The flight into Paro (2280m/7524ft) on Druk Air is spectacular. In the clear weather, magnificent views of the world's highest peaks give way to the verdant greens of Paro valley. The first gift from Bhutan is the cool, clean fresh air as we step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control you are receive by Norden Adventure representative and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure with a walk through the main streets of Paro. Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 02: Paro hike to Taktsang Monastery
Early in morning drive Ramthangka to hike till the Taktsang monastery (Tiger�s nest). The hike to the cafeteria will take around one and half hour. At the view point enjoy the stunning view of monastery, believes where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. After lunch at the caf� walk back to the road point. On the way back to the hotel we visit Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Chomolhari, can be seen on clear day from Drukgyal village. You can visit a typical Bhutanese Farm House of a local family for a close up view of everyday Bhutanese life and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temple in Bhutan built in 7th century. Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 03: Paro to Thimphu
After breakfast visit Ta Dzong, built in the 17th century as a watch tower for the Paro Dzong. This Dzong, was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique Thangka, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Below the museum is the Rimpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now used as an administration center and school for monks. A short walk below the Dzong, takes you across a traditional cantilever bridge and drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take around one hour. Thimphu has a population of about 100,000.The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. In afternoon visit Folk Heritage Museum founded in 2003 by Queen mother. It displays the utensil and real life of Bhutanese ancient lifes. Visit handmade paper factory and walk around the Thimphu Town. Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 04: Sightseeing Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Buddha statue built on hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. The statue is one of biggest in the country built with budget of 15 million dollar to mark the 100 years of Monarchy. Visit Memorial stupa built in 1974 for the late king Jigme Dorji Wangcuk and to bring peace and prosperity in the world and Visit Texile Museum, where the art of tradition weaving is still kept alive and preserved though exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in its colors and design. After lunch visit painting school where Bhutan student are learning 13 different arts and preserve their culture and visit the Motithang Mini Zoo where you can see national animal Takin research centre where these odd animals graze peacefully in a small protected park. Hike to Wangduetse monastery takes 30 minutes� walk through pine forest and after office hour visit Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the Central Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 05: Thimphu to Punakha
Morning depart for Punakha. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through the forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m). This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After stopping for tea and the view, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha. On the way visit Chimi Lhakhang the temple of fertility. The hike takes only 15 walk from road. Your guide will tell you humorist history about the divine mad man and significant of temple for Bhutanese society. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, winter seat of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (Female) Chu and Pho (Male) Chu. Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Punakha
Day 06: wangdue to Paro
After breakfast drive back to Paro via Thimphu passing over the Dochula pass and start Longchutse hike that takes 2 hours walk through fir, maple, daphne and Rhododendron forest with panoramic view of Himalayan mountains. Your lunch will be at Dochula cafeteria and proceed to Paro. Dinner and overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 07: Depart from Paro
After breakfast our representative will help you with the exit formalities and bid you farewell.
Day 02: Paro hike to Taktsang Monastery
Day 03: Paro to Thimphu
Day 04: Sightseeing Thimphu
Day 05: Thimphu to Punakha
Day 06: wangdue to Paro
Day 07: Depart from Paro
From our guests
Annie Harriz
It was very satisfying trip to Bhutan. We were welcomed by the guide Gasay Lhendup in the airport and provided a royal service throughout the trip. Both the driver and the guide were very helpful, efficient, attentive, expert, courteous ++++ Both of them were with a big smile throughout the trip. The food is different and spicy. May be we were too french.Guibert Nicolle Dominique Henriette
It was perfect: Sangay is a careful driver, always in a good mood. Gasay gave us all the explanation we needed and made sure everything is ok for us.