Bhutan Tour – 5 Days

As you approach Bhutan you’ll notice a scenic view of the Himalayan range. Upon arriving at Paro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by a representative of the Alpine Club of Himalaya and your Bhutanese guide. After immigration formalities head on a short drive towards Thimpu. Traversing through Paro valley and witnessing views of the silvery Pa Chu also known as Paro River meandering its way through the thickly forested ravine, the Paro Dzong a monastic fortress, and Ta Dzong watchtower. Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit Tashicho Dzong a beautiful fortress and monastery which houses the Secretariat building, King’s Throne, and other government offices. It is also the summer residence of the chief abbot or spiritual leader Je-Khenpo. Next, visit the Handicrafts Emporium and witness a wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products including the famous traditional thangka paintings. Then, move towards the memorial Chorten which is a beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

In the morning head towards Punakha, the old winter capital of Bhutan. Visit Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit the National Library which has a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After that drive to Arts & Crafts School, famous for traditional Thangkha paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate designs on cloth. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays a wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as the Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Late afternoon drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,080 meters). From the pass witness Himalayan peaks (left to right): Masagang (7,158 meters), Tsendagang (6,960 meters), Terigang (7,060 meters), Jejegangphugang (7,158 meters), Kangphugang (7,170 meters), Zongphugang (7, 060 meters), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana and finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497 meters. Later head back to your accommodation. 

After breakfast visit Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has now been fully restored. Then drive to Wangdue Phodrang visiting Dzong and the local market. The district of Wangdue Phodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate, and stone carvings. After lunch drive to Paro with a short stop at Dochula pass. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, it now houses the School for Buddhist studies.

Day 4: Sightseeing Paro (2,300 Meters/ 7,545 Feet)

After breakfast take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to the monastery takes about 5 hours for a round trip. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is acting as the National Museum of the country and holds a fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangka paintings, and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history. 

After early breakfast at the hotel drive to Paro airport and head towards Nepal. This scenic Himalayan flight is regarded as one of the best aerial routes in the world. Once you land in Kathmandu head towards your accommodation. Later in the evening join in a special dinner program to mark the end of your journey to Bhutan. 

If you have any inquiries or require assistance and further information about this trip or any other trips, please feel free to contact Alpine Club of Himalaya – Walk of the Himalaya.