Western Bhutan Odyssey (4N / 5D

(Distance: 55 Kms. / Driving Time: 1½ Hrs. / Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 Mts.) 

Arrival at Paro Airport. Meet and greet by our representative and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel, where you can keep your luggage, relax, and refresh. Afternoon,  visit the Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma). Located at a short drive from Thimphu City Centre, Kuenselphodrang offers a good overview of the Thimphu valley. The largest statue of Buddha in the country sits here which houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues. Then visit the National Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong, first built in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. The Dzong is the seat of the National Government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Overnight stay at Thimphu.

(Distance: 78 Kms. / Driving Time: 3 Hrs. / Altitude of Punakha: 1,310 Mts.)    

After breakfast drive to Punakha/Wangdue (4298 ft.), on the way Stop at Dochu-La-Pass (10334 ft.) to view the higher Himalayas. The pass is approximately 25 kms away from Thimphu and is the highest point between the Thimphu and Punakha/Wangdue Valley. Another attraction is the 108 chorten/stupas (Druk Wangyel Chortens) built close to each other surrounded by numerous colorful prayer flags. On arrival at Punakha, check in at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong – built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952.  After that take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang – The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility” was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

(Distance: 125 Kms. / Driving Time: 5 Hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 2,280 Mts.)

After breakfast drive to Paro (7,483 ft.). On the way stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park. This park is a treat for nature lovers as the 36 species of exotic rhododendron and approximately 220 types of charming birds will make your day unforgettable. On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong – National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Then visit the Rinpung Dzong – Meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at Paro. 

After breakfast hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery – called “Tiger’s Nest” (2hrs hike from the base camp). Later visit Drukgyel Dzong & Kyichu Monastery. Overnight stay at Paro.

After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Paro Airport for your onward journey