Bhutan Helicopter Ride

Day 1: Arrival

Today, you will set your feet in the country of happiness. A cool breeze will greet you as you walk out of the plane and high mountain peaks will smile at you. As you exit the airport gate, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver with a silken scarf. They will take you to your hotel.

This afternoon, you will first visit the majestic Paro Rinpung Dzong. This giant fortress is said to be built on a heap of jewels and it was built in the 15^th century. The present structure was built in the 17^th century by Zhabdrung Rinpoche. Today, it serves as the administrative center of the district. From there, we will head toward National Museum. It was once a watch tower. Today, it is a museum that displays ancient arts and crafts and also weaponries. In the evening, you may have a walk in the town and see the Bhutanese market and shops.

Accommodation: Zhiwaling Hotel

Day 2: Helicopter Ride

Today, we will take you to see Bhutan, the Land of Thunder Dragon, from the sky. We will take you to see high mountain peaks, deep forests, long rivers, giant dzongs and monuments, countless lakes, and snaked terrains. You will fly with the different rare birds of Bhutan on the wings of a Bhutan Helicopter and you will tour the entire Bhutan.
Accommodation: Zhiwaling Hotel

Day 3: Paro-Thimphu

You will leave for Thimphu right after having your breakfast.
En route, we will try to visit Tachog Monastery. This monastery was built 500 years ago by a great yogi who also was an iron bridge builder.
After lunch in your hotel, we will begin exploring Thimphu. We will first visit Buddha Point where the world’s tallest Buddha Dordenma Statue stands. From there, you will have a great view of Thimphu valley.

We will head towards National Memorial Chorten from there. This great stupa was built in memory of His Majesty the Third King. We will then drive towards Tashichhodzong where His Majesty has His office.

Before entering the town, we will visit Takin Park to see the national animal of Bhutan. You will see a strange animal in Takin, a sheep-like creature with the body of a cow.

Accommodation: Aman Kora

Day 4: Thimphu-Punakha

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 of the childless couples who seek the blessings of this temple 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.

Accommodation: Dense Boutique Hotel

Day 5: Punakha-Paro

Right after early breakfast, we will travel towards Paro. It is almost four hour journey.
On the way, 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. It is about 12 kilometers away from Thimphu town.

Then, after lunch at Paro, we will visit one of the oldest temples built in the 8^th century, Kyichu Lhakhang.

Accommodation: Zhiwaling Hotel

Day 6: 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 two hours to reach the monastery.
The monastery was built by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8^th century. The legend has it that Guru came riding on the furious tigress at the monastery site 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.

Accommodation: Zhiwaling Resort

Day 7: 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.

Note:  helicopter charges are not included

• 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