Bhutan Itinerary with Tiger's Nest

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Tour Code: ODY-BT-002

Destination: Bhutan

Duration5 Days
Tour TypePrivate & Bespoke
Tour Style Classic

About This Trip

The Buddhist nation of Bhutan, which is located on the eastern border of the Himalayas, is renowned for its monasteries, dzongs, and stunning landscapes, which range from subtropical plains to jagged slopes and valleys. The scrupulous preservation of the local culture and the country's close proximity to the Himalayas only add to its allure. You will visit the most famous locations in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha during this 5-day itinerary, with particular emphasis on the Tiger's Nest Monastery, serene Thimphu Dzong, Paro Dzong, and Punakha Dzong.

Itinerary Summary

DAY

PLACE

HIGHLIGHTS
1

Thimphu

Thimphu Dzong, Buddha Dordenma Statue, Takin Sanctuary, Zilukha Nunnery, Bhutan Post Office Headquarters
2

Punakha

Dochula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, Suspension Bridge
3

Paro

Paro Dzong, Ta Dzong, National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang, Local Farmhouse Visit
4

Paro

Hiking to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), Drukgyel Dzong
5

Paro

Departure

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Paro - Thimphu (By Car, Approx. 1.5 Hrs)
Welcome to Bhutan. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and escorted to the capital Thimphu, passing by Tamchog Lhakang iron bridge en route. Check into your hotel, and then head for Buddha Dordenma Statue and Takin Sanctuary, where you'll see Bhutan's unique national animal, the Takin.
Continue by meeting the nuns at Zilukha Nunnery, before going to Bhutan Post Office Headquarters where you can make stamps with your own photos (USD 4 for 12 stamps, at your expense). Later, visit Thimphu Dzong (Trashichho Dzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu as well as the central administrative center (open after 5 pm, Monday to Friday).
Tips:
1. It is suggested to store photos in an SD card/ USB device for stamp printing, or else you may need to line up to take photos.
2. Driving times in the program are approximate, subject to the traffic, weather and road conditions.
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- Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu - Punakha, Sightseeing & Trekking
On your way to Punakha, stop at Dochula Pass to have a coffee break and admire the grand 108 stupas. If it's good weather, feel the gentle breeze from the grand Himalayas. Proceed to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman and a sacred place where people pray for children. Next embrace the highlight, Punakha Dzong, containing rich Buddhist collections and with its beautiful Bhutanese architecture located by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, with rich Buddhist collections. You will also visit the Suspension Bridge nearby (the longest bridge in Bhutan).
- B L D
- Punakha
Day 3: Punakha - Paro (By Car, 4 Hrs), Paro Sightseeing
Drive back to Paro and start today's tour with Paro Dzong, perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture as well as a local religious administrative center. Later, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower housing the National Museum, with abundant culture relics. After that, go to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and end at a local farm house, where you can chat with local people, see how they live and maybe taste some homemade wine.
- B L D
- Paro
Day 4: Paro Hiking
This morning, hike to visit Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), where you will be amazed by the view of this sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. After that, move to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate Bhutan's victory over the Tibetan invaders. If in good weather, you'll have a great distant view of Mt. Chomolhari.
- B L D
- Paro
Day 5: Depart from Paro
Say goodbye to Bhutan today. After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your onward flight.
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