Breathtaking Bhutan

After breakfast, start your day with a drive to Buddha Dordenma, perched atop Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. This site features the largest sitting Buddha statue in Bhutan, standing 51.5 meters tall. Next, visit the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's national animal, the Takin. Continue to the Sangaygang viewpoint for a breathtaking view of the Thimphu Valley. Drive past the King's Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in honor of Bhutan’s Third King, often celebrated as the Father of Modern Bhutan. Following lunch, explore Trashichhoe Dzong, a prominent fortress that serves as both the center of government and religion. It is the site of the monarch’s throne room and the residence of the Je Khenpo, or Chief Abbot. Constructed in 1641, it was a pivotal site in Bhutan's political and religious unification. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Thimphu’s city center, local market, and crafts bazaar. This is a great opportunity to browse and purchase Bhutanese hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, and other unique items made from local materials. Return to your hotel in Thimphu for dinner and an overnight stay. **Extra Touches:** Enjoy tea and coffee with cookies during your stay.

After a buffet breakfast, check out and drive to Punakha. Along the way, stop at Dochula Pass, where you can admire the Chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags that adorn this high point on the road. After enjoying lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s largest and most impressive dzongs, located at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Next, experience the Punakha Suspension Bridge, renowned for its breathtaking views and adorned with colorful prayer flags. Spanning over 160 meters above the Po Chhu River, walking across this bridge is both exhilarating and scenic. Afterward, check into your hotel in Punakha for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, embark on a local sightseeing tour of Paro. Begin with a visit to Drukgyel Dzong, a recently restored fortress where Bhutanese warriors defended against Tibetan invaders centuries ago. From the approach road, you’ll have a stunning view of the snow-capped Chomolhari, or "Mountain of the Goddess." On your way, stop by the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed in the Himalayas by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. Continue to Rinpung Dzong, which translates to “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.” This dzong boasts a rich history and features exquisite wall paintings in the wooden galleries of the inner courtyard. These paintings illustrate Buddhist lore, including scenes from the life of Milarepa, the wheel of life, and cosmic mandalas. For those who prefer an alternative to local sightseeing, an excursion to Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, is available. This famous monastery, perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley floor, requires approximately a 6-hour trek. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated, giving the monastery its evocative name. Return to your hotel in Paro for an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for your flight to your next destination. Our representative will assist you with the exit formalities and bid you farewell. Note: As this is a group tour package, departures will proceed only if the minimum number of 12 passengers is met. If this number is not reached, you will be given the option to shift to another operating tour.