Uncover a nation untouched by modern civilisation with a week long journey through the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Set off from Paro to explore the capital city of Thimphu, the spectacular Punakha Valley and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Paro sightseeing tour & Thimphu weekend market
Paro - Thimphu. This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the National Museum, housed within the old watch tower Ta Dzong perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. After browsing the museum’s exhibits we head to the impressive Rinphung Dzong, the backdrop for the Hollywood film Little Buddha. Later this afternoon, we drive to Thimphu and visit the weekend market. From Friday onwards vendors from surrounding villages travel to Thimphu to display their wares until Sunday afternoon when the market ends.
Overnight: Thimphu | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Memorial Chortan & Handicrafts
An intriguing blend of modernity and antiquity, Thimphu - Bhutan’s capital, allows travellers to step away from the typical tourist experience and be part of something wholly unique. Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including stops at the Memorial Chorten - a beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, and the National Library - which has a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts and modern academic books. We’ll also visit the Drubthob Nunnery, Folk Heritage Museum and the Takin Preserve where you can spot Bhutan’s national animal.
For those that appreciate local crafts we’ll stop at various workshops to see a wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products, including a visit to the Handicrafts Emporium.
Overnight: Thimphu | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Punakha, Chimi Lhakhang Temple & Camp by the Mo Chu River
Thimphu - Punakha Valley. An early start this morning takes us on the road to Punakha, climbing up through oak, pine and rhododendron forest to reach Dochu La Pass (3050m). After a short break we continue onto the spectacular Punakha Valley, where we enjoy a scenic 1.5 - 2 hour walk up to Chimi Lhakhang Temple - dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (also known as the Divine Mad Monk). After our hike, we visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, and an exemplary masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.
Later this afternoon we head to our campsite for some time to relax or explore the natural surrounds. In the early evening, you can opt for a hot stone bath served with local drinks, followed by dinner.
Overnight: Punakha Valley (camping) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Punakha Valley Sightseeing
Punakha - Paro. After an early breakfast, we hike for approximately 2 - 2.5 hours, up through rice fields and along the banks of the Mo Chu river to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning temple located on a hill with picturesque views of the valley below. We continue our exploration of the area with a drive to the charming villages scattered along a ridge above the Punakha Valley. Later this afternoon, we'll stop for a picnic lunch before visiting Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Punakha and Wangdue Valleys. Apart from religious training, the nuns are also taught skills such as embroidery, tailoring and statue making. After our visit to the nunnery we drive to Paro.
Overnight: Paro | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Taktshang Pelphung Monastery or Tiger’s Nest Monastery as it is often referred to, is one of the most venerated and famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. It is located on the face of a sheer 900m cliff above the floor of Paro Valley. Today we embark on a scenic 4 - 6 hour hike, to view this spectacular and unmissable sight. The monastery is only accessible on foot or you can ride a pony part of the way (this must be arranged in advance by your guide).
From the trail (2600m) we take a steep one hour walk up to a cafeteria where you can enjoy refreshments and the wonderful views of Taktshang (2940m). Those who wish to proceed further must travel on foot, the trail continues uphill for another 45 minutes to a high observation point (3140m) where there is a Chorten (stupa). From this vantage point, the lookout to the monastery is incredible and seems almost close enough to touch. Continuing down a flight of cliff-hanging steps on the narrow trail you’ll reach a beautiful waterfall that plunges down the deep chasm and alongside is a retreat hermitage, jammed dramatically into a rock crevice. Then, the final climb up the flight of steep steps to the monastery. At any point during this walk, you can return if you find it too difficult, though we would like to note that client feedback highlights today's trek as one of the most rewarding and worth continuing to reach the top.
Once inside the monastery, there are several shrines and temples to explore, and you will see a few monks in residence too. After exploring the monastery, we walk back to the cafeteria for lunch before retracing our steps back to the road to journey back to Paro.
This evening we enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner at a farm house, giving you the opportunity to interact with a local family and learn about the local cuisine of Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paro
Friday. After breakfast, our tour concludes and we bid you farewell, after transferring you to Paro airport to meet your onward flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Nak-Sel Boutique Hotel & Spa, Paro
The eco friendly and community based Naksel Boutique Hotel and Spa tastefully combines traditional Bhutanese design with the comforts of modern living. Guest rooms include queen size beds, hard wood flooring and delightful en suite facilities with under floor heating. The hotel is home to Olive restaurant which serves up a mouth watering array of Bhutanese, Indian, Asian and Western cuisine. The onsite bar - Chabchu is great for relaxing at in the evenings. For the adventurous try a glass of the local favourite, Ara, Bhutanese rice wine.
Hotel Migmar, Thimphu
Opened in 2010, Hotel Migmar is designed in classic Bhutanese style. Guest rooms are very colourful with wooden flooring and free wi-fi access. The hotel also has an onsite restaurant serving up a range of Asian cuisines, including Bhutanese and Indian. Those wishing to really relax whilst visiting should take advantage of the steam bath and meditation rooms that are available to guests. Located in the southern suburbs of Thimpu in a quiet neighbourhood.
Mo Chu River Camp, Punakha
A short drive from Punakha, the Mo Chu River Premium Camp sit on the banks of the River Mo Chu. Our accommodation tonight is set up 8 kilometres from the centre of Punakha on the banks of the Mo Chu River. We camp in two man walk in tents (twin/double sharing), which include thick mattresses, all bedding and towels. A toilet tent is built for the evenings stay, as is a shower tent (with hot water!) and there is also the option to try out a traditional hot stone bath. There is a central area with space to relax around a camp fire and the cook team will create traditional Bhutanese meals which will be served in the dining tent.
In Brief
