5-Day Quick Tour of "The Last Shangrila"
Day 1: Arrival at Paro by Druk Air - Thimphu
You will arrive at the Paro International Airport by Druk Air and will be met by our representative. After completing the formalities, drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. In the evening explore around Thimphu city. Dinner and overnight stay at Thimphu Hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu – Punakha, 75 Km, 2.1/2 Hours
Morning visit to Trashichhodzong, the beautiful fortress which houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit the National Library, which has an extensive collection of Buddhist literatures, with some works dating back several hundred years. Visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum, where a six-year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
Also visit Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts still practiced. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products followed by a drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's Third King, regarded as the Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
In the evening, drive to Punakha. On the way, you can stop at the Dochula Pass (3,050m ). Depending on the weather, you might see some magnificent views from there. Spend the night at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 3: Punakha - Wangduephodrang – Paro, 150 Km, 5 Hrs
In the morning, you will visit Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress which served as an ancient capital city of Bhutan and has played important role in building up of modern Bhutan. You can also visit local market where farmers sell their goods. You will also visit Khamsum Namgyal Chorten.
Then drive to Wangdiphodrang visiting Dzong (which unfortunately burnt down in 2012) and local market. Wangdiphodrang is well known for its bamboo handicrafts and carvings made of stone.
After lunch drive to Paro with a short stop at Dochula pass. On the way visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, which now houses the Institute for Language and Culture studies. Spend overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 4: ParoIn the morning you will drive to the road point from where you will take a hike upto the famous Tiger's Nest. In the afternoon, on your way back visit Ta Dzong, a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Since 1968, Ta Dzong serves as Bhutan’s National Museum. From here you can walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.If time permits, you can visit Drukgyel Dzong. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several Tibetan invasions during the 17th century. In this vicinity, you can visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local Bhutanese.
Day 5: Departure from Paro
After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight back home. Our representative will assists you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.