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This itinerary showcases the highlights of western Bhutan, combining cultural exploration with breathtaking natural scenery. The journey covers Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha, offering insight into Bhutan’s rich history through visits to iconic dzongs and monasteries. Travelers experience the vibrant culture and traditions of the capital, witness the historic significance of Punakha, and admire the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in Paro. The route also includes a scenic drive across Dochu La Pass, where clear days reveal panoramic views of the northern Himalayan ranges. Overall, the tour offers a memorable blend of Bhutan’s spiritual heritage, history, and mountain landscapes.
Itinerary
- Upon arrival at Paro Int’l Airport, you will clear immigration and customs before meeting your guide and driver. From here, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Thimphu (2,286Mtrs), the capital city of Bhutan.
- After lunch at your hotel, visit the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This multi-storied stupa showcases numerous paintings that offer a glimpse into Buddhist philosophy.
- Continue your day with a visit to Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient temple built in the 13th century by Lam Phajo Dugom Zhigpo, located on a ridge above the city.
- Visit the Takin Reserve, home to Bhutan's national animal, the Takin.
- Later visit the Crafts Bazaar and the town on leisure
- Evening, visit Tashichho Dzong (the fortress of the glorious religion), which houses the throne room of the king, His Majesty’s Secretariat and the Central Monk Body
- Start your day with a visit to The Buddha Dordenma Statue, one of the most impressive and significant landmarks in Bhutan, which stands as a symbol of peace and the country’s deep Buddhist roots.
- Visit National Library, established in the 1960s, where a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and books are preserved.
- Head to the Institute of Zorig Chusum (the Painting School), where young students practice Bhutan’s traditional 13 arts and crafts.
- Visit the Textile Museum, offering a fascinating introduction to Bhutan’s textiles, along with exhibits on the national dress ‘gho’ for men and ‘kira’ for women.
- Visit The Simply Bhutan Museum in which offers a living museum experience, showcasing Bhutanese culture, traditions, and history. It focuses on providing visitors with a hands-on, immersive look at the way of life in Bhutan, both past and present.
- If your visit falls on Friday through Sunday, don’t miss the Centenary Vegetable Market at the Centenary Farmers Market. This lively market is a great place to sample local organic produce and crafts, and interact with the locals.
- Begin your journey with a stop at Dochula Pass (10,500 ft), located 23 km from Thimphu (about 45 minutes). If the weather is clear, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range.
- At Dochula, admire the cluster of 108 Namgyel Khangzang Chortens, dedicated by Her Majesty The Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, to celebrate the Fourth King’s leadership and Bhutan’s progress.
- Continue to the village of Sopsokha, where you’ll have a view of Chimi Lhakhang, a temple built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (the Divine Madman). It’s believed that women who visit this temple will be blessed with children after receiving a blessing.
- Arrive in Punakha, a fertile valley bordered by the Phochu and Mochu rivers, known for its historical significance. The first session of Bhutan's National Assembly was held here, and it remains the winter residence of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.
- Visit Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This was the administrative and religious center of Bhutan until the mid-1950s.
- Visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a Buddhist college and meditation center perched on a hill with stunning valley views, housing many nuns and featuring a large bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig). It's a short, scenic walk from Dhensa Resort and serves as a vibrant center for religious study and life skills training like painting and tailoring.
- Enjoy sightseeing in Punakha Valley, visiting some of its other stunning attractions.
- Then, drive back to Paro, where you’ll visit Rinpung Dzong (the fortress on a heap of jewels). Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646, this dzong is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.
- Drive to Satsam Chorten, where you’ll get a panoramic view of the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). Built around a cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated, this monastery is perched 914 meters above the valley floor, clinging impossibly to a granite cliff. The hike to the viewpoint is both challenging and thrilling, offering a truly mystical experience.
- Next, visit the Drugyel Dzong, built in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders.
- On your way back to Paro town, stop by Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, said to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The temple is also home to a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rimpoche, showcasing a variety of sacred artifacts.
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure
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