ranges. The pass is adorned with 108 small Chorten and many prayer flags. The road climbs steeply through forests of blue pine, spruce and rhododendrons up to Dochula and then the road descends through lush forests to the fertile valley of Punakha. The drive will take around 3 hours. Lunch will be served on the way to Punaka. On reaching Lobesa, visit Chhimi Lhakhang, which is located on a hilltop. The temple is known as ‘the temple of fertility’. This place was founded by divine madman Lama Drukpa Kunley in the 15th century. Later, this temple was built by his cousin Lama Ngawang Chogyel. At Punakha, visit the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong. The winter resident for Central Monastic Body and head of the administrative purposes, even this is the best venue for the coronation of our kings in Bhutan. Dinner and Overnight stay in Hotel, Punakha/Wangdi.

After breakfast, we will drive back to Paro. The road ascends to the Dochula Pass (3150m) and descends till reach Semtokha. Today, the drive will take almost 5 hours and lunch will be on the way to Paro. On reaching Paro, visit Paro Rimpung Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in this region and drive to the village of Drukgyel and visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1649 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invasion. Dinner and Overnight stay in Hotel, Paro.

Today after breakfast, we will hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery, the most famous and sacred monastery in Bhutan. Taktshang means “Tiger`s Nest” named after Guru Rinpoche reportedly flew to this site riding on the back of a flying tigress in the 8th century. We have to walk about 2 hours and 30 minutes up steep from the road end. The trail climbs through a beautiful pine forest, many trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Lunch will be served at the Taktshang cafeteria. While coming back, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, it is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo (the 33rd Tibetan king, who is also the manifestation of Avoloketeshivara, commonly known to Bhutanese as Chenrize). Evening at leisure, dinner and overnight stay at Paro Hotel.

After breakfast, we will drive to the Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport. We wish you a very safe and pleasant flight for your onward destinations.