ARRIVAL AT PARO – THIMPHU (65 KMS / 02 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts)
Arrive Paro by Druk Airways, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities are completed, transfer to Thimphu (65 KMS / 02 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts), the capital of Bhutan. Visitors can enjoy relaxing walk in the valley at evening. Stay overnight at the hotel.
THIMPHU
After breakfast go for Thimphu sightseeing tour. Visit Memorial Chorten, the Stupa built in 1974 in the memory of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The paintings and images inside the monument provide a rare sight into Buddhist philosophy. Also visit Mothinthang zoo and Viewpoint. Stay overnight at the hotel.
THIMPHU – WANGDI (70KMS / 03 HRS, 1350Mts / 4430Fts)
After breakfast drive to Wangdi phodrang (70KMS / 03 HRS, 1350Mts / 4430Fts), the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. The drive over Dochu La pass is very scenic with fascinating view of mountains of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Dzong which was built at the confluence of the Po and Mo Chu Rivers in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel served as capital of Bhutan until 1955. (The Punakha Dzong is closed in the month of winter when the monk body is in Punakha. All visit to Dzong and Monasteries is limited till courtyard only) Further drive to Wangdiphodrang (70 KMS /03 HRS, 1350Mts / 4430Fts) the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. Stay overnight at the hotel.
WANGDI – GANGTEY – WANGDI (70 KMS, 2 ½ Hrs ONE WAY)
After breakfast go for full day Gangtey excursion. Gangtey Gompa in the Phobjikha Valley is a 16th century monastery. It is the only monastery in Bhutan, which follows the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism. The Phobjikha valley is home to rare Black Necked Crane, an endangered species, which migrate from the Tibetan plateau in winters. About 250-300 of these reside in this beautiful valley. Return to Wangdiphodrang in the evening. Stay overnight at the hotel.
WANGDI – PARO (135 KMS / 05 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts)
After breakfast go for drive (135 KMS / 05 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts) to Paro via Lobesa and a short walk through farm houses and fields to Chimme Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15 century and dedicated to the famous Lam Drukpa Kunley or divine mad man. He is one of the most famous saints in Bhutan and his temple is visited mostly by childless couples. Have lunch at Thimphu (optional) and drive to Paro to visit the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Stay overnight at the hotel.
PARO
After breakfast go for Paro sightseeing tour. Visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel Dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the Dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. Visit Ta Dzong, a national museum which was built in 1651 as a watch tower. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 0900HRS TO 1600HRS & it is closed on Sunday, Monday & National Holidays. Since 1951 the Dzong has been re-established as the National Museum and holds fascinating collections of art and religious Thangka painting. Take a short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Stay overnight at the hotel.
PARO DEPARTURE
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your journey back home.
