(Example Tour)
During the 6-day private trip through Bhutan, you will get to know the highlights of the country of the Thunder Dragon. In Bhutan everything moves a little slower, until the 60s you could only travel on horsebacks in Bhutan. It was the only possibility to overcome the steep area, as there were no paved roads.
Our 6-day itinerary is an example of what you can see and do. We are happy to customize all tours to your interests and liking!
Highlights
- Thimphu, Punakha and Paro
- Overnight stay with a host family
- Exploration of many undiscovered areas
- Hike to the picturesque monastery Taktsang
Itinerary: Private 6-day Trip to Bhutan
Paro – Thimphu
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the world with a great panorama across the highest mountains on earth. Upon your arrival you meet your guide at the airport. The transfer to Thimphu takes about 1.5 hours. On your way you visit the iron chain bridge which crosses to the Tachogang Lhakhang (literally the temple of the excellent horse). The journey continues towards Chunzom (confluence) where the rivers Paro Chu and Wang Chu meet. Here you can admire three different Stupas: one in Nepalese, one in Tibetan and one in Buthanese style. You pass many small villages until you arrive in Thimphu. The capital of Bhutan is situated in a large valley, formed by the river Wang Chu. High peaks surround the city. In the afternoon you can choose between a sightseeing tour or leisure time. Altitude in Thimphu: 2,300m
Thimphu
Today you have the opportunity to explore the Thimphu valley. First visit the Kuensel Phodrang Buddha statue, which rises 50 meters into the sky. On your tour through Thimphu you also visit the impressive Thimphu Memorial Chorten. This Chorten was built in honor of the third King of Bhutan named Jigme Dorje Wangchuck. When the king was still alive, he wanted to build a Chorten, which represented the spirit of Buddha. At the Chorten you will see an endless procession of worshippers, walking clockwise around the Chorten. In Thimphu you visit different weaving workshops and the textile museum. Bhutan is famous for its art of weaving, which is referred to as the „living art of Bhutan“. The tour through Thimphu also leads to the Takin Reserve, which is dedicated to the preservation of the national animal of Bhutan. Later in the afternoon you visit the „Fortress of the Glorious Religion“ named Tashichho Dzong, which is also the seat of the national government. Its majestic architecture and balanced proportions were complemented by artistic decorations and paintings.
Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha
Today the journey leads towards Punakha. The ride takes about 3.5 hours. On the way you pass the important horticultural center in Yusipang and reach the Dochula Pass at 3,116 meters. On a clear day you can admire the spectacular view over the Eastern Himalayas. The pass is also decorated with many colorful prayer flags and Chortens. Enjoy the view and have a little refreshment at the Dochula cafeteria. You then continue downhill through a beautiful forest of Rhododendron and Magnolia. After lunch you go for a short hike through a village and its surrounding rice paddies and visit the Chimi Lakhang monastery (temple of fertility). Many Bhutanese visit the monastery in order to banish local demons. The monastery is especially a popular pilgrimage site among women, who haven’t had any children so far. After your arrival in Punakha you visit the architecturally impressive Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is situated between two rivers, the Pho Chhu (father) and the Mo Chhu (mother). The Dzong was named Druk Dechen Phodrang Pungthang, which means „The palace of great happiness“. It is still the winter residence of Dratshang (the Central Monk Body). Take some time to admire the impressive, colorful and detailed art skills including the giant statues of Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and Zhabdrung, as well as paintings of thousand Buddha’s. Altitude in Punakha: 1,300m
Punakha – Thimphu – Paro
Today you drive from Punakha to Paro. The trip takes about 4 to 5 hours. From your hotel the trip leads back across Dochula Pass where you stop for a light refreshment and then continue to Timphu for lunch. On the road from Thimphu to Paro you stop at Simtokha Dzong, the first Dzong in Buthan. It was built in 1629 and has recently been renovated. Late in the afternoon you can stroll through the streets of Paro. Afterwards you get to know your host family at your Bhutanese homestay. Here you can taste a genuine, authentic Bhutanese tea and indulge in a traditional relaxing hot stone bath. Altitude in Paro: 2,400m
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
Today is a special day. You visit the spectacular Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of the highlights of Bhutan. It is situated at 3,120 meters above the Paro valley. The hike leads through a beautiful pine forest, many trees are decorated with Spanish moss and fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan, flew to this site on a female tiger’s back. The Tiger’s Nest is one of the most revered and sacred Buddhist places around the world. It is possible to travel a part of the track on horseback. You can spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing or keep exploring with your guide.
Departure
After breakfast you are transferd to the airport and departure.