Family 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.

Pay a quick visit to Post Office, where you can get personal photo stamp printing.

Conclude your day with a visit to Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar: The Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar also known as the handicrafts market of Thimphu is a perfect place to get a glimpse inside the art and craft of Bhutan. The Shops are made using the eco-friendly bamboo and the youngsters welcoming with smiling face. Craft bazaar is helpful for us as it differentiates our Bhutanese products from the other product in the market.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 02: Thimphu

After breakfast, proceed for the guided tour of city’s main attractions that includes:

Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located a short drive away from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley from here. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest in the country. A walk in and around the premises taking in the scenic beauty of the surroundings is a popular activity even among the locals.

You can enjoy a high tea in Kuensel Phodrang Park.

Then, hike from Buddha Point to Changangkha Lhakhang. The hike takes us through populated blue pine forests, with the perfect view of Thimphu Valley. It was initially intended to be a cycling trail, but it is excellent for hiking as well. You can do the hike either way. The hike will take about 2 hours. The hike is through pine forest. This trail is part of the 60th birth anniversary celebration of the fourth king of Bhutan.

Lunch followed by city tour that includes:

Textile Museum: is worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men.

Followed by drive to visit Takin Preserve. The crown jewel of Thimphu, 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.

Located in the Motithang district in Thimphu, the Royal Takin Preserve was originally a mini zoo but later turned into a wildlife preserve. The king found it unfair to bind its national animals within definite boundaries and hence declared the area as a wildlife preserve, where the animals can roam around freely.

Conclude the tour of the day with a visit of Tashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 03: Thimphu/ Punakha

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be chauffeured to Punakha (3 hours’ drive). The road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees, to Dochula pass. An incredible Bhutanese mountain pass those peaks at 3140 m (10301 ft) above sea level. It presents exceptional views of the snow-capped eastern Himalaya range in the winter along its path, linking the city of Thimphu and Punakha. Head on over to the Druk Wangyal Chortens, where 108 memorial stupas and chortens stand in honour of Bhutanese soldiers slain in the war against Bodo insurgents from India. The Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, sanctioned the shrine in 2003 after King Jigme Singye Wangchuck overcame the insurgents.

Stop on Dochula to visit the 108 stupas to honor the fallen Bhutanese soldiers.

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.

After lunch, spend rest of your afternoon at the farmhouse experiencing a life of a Bhutanese in a village home.

Overnight at hotel in Punakha

Day 04: Punakha

Early this morning, you will begin your hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. You will be driven to the suspension bridge and hike only about 45 minutes. This three storey Lhakhang is a recent addition to Bhutan's string of architecturally splendid buildings. Built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon, it houses representations of the tantric form of Buddhist deities that subjugate enemies and ward off harmful influences on the people of Bhutan. Built for the protection of the country and the present King, Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten also offers impressive views of the valley below.

After your hike, you will be taken for rafting on the Pho chu river (Father River). The Pho Chu, which translates into Male River, is fed by glaciers in the Lunana region. A favorite amongst thrill seeking travellers, its 16 km (9.9 mi) course is loaded with 15 different rapids, ranging from class 2-4, making it the perfect spot to embark on a rafting adventure! At the confluence between Pho Chu and Mo Chu lies the Punakha Dzong, and thereafter the main river is known as Punatsang Chu. This merger is also where your rafting experience ends.

Later in the afternoon, drive to visit the Punakha dzong. Constructed in 1637, this was the second dzong to be built in Bhutan, and for many years served as its seat of government. Widely referred to as the most beautiful dzong in the country, the towering white walls form a lovely contrast to the surrounding greens and blues. It is the winter residence of the central monastic body and holds a very important relic over which many wars were fought with the Tibetans. All of Bhutan's kings are crowned here before they can take their throne in Thimphu. The dzong’s magnificence is especially striking in the spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees are in full bloom.

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 05: Punakha/Paro

This morning, post breakfast, drive to Paro

Paro is a historic town, situated at 2250 m (7382 ft,) with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, the National Museum and the country's only airport. Mt Jhomolhari (7326 m /24035 ft) reigns in its white glory at the northern end of the valley. It’s roaring glacial water plunges through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River). Paro is one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

On entering Paro town, drive directly to your hotel for Check-in and lunch.

Post lunch, visit the Ta Dzong; a watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during the inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Since 1967, the Ta Dzong has been serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangka paintings, natural history, and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The building's circular shape comes from its defensive origin.

Then short drive to visit Rinpung Dzong which means the ‘Fortress on a heap of jewels’. The Paro Dzong ranks as a high point of Bhutanese architecture with its massive, buttressed walls that tower over the town and are visible throughout the valley. It was formerly the meeting hall for the National Assembly and now, like most dzongs, houses both the monastic body and district government offices. It is worth visiting this Dzong for its stunning architecture and views of the valley.

Later, immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture by donning a traditional Gho/Kira and then get plenty of pictures on this experience. You will make your way to a Farm House. As you get fitted in your outfit, listen to the history of the garment and the specific rules for wearing it. Once you are dressed from head to toe. After snapping some unique pictures that make incredible souvenirs, you can also experience the National Sport Archery here.

Overnight at hotel in Paro

Day 06: Paro

Early this morning, take a short drive to Ramthankha, and start your hike to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2950 m (9678 ft.), the four-hour trek offers spectacular views. The trail climbs through a beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Bhutan flew from eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings and meditation here on this cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world. This hike takes about five hours with a 900 m (2952 ft) approximate gain in altitude. On your way back down to base, you can participate in hosting a prayer flag in order to bring you good luck.

Evening, enjoy a hot stone bath at farmhouse.

Overnight at hotel in Paro

Day 07: Departure

This morning you will be chauffeured to Paro airport to board your onward flight.