5-Day Short Trip to Bhutan

On board your flight to Paro you will have a glimpse of the world's highest mountain, Mt. Everest, and other Himalayan peaks. Once you arrive at Paro International Airport our representatives will receive you and escort you to the hotel. After lunch, or if you have time, you will visit Paro Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang and the National Museum, and stroll around the town. Overnight in the hotel in Paro.

On the one-hour drive to Thimphu, visit Tachogang Lhakhang, built by the great Thangthong Gyalpo. Driving along the banks of the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu you pass their confluence, and less than an hour on you reach Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fort in the country, built in 1629. Five minutes westward brings you into the core of Thimphu. Visit and circumambulate the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King. Make a short trip to the Indigenous Hospital and the School of Arts and Crafts to see the living arts of Bhutan. Visit Trashichhoedzong, then Changangkha Monastery, the traditional paper-making factory and the takin enclosure. Drive up to Sangaygang for a panoramic view of Thimphu. In the evening you may walk freely in the town. Overnight in the hotel in Thimphu.

Around three hours' drive eastward from the capital brings you to Punakha, the former capital of the country, via the Dochula pass at 3,150 m. At Dochula, stop for a while to see the 108 chortens and, if the weather is clear, the spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges right in front of you. Passing through temperate forest you reach Mesina. A little further on, make a one-hour walk through the village of Sopsokha up to Chimi Lhakhang — the fertility temple founded by Lam Drukpa Kuenley — and back for lunch. Continue to Khuruthang, the main town of Punakha; three kilometres on is Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu and the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. Overnight in Thimphu.

After an early breakfast drive back to Paro for the hike to the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery hangs from a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here from Khengpajong in Lhuentse on the back of a tigress to meditate in the cave. The hike takes about four hours, with beautiful views of the Paro valley from the monastery and the area around it. After descending, the Taktsang cafeteria is a perfect place for rest and lunch. Afterwards you can go around the town for some last shopping. Overnight in the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, our transport team will deliver you to the airport and you will bid goodbye to Bhutan.