Best of Bhutan: Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

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Tour Code: ODY-BT-002

Destination: Bhutan

Duration5 Days
Tour TypePrivate & Bespoke
Tour Style Classic

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About This Trip

The culture of Bhutan has been meticulously maintained and exudes an alluring charm; moreover, the country's position near the Himalayas contributes to its air of mystery. On this brief excursion via Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, you will explore peaceful monasteries like the well-known Tiger's Nest, Punakha Dzong, Paro Dzong, and others along the way. In addition, you'll get to take in the magnificent scenery of the surrounding mountains.

Itinerary Summary

DAY

PLACE

HIGHLIGHTS
1

Paro - Thimphu

Paro: Arrival
Thimphu: Tamchog Lhakhang, Motithang Takin Preserve
2

Thimphu - Punakha

Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, Suspension Bridge
3

Paro

Paro Dzong, Ta Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang
4

Paro

Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), Drukgyel Dzong
5

Paro

Departure

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Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Bhutan, Paro - Thimphu (By Car, About 1.5 Hrs)

Welcome to Paro, Bhutan! Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and take you to Thimphu with a stop at the winding Tamchog Lhakang Iron Bridge en route.

After checking into the hotel, go for a visit to the Buddha Dordenma Statue. Proceed to see Bhutan's unique national animal, Takin, at Motithang Takin Preserve. After passing by Zilukha Nunnery, you will stop at the Bhutan Post Office Headquarters, where you can use your own photos to tailor-make stamps (USD 4 for 12 stamps at your expense). The last stop is Thimphu Dzong (Trashichho Dzong), a complex of government offices and Buddhist monastery (government section will open after 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday).

Note:
1. The actual time of driving varies according to traffic, weather and road conditions.
2. If you want to customize stamps with your own photos, store some photos beforehand in an SD card or a USB device can avoid lining up for taking photos.

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Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu - Punakha

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Punakha. Stop at Dochula Pass en route, where you can enjoy the grand 108 stupas while sipping a cup of coffee. If weather permits, you will get a nice view of the Himalayas. Proceed to Chimi Lhakhang, a rustic temple with a fascinating background story. Continue on to visit Punakha Dzong, which is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. Your tour will come to an end at Suspension Bridge nearby.

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Punakha

Day 3: Punakha - Paro (By Car, 4 Hrs)

Today you will drive back to Paro, and then start your exploration with Paro Dzong, an architectural wonder where monks stays inside it and political offices also functions. Continue on to visit Ta Dzong, a cylindrical National Museum with Bhutanese statues, paintings and other arts. Later, take a trip around the perimeter prayer wheels at the oldest Kyichu Lhakhang. In the end, pay a visit to a local farm house to take a friendly talking with local people and chance to taste some homemade wine.

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Paro

Day 4: Paro

In the morning, you will spend some time to take a hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face over 900 meters above the Paro Valley. After that, transfer to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, where you can take nice photos with the gorgeous backdrop of Chomolhari Mountain.

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Paro