Day 01 : Arrive Paro by Druk Air (Paro – Thimphu) (63 km, 2 hours)
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flight from is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport, immigration and custom formalities and then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Drive to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Check in your hotel later drive to the National Memorial Stupa, built in 1874 by Royal Queen Mother and dedicated to the father of Modern Bhutan, the Late His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan. Visit the Post Office with Money exchange as the bank is next door. BBS Tower to get the magnificent picture and view of Thimphu and you can also see our Queens Palaces.
In the evening visit to Thimphu Tashi Cho Dzong, the office of the King and the Throne Room and also the Summer Capital of Monastic Body lead by His Holiness the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) who spend six months here during summer and move to Punakha for winter for another six months.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02 : Transfer to Punakha
Morning visit to Thimphu Mini Zoo where you can see our National Animal “TAKIN” which has a head of a goat and body of a cow, believed to be made by great Devine Madman in the 16th Century. Later drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop enroute at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Later at a village of Sopsokha we will have go for a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang temple, walking past green fields and rice paddies, passing farmers and livestock in the terraced fields. The temple was built in 1499 and is located on a hillock in the centre of the valley. It is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatize his teachings and hence was also known as the “Divine Madman’. It is widely believed that a childless couple who pray at this temple are usually blessed with children. Overnight Punakha.
Day 03 : Oct : Punakha
After breakfast, first visit Punakha Dzong and later you will hike through a forest of pines and farmlands along the banks of pho chu river for about 2 hrs till you reach samdhingkha(put in).Picnic Lunch will be arranged near the river. Your rafting crew will be waiting here for you. Then start rafting along the Pho chu river coming across stretches of class II and IV rapids. Upon arriving at a beach –like stretch of sand, some distance from a chorten, you will be served lunch on the sandy embankment. The post – lunch rafting session will continue till you reach the relatively placid section of the river below Punakha Dzong. Overnight Punakha
Day 04 : Punakha
Morning enjoy kayaking at Punatshangchhu river and later drive to Paro visit Paro Dzong and Paro museum.
Day 05: Paro
After breakfast, visit the weekend market. Later take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery. Legends say that Guru Padsambhava came here flying on the back of tigress and meditated at the place where now monastery stands. Taktsang or Tiger Nest was severely damaged by fire which took place in April 1998 and now it has been restored in its original splendour.
After reaching to Paro then visit 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan.
In the Afternoon we will arrange an Archery demonstration nearby hotels. Today there will be farewell dinner with cultural show with local drinks.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 6: Departure