Our most recommended things to do in Punakha

Bhutan: Private 4-Day Trip with Full Board & Transportation

1. Bhutan: Private 4-Day Trip with Full Board & Transportation

Day 1 : Arrival in Paro and Thimpu Sightseeing (Max Altitude: 2334 m / 7657 ft) On the first day of your trip, you will be arriving in Paro via Paro International Airport. After your immigration formalities you will be received by our representative . You will then be escorted on a two hours drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On your way you will visit the Memorial Stupa built in the memory of the third King of Bhutan. You will then be visiting Buddha Dordenma, a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck built in 2005 and completed in 2015. It is a 52-meter-high statue built with 125000 smaller buddha statues. You will end your day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city. It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk Desi (or “Deb Raja”), the head of Bhutan’s civil government, an office which has been combined with the kingship since the creation of the monarchy in 1907. A hotel in Thimpu will be your night halt. Accommodation: '3 Star' Category Hotel Meals: Lunch and Dinner Day 2 : Thimpu-Punakha Roundtrip (Max Altitude: 2800 m / 9185 ft) On the second day of your trip, you will be on a 7-8 hour round trip from Thimpu to Punakha, the capital of Bhutan until 1955. On your way you will be stopping at Dochula Pass for a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and scenic views of beautiful landscapes. During the trip you will also be visiting Chimi Lhakhang Temple of Fertility and the Punakha Dzong, a beautiful fortress built by Zhandrung in 1637. A hotel back in Thimpu will be your halt for the night. Accommodation: '3 Star' Category Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 3 : Drive back to Paro and visit Paro Taktsang (Min Altitude: 2200 m / 7218 ft) Day three of your tour begins with a 1-2 hour drive back from Thimpu to Paro. At Paro you will drive up to the base camp of Taktsang and then hike up to the most famous monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the entire kingdom of Bhutan perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The Temple was blessed by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th Century after he meditated there for 3 years, 3 months and 3 days. On your way back you will also be visiting the Kichu Temple, one of the oldest (c. 7th Century) in Paro. In the evening, you will be visiting one of the farm houses in Paro to experience Bhutanese life-style with organic Bhutanese Dinner and the very famous Hot-Stone Bath before your night halt. Accommodation: '3 Star' Category Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 4 : Final Departure On day four you will be bided a final farewell. We will then drop you back to the Paro International Airport two hours before your final departure. Meals: Breakfast

Bhutan: 5 Day All Inclusive Bhutan Tour

2. Bhutan: 5 Day All Inclusive Bhutan Tour

Day 1 :Arrive Paro International Airport by Drukair or Bhutan Airlines Welcome to Bhutan “the Land of the Peaceful Dragon.” As you touch down, you will be received with “tashi khada” by your guide and our staff at the airport and escorted to your hotel for check-in, welcome tea (herbal) and refreshment. Please note; your itinerary shall be flexible and you can skip few sightseeing if you wish to rest more. Your guide will give you options based on your interest) Local Sightseeing & Acclimatization Day! National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong (fortress), it was converted into the national Museum in 1968 (one of the best museums of Asia). The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and abutted by two guard houses to the Dzong. Today, this massive fortress built in 1645 AD is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. Get blessings at the oldest temple of the kingdom, Kichu Lhakhang. This temple was built in 629AD by a Tibetan King to pin down a giant demon. Witness an Archery match played by locals with lots of hue & cry. Archery is the national game of Bhutan and also the most popular. Walk around Paro town and after evening tea drive to Thimphu, a small, charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. It is nothing like what a capital city is imagined to be. Most of the houses and buildings are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style. Farmer’s Market where locals go to buy an array of fresh fruits & vegetables and many colorful items such as yak tail, duster, cups or butter tea, turquoise and musical instruments etc. After check-in hotel, time at leisure. Free to roam around city. Overnight THIMPHU/ Alt; 2320m Day 2 : Discovering Punakha & Wangdue Valley (78km/ 3hr) In morning, drive to the animal sanctuary where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity. Walk around Sangaygang which is also known as the “romantic point” and lovers often come here to look at the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley. On the way down visit the National Memorial Stupa, an impressive monument with its golden spires shining in the sun, its bell tinkling in the wind and endless procession of elderly people circumambulating it. Drive to Punakha via the winding river of Paro Chu & Wangchu. Stop for a hot cup of coffee at Dochu La pass (3150m) where you can enjoy the spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. Take a walk around the 108 stupas and also enter the Drukwangyel (Royal temple) built by the four queens as a tribute to the fourth King of Bhutan.. Punakha Dzong, "Palace of Great Happiness.” It hosts the administrative seat of the district. The Dzong lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river. It was built in 1637 AD It was here on 17th December 1907, Bhutan's first king was crowned. This ancient fortress is considered to be one of the most beautiful by many. In evening, hike to Chimi Lhakhang. This temple is called the Temple of Fertility as it is believed that childless couples who come here to pray for a child is usually blessed with a child. This is the temple of one of Bhutan’s foremost saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman.” The trail takes you through the Himalayan paddy fields and a typical Metshina village. Overnight Punakha & Wangdue/ Alt; 1240m Day 3 : Thimphu Cultural Sightseeing After breakfast, drive to Thimphu the “cultural heartland of the country.” On arrival check in hotel and the tour begins with a visit to; General Post Office. You can create a personalized postage stamps by your own photo for souvenir or sent home on a post card. Zorig Chusum “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts.” Student specializes in painting thankas (painted religious picture on canvas), wood carving (mask, statues, bowls), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes), sculpting (statue making usually with clay) etc. Drive to Buddha Gang, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world. Walk to the Happiness Garden 500 meters along a beautiful nature trail to plant various species of trees like Rhododendron, Maple, Oak, Cheery & Blue Pine. In advance we will keep your pit dug, saplings ready with your name placard. The placard will have your name and address and the photograph of the happiness tree’s growth will be mailed to you quarterly. (Fees included in your package, complimentary) Tashichhoe Dzong Fortress, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body. After diinner in gho’s & kira’s. Drayang, traditional Bhutanese pub with live singers/ dancers, Optional. Overnight THIMPHU/ Alt; 2320m Day 4: Excursion to Mystical Taktsang After a wholesome breakfast, drive to Paro (60km/ 1hr). Check in your resort and prepare for the excursion. Spend the day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. The hike takes about 4-5 hours round trip. An important place of pilgrimage and refuge for more than 1200 years, Taktsang Monastery clings to sheer cliffs two-thousand feet above Paro valley. (Pony & horse ride, optional) This sacred place got its name when Guru Rinpoche rode there on the back of a flying tigress and meditated in a cave behind the present-day monastery. Lunch at the hillside cafeteria. In evening, visit a typical village home for an authentic Bhutanese style farewell dinner accompanied by the homemade liquor. Optional, luxuriate in the hot stone bath called “Chu Tse.” River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing. Overnight PARO/ Alt; 2280m Day 5: Depart from Paro International Airport by Drukair or Bhutan Airlines Our representative will bid you farewell at the Airport. Tashi Delek

Bhutan: 9 Day All Inclusive Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan Tour

3. Bhutan: 9 Day All Inclusive Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan Tour

Some Tour Highlights; Trongsa Dzong/ Kila Gomba/ Nature Trail Hike/ Phobjikha Retreat/ Fertility Hike/ Punakha Dzong/ Ancient Trail Hike/ Ancient Temples in Bumthang & Retreat/ Khamsum Yueling Hike/ Burning Lake/ Tashichhoe Dzong/ Rinpung Dzong/ Zorig Chusum/ Buddha Gang/ Farmer’s Market/ Archery Match/ Home Visits/ Wangditse Hike/ Gangtey Monastery/ Punakha Dzong/ Tiger’s Nest/ Farmers house & Farewell Dinner… Day 1 : Arrive Paro International Airport by Drukair or Bhutan Airlines Welcome to Bhutan “the Land of the Thunder Dragon.” As you touch down, you will be received with “tashi khada” by your guide and driver at the airport and driven to the town for welcome tea and refreshment. (Please note; your itinerary shall be flexible and you can skip few sightseeing if you wish to rest more. Your guide will give you options based on your interest) Paro Sights & Thimphu Acclimatization Day! • After enjoying the view from the old-road airport view-point, get blessings at the oldest temple Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king. • Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.” • Visit Ta Dzong, an ancient Watch Tower turned into a museum to get the first cultural glimpses of Bhutan. • In evening drive to Thimphu (drive 1hr). Thimphu is a charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. • Free to roam around Thimphu town on your own or with your guide. Overnight Thimphu (Alt; 2320m). Day 2 : Discovering Punakha & Wangdue (78km/ 3hr) • En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. • Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple). • Hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child. Your relationship will be blessed at this temple to grow with each passing years. • Visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river. • Walk on the 200m suspension bridge above Phochu river to Gidagom village . • In evening, time at your leisure. Overnight Punakha & Wangdue (Alt; 1240m) Day 3 : Trongsa & Bumthang’s Landscape Tour (197km/ 7-8hr) • Drive to Trongsa, stopping for mountain-view at Pele La pass (3,300m). It’s common to spot yaks along this pass. • As you reach Rukubji valley, the houses are clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat. • En route circumambulate Chendebjichorten, a large white stupa beside a stream. • Enjoy full view of Trongsa Dzong from Tangsibji. • Optional; Embark on the Ancient Trail Hike down to the river base and up to the fortress (2.5 hrs walk). Trongsa fortress used to be one of the most powerful Dzong’s of Bhutan and this trail used to be only path for the traveler’s before roads were built. • Visit Trongsa Dzong; a white fortress that appears to grow directly up from the narrow green ridge. • The ancient Watch Tower which is now turned into a historical museum • Drive over one of the most scenically beautiful routes via the Yotong La pass (3425m). • En route visit Yathra weaving centre in Chumey valley. The hand-woven woolen cloth produced locally. • Stroll down from the monastery to the river bank and stroll around the peaceful town of Bumthang. Overnight Bumthang(Alt; 2580m) Day 4 : Bumthang Spiritual Sightseeing • Jakar Dzong (fortress of the White-bird). It is one of the biggest Dzongs in Bhutan with the surrounding walls about 1 km in circumference. • After lunch, Hike along a series of ancient and important sites such as, Jambay lhakhang, Kurjey lhakhang, Pema Sambha lhakhang &Tamshing lhakhang. (These temples have many mythical stories linked to its origin and dates back as early as 8th century. Your guide will unfold its mystery as you visit these sites). • Late noon, take a short hike to Menbar Tsho (the burning lake). This lake is the holiest lake in the country and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake. • Wangdichholing Palace; the first palace of the present Wangchuk dynasty and also the first palace that was not designed as a fortress. • In evening time at your leisure, free to roam around the villages and valley. Overnight Bumthang Day 5 : Gangtey Rural Expedition (188km/ 5-6hr) • Drive on different vegetation of alpine, subtropical and glacial. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the north western tip of the Black Mountain. It’s also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes. • En route visit the Trongsa Dzong, a white fortress that appears to grow directly up from the narrow green ridge. • Embark on the Nature trail hike across the refreshing Blue-pine forest to Kwewa village (1.5hr hike). Try homemade tea & local snacks at village home. Interact with the monks at Kewa Monastery. • Visit the Crane Info Centre. • Free to walk around village or drive to your hotel for rest. Overnight Phobjikha (2900m) Day 6 : Phobjikha & Thimphu Happiness Tour (142km/ 4-5hr) • At dawn, free to walk out into the green valley to enjoy the sunrise. • Stop at Drukwangyel Cafe for lunch and mountain-view and head to Thimphu. Thimphu is a small, charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. • After check in your hotel and some rest; drive to Buddha Gang, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world. • Circumambulate Memorial chorten (huge stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, prostrate, pray and practice their devotion. • The Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body. • In evening, time at your leisure Overnight Thimphu (Alt; 2320m) (centrally located) Day 7 : Thimphu Cultural Tour • Wake up late and have breakfast according to your convenience. • Drive to Sangay-gang where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity. This hill is also called the “romantic point” as lovers often come here to enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley. • Embark on a Wangditse hike (1 hr). From the prayer flag decorated area at the start of the trail, you will follow the trail through thick blue pine forest climbing upwards to Choekhortse Goemba. Spend time with each other in nature also enjoying the spectacular view. Carry some tea, juice and snacks. • Visit the General Post Office. You can create a personalized postage stamps by your own photo for souvenir or sent home on a post card. • Zorig Chusum “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts” followed Craft Bazaar for authentic local handicraft and souvenir. • Pray with the nuns at Zilukha Nunnery • Farmers Weekend Market. Try some organic fruits & nuts. • Witness an Archery Match played by locals with lots of hue & cry at the national stadium. • In evening, free to roam around the town. Overnight Thimphu Day 8 : Excursion to Mystical Taktsang • After a wholesome breakfast, spend the day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous, spiritual and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5hrs round trip. (Ponies & horses optional) • Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view. • In evening, authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.” • Hot stone bath, optional. River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing. Overnight Paro Day 9 : Depart from Paro International Airport Our representative will bid you farewell at the Airport. Tashi Delek!

5 Days Bhutan Trip

4. 5 Days Bhutan Trip

Day 01 : Arrival at Paro – Thimphu Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our English speaking guide and drive to Thimphu, the capital city. It is one and half hour drive. On the way visit Tamchogang where old Iron Chain bridge is built. After reaching Thimphu, check-in to hotel. After lunch, visit National Memorial Chorten where we see elderly people pray and circumambulate the stupa. Later visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress) known as “fortress of the glorious religion,”. It houses the main secretariat building and the central monk body. Overnight in Thimphu. Day 02 : Thimphu - Punakha After breakfast, visit Kuensel Phodrang where big Buddha Statue is built. From there you get the best view of Thimphu valley with the mountain behind. And visit Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo where you will see Bhutan’s typical national animal; visit Handmade Paper Factory where you will see how Bhutanese traditional handmade paper is made. After lunch drive to Punakha, on the way stop over the Dochu-La Pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks snowclad mountains from the pass. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyel Chorten - 108 stupas. Overnight in Punakha. Day 03 : Punakha – Paro After breakfast 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Then visit Punakha Dzong one of the majestic fortress which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. And visit longest Suspension Bridge across the Dzong. After lunch visit to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Fertility blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors'. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Later drive back to Paro. Overnight in Paro. Day 04 : Paro After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery - Tiger’s Nest, the wooded structure stands bravely on a cliff in the upper Paro Valley. The walk of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours one way. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche have flown here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. After lunch visit Paro National Museum. Next, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Later in the evening visit Farmhouse to experience traditional Bhutan to taste Bhutanese cuisine and dip into Traditional hot stone bath. Overnight in Paro. Day 05 : Departure. In the morning drive to the Airport for flight to your onward destination.

6 Days Bhutan Travel

5. 6 Days Bhutan Travel

Day 01: Arrive at Paro - Thimphu Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our English speaking guide and drive to Thimphu, the capital city. It is one and a half hour drive. On the way visit Tamchog Lhakhang, which is located on the ridge with a beautiful view. After reaching Thimphu, check-in to hotel. After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten where we see elderly people pray and circumambulate the stupa. Paper Factory where you will see how Bhutanese traditional handmade paper is made;Visit archery ground to see local people playing archery and you can walk along Norzin Lam, the main Thimphu downtown and later visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress) known as “fortress of the glorious religion,”. It houses the main secretariat building and the central monk body. Overnight in Thimphu. Day 02: Thimphu - Gangtey After breakfast,visit Kuensel Phodrang where big buddha statue is built; Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo where you will see Bhutan’s typical national animal;Crafts Bazaar which you will find local authentic Bhutanese made crafts. Visit weekend market to see local people gathered at the market. . Drive to Gangtey which is around 3 – 4 hours. On the way stop over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks snowclad mountains from the pass. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyel Chorten – 108 stupas. Drive further to Phobjikha Valley via Punakha/Wangdue. On arrival in Gangtey, visit Crane information Center where you get information about the valley. Phobjikha valley is also the winter home of Black Necked Cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north (Tibetan plateau) to pass their winter in the milder and the lower climate. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and offers incredible scene. Overnight in Gangtey. Day 03: Gangtey - Punakha After breakfast, hike across Gangtey Nature Trail which is one and a half hours and enjoy the breathtaking view of Phobjikha valley. Visit Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century, Later drive back to Punakha, do river rafting (extra cost), visit Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Fertility blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviours. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Overnight in Punakha. Day 04: Punakha - Paro After breakfast 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Then visit Punakha Dzong one of the majestic fortresses which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Then visit longest suspension bridge across the dzong. Later drive to Paro. Overnight in Paro. Day 05: Paro After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery, the wooden structure stands bravely on a cliff in the upper Paro Valley. The walk of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours one way. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche have flown here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. After lunch visit Paro National Museum. Next, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Later in the evening visit Farmhouse to experience traditional Bhutan to taste Bhutanese cuisine and dip into Traditional hot stone bath. And also practice archery. Overnight in Paro. Day 06: Departure In the morning drive to the Airport for flight to your onward destination.

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