5 Day Bhutan Tour

Tour Highlights; Rinpung Dzong/ Kichu Lhakhang/ Tashichhoe Dzong/ Farmer's Weekend Market/ Fertility Temple/ Buddha Gang/ Punakha Dzong/ /Tiger's Nest/ Farmhouse Farewell Dinner.

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport
Welcome to Bhutan “the Land of the Thunder Dragon.” As you touch down, you will be received with “Tashi Khada” by your guide and driver at the airport and driven to the town for welcome tea and refreshment.

(Please note; your itinerary shall be flexible and you can skip few sightseeing if you wish to rest more. Your guide will give you options based on your interest)
Thimphu Cultural Sights & Acclimatization Day!
- Drive to Thimphu (60km/ 1hr). Thimphu is a charming capital city nestled at the heart of Himalayas.
- En route walk on the ancient suspension bridge below Tamchog lhakhang.
- Stop at confluence of river “Chuzomsa” to see the 3 different kinds of Himalayan stupas; Tibetan, Bhutanese and Nepalese style.
- On arrival, check-in your Hotel and take rest.
- See the endangered Takin,which is found in captivity. This hill is also called the “romantic point” as lovers often come here to enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley
- Visit Buddha Gang, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world.
- Circumambulate Memorial chorten (huge stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, prostrate, pray and practice their devotion.
- The Craft Bazaar for souvenir and shopping!
- The Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
- Visit the Farmer's Weekend Market for organic fruits & nuts
- In evening, free to go on a Walking tour around the bustling Thimphu city on your own or with your guide; Hongkong market, Norzin lam, Main traffic area, Wogzin lam, Clock tower etc.
Overnight Thimphu (Alt; 2320m).



Day 2: Discovering Punakha & Wangdue (78km/ 2.5hr)
- En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range.
- Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple).
- As you arrive Wangdue, hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child.
- Visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river.
- Walk on the 200m suspension bridge above Phochu river to Gidagom village .
- In evening, time at your leisure.
Overnight Punakha (Alt; 1240m)

Day 3: Paro Sightseeing & Detour (135km/ 3-4hr)
- After breakfast drive to Paro via stopping for mountain view at Dochula again if the weather is clear.
- On arrival, check in hotel followed by Paro sightseeing
- Ta Dzong, an ancient Watch Tower turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
- Rinpung Dzong “Fortress of the heap of Jewels.”
- On the way back, visit Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king.
- Witness an archery match at national stadium played by locals with lots of hue & cry.
- In evening, time at your leisure, free to shop for souvenir at Paro town. Interact with the friendly locals.
Overnight Paro (Alt; 2280m)

Day 4 : Excursion to Mystical Taktsang
- After a wholesome breakfast, spend the day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest, Bhutan's most famous and scenic icon. Tiger's Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5hrs round trip. (Ponies & horses optional)
- Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger's Nest view.
- In evening, authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.”
- Hot stone bath, optional. River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing.
Overnight Paro (Alt; 2280m)

Day 5: Depart from Paro International Airport
Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport. TashiDelek!

A typical day tour in Bhutan may include the following activities and attractions:

Morning:

Start your day with a visit to a local monastery or temple. Bhutan is known for its numerous monasteries, such as Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery in Paro or Punakha Dzong in Punakha.
Explore the spiritual and architectural beauty of the monastery, and take part in any ongoing religious rituals or ceremonies.
Observe the monks and learn about their way of life and the Buddhist philosophy they follow.
Mid-Morning:

Take a break and enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch at a local restaurant. Bhutanese cuisine often includes dishes like ema datshi (spicy chili and cheese stew) and momos (dumplings).
Afternoon:

Visit a local village and interact with the residents to get a glimpse of their daily lives. Learn about their traditions, livelihoods, and customs.
Explore the local markets or handicraft centers, where you can find intricate Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Depending on the location, you might also have the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, or exploring natural attractions.
Evening:

Wind down your day by enjoying a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, savoring more Bhutanese delicacies.
Spend the evening relaxing at your accommodation, reflecting on the day's experiences, or exploring the town at your own pace.
It's important to note that the specific attractions and activities may vary depending on the region you are visiting in Bhutan, as each region has its own unique landmarks and cultural highlights. We will be able to provide more tailored recommendations based on your interests and the duration of your stay.

Age range from 15 to 75 years old

Accommodation : Hotels/ Home stays. Overnight camping. Temples and monasteries.
Meals : All Meals inclusive (Continental, American, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Tibetan, Nepalese, Bhutanese & etc) in local tourist approved restaurant.

1. Tourists to be accompanied by guide and driver through out the tour
2. Smoking not allowed in public places.
3. Travel insurance is mandatory for tourists visiting Bhutan

Inclusions -
1. Accommodation in 3 star hotels minimum.
2. Meals ( Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner )
1. Experienced English speaking guides all certified by Department of Tourism and experienced drivers.
2. Private SUVs for FITs for small groups and and vans and buses for bigger groups
3. Complimentary from the company :Tea, coffee, snacks / Mineral water
4. Visa fees, Entrance fee to various museums & temples / Daily Royalty of $200 per head, government contribution, taxes & TDF

Exclusions -

1. Airfare/ Travel Insurance/ Personal shopping/ Laundry/Alcohol & Beverages and international telephone calls

Description	Distance
Tiger's Nest	5
Paro Rinpung Dzong	1
Kyichu Lhakhang	1.5
Paro National Museum	3
Dungtse Lhakhang	2
Buddha Dordenma Statue	3
Tashichho Dzong	2
National Memorial Chorten	1
Mothithang Takin Zoo	3
Farmers Weekend Market	1
Dochula Pass	20
Punakha Dzong	3
Chimi Lhakhang	2
Punakha Suspension Bridge
Rinchengang Village