Bhutan Honeymoon Tour

Thimphu, Punakha & Paro

Day 01: Arrive Paro & transfer to Thimphu

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan.

On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of over 100,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

After short rest, visit Memorial Chorten: The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city Centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

Followed by a visit to Motithang Takin Preserve is a protected area where the national animal of Bhutan, Takin, is preserved. A half an hour walk here would unveil many exotic birds and animals to you, who wander around the area freely and in the most natural of habitat. Overflowing with serenity, the wildlife here is exquisite and should be seen once.

Conclude the tour of the day with a visit to Kaja Throm, where you will find the vendors and farmers from nearby regions selling their farm products.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu/Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,080m). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

Well before reaching Punakha, stop en route and hike to Chimi Lhakhang, perched on a hill in the centre of the valley, Chimi Lhakhang is a temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Also known as the 'Divine Madman', he used humour, song and dramatic reenactment to disperse his teachings back in the 15th century. Chimi Lhakhang is widely known as the temple of fertility; locals come here to receive blessings from the lama. They pray and ask to be blessed with a child. Locals also bring their newborns to be named here. The Lhakhang is about a 30-minute walk through fields from the main road.

Next you will drive towards Zomlingthang where you will enjoy picnic lunch by riverside.

Later, Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.

Followed by a visit to Punakha Suspension Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan measuring 180m in length. From the bridge, you can get a spectacular view of the Po Chhu river (Male River) and the valley. It’s an ideal place for a photo shoot with a stunning background. You will definitely enjoy the cool and breezy vibes from the suspension bridge.

Overnight at hotel in Punakha.

Day 03: Punakha

After breakfast, a beautiful hike (total about 2 hours’ round-trip walk) takes you to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, which was built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu river and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. Also, it features one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.

Post lunch, drive to visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery: Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans.

Here you will interact with the nuns who live in the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. This will be followed by a blessing ceremony for personal empowerment, wish fulfilment and a healthy life. The prayer will be about 30 minutes long, during which you will also participate in the lighting of butter lamps.

Later you will experience a nice Romantic candlelight dinner at the lodge.

Overnight at hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha/ Paro

After breakfast drive to Paro descending back down from Dochula, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley.

Check in at hotel. On arrival, check in and short rest.

After lunch proceeds to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Followed by a short drive to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and another cosmic Mandala.

Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 06: Paro

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike) (3150 Meters): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor. On your way back down to base, you can participate in hosting a prayer flag in order to bring you good luck.

Post lunch, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Evening, you can enjoy a 60-minute Massage at the lodge/ wellness center.

Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 06: Paro - Departure

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will explain the exit formalities and then bid you farewell.