Bhutan Essential with Valley Hiking

Itinerary

• Day 1: Paro - Thimphu (By Car, About 1.5 Hrs)

  Welcome to Paro, Bhutan! Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and take you to the hotel in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. You will stop to cross the famous iron bridge at Tamchog Lhakang en route.

  After checking in to your hotel, set out for a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, an extraordinary example of Buddhist architecture and artwork with its gorgeous paintings and intricate sculptures. After enjoying the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue, you will see Bhutan's unique national animal, Takin, at the Motithang Takin Preserve. Continue your visit to the Zilukha Nunnery and Thimphu Dzong (Trashichho Dzong), one of the most impressive fortress built in traditional Bhutanese architecture with a wide courtyard (open after 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday).

  Note: The actual time of driving varies depending on traffic, weather and road conditions.

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  • Thimphu

• Day 2: Thimphu

  In the morning, take a 1.5 hours' hiking to Tango Monastery, along the way to admire the flora and fauna, many birds including local peacocks and wild mountain goats. After lunch, continue your tour to the Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts School (Painting School), where students of various years are learning wood carving, clay modeling, stitching and tailoring and embroidery. Next one is Folk Heritage Museum, which lends you a chance to have a look at the history of ancient Bhutan. Later, transfer to National Library to get an understanding of Buddhist literature. Your tour will end at Traditional Paper Making Factory.

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  • Thimphu

• Day 3: Thimphu - Punakha

  Today, drive to Punakha and you will have a coffee break at Dochula Pass en route. If the weather is fine, you will enjoy stunning views of Mt. Himalaya. After arrival, take a 1.5 hours' hiking to Chimi Lhakhang, where you can see infertile women pray to a fertility goddess. Continue on to Punakha Dzong, which is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures. Nearby is the longest bridge of Bhutan, Suspension Bridge.

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  • Punakha

• Day 4: Punakha - Paro (By Car, 4 Hrs)

  In the morning, you will be transferred to Paro by a 3-hour drive. Upon arrival, start your tour with a visit to Paro Dzong, which houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro. Continue on to appreciate Bhutanese culture relics at Ta Dzong, the National Museum.

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  • Paro

• Day 5: Paro

  Today is dedicated to exploring the temples and scenic countryside of Haa Valley. It is a very beautiful valley, where you can get away from hustle and bustle. En route, stop at a tiny village of Dumchoe for a short visit to the ancient Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The hiking will finish at Haa Town, where you can get a glimpse of local daily life.

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  • Paro

• Day 6: Paro

  Today, take a refreshing hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), a temple hanging on a rocky cliff at about 900 meters above the Paro Valley, whose beauty will be revealed along the way. Later, pay a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, where elderly pilgrims constantly shuffle around the temple spinning its many prayer wheels.

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  • Paro

• Day 7: Paro, Departure

  Today is at leisure and your guide will escort you to the airport later for your flight back home.

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