Explore Punakha

DAY 1: PARO/THIMPHU

As you approach the Paro International Airport (2200 meters above sea level), you will have a spectacular—a real treat of beautiful land to your eyes—valley. When you walk out of the plane, you will be greeted by an unusually fresh and clean breeze before your guides come with a silken scarf to receive you.
From there, you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
In Thimphu (2300m), if time permits, take an orientation walk in town, do some shopping, and get settled.

Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)

DAY 2: THIMPHU /PUNĀKHA

Today, we will leave Thimphu for Punakha.
We will first stop at Docula Pass (3150m) and visit Druk Wangyel Chortens. Here, there are 108 stupas and it was built under the command of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, to celebrate the victory over Indian Militants in 2003.
Then, we will descend and stop at Chhimi Lhakhang. The temple here is known as the temple of fertility because it is strongly believed that all childless couples who seek blessings will be granted their wishes.
This afternoon, we will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong (1200m). This fortress served as the capital of Bhutan for years in the past. If time permits, we will visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)

DAY 3: PUNĀKHA

Punakha is known for its natural beauty. To explore its unusually exotic landscape that even rhymes with some of the classical Bhutanese songs, we will hike through rice terraces, usually golden fields, and forests to Khamsum Yueley Chorten.
After that, we will ramble through the suspension bridge over Pho Chhu.
The signature feature of Punakha is the confluence of the two rivers and without experiencing river rafting on one of the rivers, you would feel half-contented. Thus, in the afternoon program, we have river rafting. You will raft on the white waters of the Mochhu river under the guidance of some of the trained rafters.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)

DAY 5: PUNAKHA /PARO

Right after early breakfast, we will travel towards Paro. It is almost four hour journey.
On our way, if time permits, we will stop at Semtokha to visit the oldest dzong in the country which was built in 1629 by the father of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.
Then, after lunch at Paro, we will go to Paro Dzong. This dzong is believed to have been built on a heap of jewels, the name Paro Rinpung Dzong is derived from this. Today, it is the seat of the district administration. The first structure was built in the 15^th century and most of the present structure was built in the 17^th century.
Then, we will visit the National Museum which was once a watch tower. After that, we will visit one of the oldest temples built in the 8^th century, Kyichu Lhakhang.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)

DAY 5: TAKTSANG HIKE 
Travel to Bhutan and if you go back without hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, famously known as Taktsang Monastery (2900M), you have not completed your Bhutan trip. Thus, today, we will hike to the monastery. It will take at least 2 hours to reach the monastery.
The monastery was built by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8^th century. The legend has it that he came riding on the furious tigress and subdued a demon that devoured humans living in the valley.
After the hike, we will visit a homestay and enjoy the cultural program with dinner in pure Bhutanese style in the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)

DAY 6: DEPARTURE

In Bhutan, there is a saying that a journey that begins must end. Thus, your journey to Bhutan comes to an end today. We will see you at Paro International Airport.

• Bhutan Royalties, tourist fees, Visa fees, and taxes.
• Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
• All meals, including evening tea/coffee, etc throughout the trip.
• All land transfers, and sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced Culture Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp services.

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights in and out of Bhutan.
• Travel insurance, Drink, Visa fees, Laundry