Your luxury tour in Bhutan begins with your arrival in Paro. On your arrival at Paro Airport, you will be met by our representative and greeted with “tashi khadda”, the traditional welcome of Bhutan. After completing the formalities, drive to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. It is approximately a 90 minutes drive. Thimphu is the biggest city of Bhutan, and is a good mix of urbanisation and tradition. After arriving at Thimphu, we will be checking in at Taj Tashi, Thimphu. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure, at the hotel.
Stay at Hotel Taj Tashi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you will explore the beautiful city of Thimphu with our experienced tour guide. The tour will include a visit to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue), a place home to a huge statue of Buddha on the top of the Kuensel Phodrang. You will also visit the National Memorial Chorten, a site featuring magnificent Asian architecture, elaborately painted annexes, marvelous mandalas and a shrine to the King & Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon, you will visit the Sangaygang View Point and Changangkha Monastery, one of the most ancient temples of Thimphu valley. This is the home of gigantic prayer wheels, super-sized sacred scriptures and, most importantly, a sculpted figure of thousand-armed Avalokitesvara, a lord/master that looks over the troubles/sadness of life, according to the Buddhist faith. Takin Preserve Centre, the national animal of Bhutan, can be seen here. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong. The Thimphu Dzong is a famous Buddhist fortress and monastery on the northern part of the city. This is the office of the civil government’s head, or the Dharma Raja, who shares some powers with the kingship. Besides, it is also the country’s official summer capital. As one would expect, this is a magnificent place to behold and visit. You can spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight stay at Hotel Taj Tashi.
In the morning, after a leisurely breakfast, visit with the National Library of Bhutan, which has an amazing collection of precious texts and sacred manuscripts. You will also visit the Traditional Medicine Institute, where you can enjoy a talk on Tibetan medicine and learn how the rich herbal remedies made up from the medicinal plants which are abundant in Bhutan are prepared and dispensed. Return to your hotel for lunch. Then, proceed to Pangri Zampa, a college for traditional astrology which was founded in the early 16th century, and learn how monks are trained in various areas of traditional astrology. Conclude your visit with the opportunity to practice meditation guided by an expert. Later, return to your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Overnight stay at Hotel Taj Tashi, Thimphu.
In the morning after breakfast, drive to Punakha, once the capital of Bhutan. You will drive over Dochula Pass, located at an altitude of 10,200 feet. Visit the memorial for Bhutanse Army personal. Continue your journey through forests of pine festooned with hanging lichen. On arrival at Punakha, hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Fertility), through avocado plantations built in 1499 to honour the Lama Drukpa Kunley. Adorned with fertility symbols, the monastery is a long-established pilgrimage destination, particularly for women and couples seeking a blessing for successful childbearing. Stroll through the temple grounds, and later, proceed to your hotel, where you will enjoy lunch followed by time at leisure. This evening, dine at your amazing resort, overlooking a verdant, terraced valley, as you sit around a warming fire.
Stay at Hotel Como Uma Punakha.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
On this day of Bhutan luxury vacation, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, also known as “the palace of great happiness.” Constructed in 1673, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. You can opt for rafting right after Dzong visit. After breakfast, you can opt for any of the below activities, or stay at a hotel for leisure activities.
Other Optional Activities:
Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Como Uma Punakha
Enjoy your breakfast, and then drive to Paro via Dochula Pass, while stopping en route for lunch in Thimphu. Continue to Paro Valley, where glacial waters flow through alpine meadows, and check in at your resort, a serene haven set above the Paro valley. You can spend the day at leisure, and enjoy the various activities or wellness offerings at the hotel, such as a consultation with a doctor trained in traditional Bhutanese medicine, a massage, a hot-stone bath, a private yoga or meditation class, or other rejuvenating treatments. In the evening, you are free to explore the local market.
Overnight stay at Hotel Como Uma Paro.
In the morning, go on a challenging hike to one of Bhutan’s most popular icons, Taktsang Monastery (“Tiger’s Nest”), which clings to a cliff at 3,000 feet above the valley or around 10,000 feet above sea level. On arrival, take in the views at this sacred site, where the great tantric mystic Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava) is believed to have flown on the back of the tiger to bring the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan. Enjoy your lunch at the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Como Uma Paro.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro airport in time to catch the flight for your onward destination.
Following are the quick important links to access all the essential information of Bhutan.