The Mysterious Kingdom Of Bhutan 7D/6N

The Mysterious Kingdom Of Bhutan 7D/6N

7 Days in Bhutan. It covers all the major attractions and places of Bhutan. The places you will be visiting are Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Paro. Discover the Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport | Transfer to Thimphu

Pass By: Paro International Airport, Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan
Complete VISA and immigration formalities at Paro Airport. Just outside the arrival hall, meet with your guide.

And then transfer to Thimphu (1-2 hours drive)

Pass By: Town Enterprise, Thimphu, Bhutan
Welcome to Thimphu City. Evening leisure and wander around the Town.

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Hotel Jambayang Resort, Thimphu (3 Stars)

Day 2: Thimphu Tour

Stop At: Buddha Dordenma, Kuensel Phodrang Viewing Point, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
It holds one of the largest Buddha’s statue in the country of 169 feet (51.5m), made of bronze and gilded in gold. Visitors can also get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from this point.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten), Thimphu Bhutan
The National Memorial Chorten, the stupa was built in 1974 to memorialize Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the third king of Bhutan (1928-1972).

Individual, be it young or old, come here to circumambulate the stupa and pray. It is believed that wishes made here are granted.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Changangkha Lhakhang, Thimphu Bhutan
This temple is located above central Thimphu, built in 12th century by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo on a ridge overlooking the town. Local parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessing from the protector deity ‘Tamdrin’.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Motithang Takin Preserve, Thimphu Bhutan
Later drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Takin Preserve. The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat.

Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist Yogi, Drukpa Kuenley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas.

Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: National Library and Archives of Bhutan, Pedzoe Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
The National Library houses an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Thimphu Bhutan
Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: National Folk Heritage Museum, Pedzoe Lam, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong), Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Trashichhoedzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. The original Thimphu Dzong (the Do-Ngön Dzong, or Blue Stone Dzong) was built in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanapa. This is one of the most impressive buildings situated along the right flank of the Thimphu river.

The building was later enlarged in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who unified Bhutan and was later reconstructed in 1962 by the third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King, Central Monastic Body, and various government offices.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at Hotel Jambayang Resort, Thimphu (3 Stars)

Day 3: Transfer To Punakha | Punakha Tour

Stop At: Dochula Pass, Thimphu Bhutan
After Breakfast, transfer to Punakha. (2-3 hours drive).Take a short stop at Dochula Pass. This popular tourist spot provides stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayas. It is also home to the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupas).
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
Visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness’, built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past.

It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic, though long established here.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Punakha Suspension Bridge, Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
Behind the Punakha Dzong, stretches the Punakha Suspension Bridge. It is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Chimi L'hakhang Temple, Punakha Bhutan
Embark on a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, located on a ridge surrounded by beautiful paddy fields. From the road point, it takes about 10- 15 minutes’ walk through Sobsukha village to reach the temple.

The temple is known as Fertility temple, it is associated with Buddhist Yogi, Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as ‘Divine Madman’. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are blessed with a child very soon.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Kingaling Resort, Punakha (3 Star)

Day 4: Punakha Tour | Transfer to Phobjikha

Stop At: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Bhutan
The day begins with a beautiful hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Stupa (approximately 3 hours round trip walk), which was built 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 and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Bhutan
Then rafting along the Mo Chhu River. You will be guided with our rafting specialist and he will be leading the amazing adventure in the Himalaya Kingdom.All the safety measures is planned and taken care. If you do not prefer rafting, your guide will arrange a sightseeing to nearby tourist spots.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Gangtey Monastery, Gangtey Bhutan
After lunch transfer to Phobjikha, on arrival visit Gangtey Monastery and check-in into the hotel.
Duration: 3 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Today’s lunch will be a picnic at Zomlingthang. The particular spot is loved by most Bhutanese for a picnic.
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at hotel Dewachen Gangtey, Phobjikha (3 Stars)

Day 5: Transfer to Paro | Paro Tour

Stop At: Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
The valley is protected for the endangered Black Necked Cranes migrating to Bhutan every winter (early Nov to End of February).

Phobjikha valley is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Upon arrival, visit ancient Gangtey Gompa Monastery and take a short walk to visit local homes.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ta Dzong Museum, Above the Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa Bhutan
Afterward, transfer to Paro.

On arrival visit Paro Ta-Dzong.

Visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Rinpung Dzong, Paro Bhutan
Walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along with 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 other cosmic Mandala.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Rema Resort, Paro (3 Stars)

Day 6: Paro Tour

Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail BT, Paro Bhutan
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor.

You will be provided for horse ride transportation to reach the temple. 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 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. The hike to the monastery makes a splendid half-day excursion.
Duration: 5 hours

Stop At: Kyichu Lhakhang, Lamgong Gewog, Paro 12001 Bhutan
While returning back, visit re-construction site of Drukgyal Fortress & Paro Kichu Temple (The oldest temple in the country).
Duration: 2 minutes

Stop At: Hot Stone Baths, Paro, Bhutan
After a tiring day, you will be taken for a traditional hot-stone bath. Popular in western Bhutan, this tradition of bathing is unique and practiced only in Bhutan.

The selected stones containing minerals are heated using fire and then immerse into the tub with water. The water gradually heats up. Herbal plants are added to spice up the bathing.

Soaking your body into it gives the soothing effect from the heat and relaxes your body. It is believed that it reduces joints and muscle pains.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Rema Resort, Paro (3 Stars)

Day 7: Departure

Stop At: Paro International Airport, Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan
After Breakfast, you will be dropped back to Paro International Airport. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments!
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.