Day 01: Arrive Bhutan

In a clear weather, you will be flabbergasted with the scenic Himalayan views. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or foothills of Kolkata, it is a breathtaking journey culminating into a thrilling descend over forested hills into the Kingdom.

Upon completion of the formalities in the airport, a representative from Kuentshok Tours and Travel will be there to receive you.  Travel to Thimphu, the Capital City which is approximately 1 hour drive from Paro. Visit Takin Reserve (national animal) found only in Bhutan and drive to Sangaygang to get a bird’s view of the beautiful Thimphu Valley.

Evening free mingle with the people. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha (2 ½ hours)

Thimphu, perhaps the only capital city in the world without traffic lights is a home to royal family, the civil service and the foreign mission offices.

Morning visit the following in Thimphu:

• National library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature. Some of collections date back to several hundred years.
• Institute of Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the Painting School, where students undergo 6 years training course in 13 traditional arts and crafts in Bhutan.
• The National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace.

Afternoon: Travel to Punakha through Dochula Pass(3,088m/10,130ft) . If you have a clear sky, the view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges is spectacular and you can even see the Gasa Dzong as a white dot in the horizon. Visit the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo for the security and well being of His Majesty the King of Bhutan.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 03: Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, presently serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. The Punakha Dzong is fascinatingly located on the island of Pho Chhu (Male) river and Mo Chhu (female) river.

Then, walk through Metshina village and walk a 20-minute walk through the rich rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang – Divine Madman’s Monastery. This Monastery is famously known for its fertility shrine where couples unable to conceive come to here for blessing. There are numerous amazing stories of couples having children after they visit the monastery.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha to Thimphu

After breakfast drive to Wangdiphodrang where you can see the ruin of Wangdiphodrang Dzong, the most visible feature of the town. Also visit the local market.

Then drive back to Thimphu. After lunch, visit Semtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong in Bhutan built in 1627. After that, early evening visit Tashichodzong, the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty the King. It is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monk body.

Drive (15 minute) to Kuenselphodrang where you will witness the newly built Buddha (one of the biggest in the world) and then take a short hike up the national park.

Early evening, free mingle in the town, visit the local handicrafts shops where you can buy locally made textiles, ceramic, thangka paintings and other local products. Drive to Paro. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 05: Hike to Taktsang

After breakfast, drive to the base of Taktsang monastery and then hike up to monastery (1 hour). Have refreshments at the café before reaching the monastery where you will get a breathtaking and glorious view of the monastery amazingly clinging on the thrilling cliff. Have picnic lunch at the base.

After lunch, drive up the valley to view the ruins of Drugyel Dzong or “the fort of Drukpa victory”, the place where Bhutanese warriors invaded the Tibetans. From the road in a clear sky, one can get a glorious view of Bhutan’s sacred mountain “Jomolhari” capped in milky white snow all year round. If time permits, visit a traditional farmhouse for an opportunity to interact with a local family and learn about their lifestyle. Free stroll along the main street and visit handicrafts.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 06: Depart Paro

After breakfast, drive to Paro airport to onward destination.