Paro Festival Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Duration: 7 Nights, 8 Days
Location: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
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Day 01: Arrive at Paro
The flight to Paro offers one of the most spectacular views of all mountain flight. One can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and the peaks in Bhutan such as Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherim Gang. The first gift from Bhutan will be cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the airplane. You will be received by our representative and transfer you to a Hotel in Paro. Afternoon, After lunch drive to Ta Dzong former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then visit Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration and walks down passing close by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll in town drive back to the hotel for the night halt
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Day 02. Paro-Excursion to Taktsang
After early breakfast drive up to the Ramthangka (base camp) of Taktsang and then hike up to the most famous monastery Taktsang, the Tiger’s nest. This magical monastery clings to the vertical granite cliff of 3,000 above the valley floor. It is believed that Guru meditated here in the 8th century. The disciples of Guru built the temple, which was later enlarged by Zhabdrung in the 17th century. After lunch walks back down. Further, drive towards the north to visit ruins of Drukgyel Dzong built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. From there one can see Mt. Jumolhari (mountain of goddesses) overnight at hotel.
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Day 03: Whole day witness the Paro festival
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Day 04. Paro – Thimphu
Witness the festival in the morning and drive to Thimphu in the evening (Capital city of Bhutan) overnight in Hotel.
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Day 05: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Buddha Point/ Kuensel Phodang – Is the largest Buddha statue in the country, from there you can get a good view of the Thimphu valley.
– Changangkha Lhakhang – it is right above Thimphu Valley, this temple and a monastic school were established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo.
– Motithang Takin Preserve – houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal, and Burma.
– Traditional Medicine Institute – In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here.
– National Institute for Zorig Chusum – or the school of Arts and crafts is an institute where student undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
– Folk Heritage Museum – the house replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about a century ago.
– Weaving center, Changzamtog
– Bhutanese Paper factory and Overnight at hotel
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Day 06. Thimphu-Punakha
After breakfast drive to Punakha – approximately 3-hour drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochu La pass, at over 10,000ft, vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Continue to drive down into the Punakha valley. On the way visit Chhimi Lhakhang – this was founded by Lama Drukpa Kinley also known as divine mad man. It is half an hour walk across a local village and rice field. After lunch visits Punakha Dzong-built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. It is one of the most beautiful Dzong in the country. Overnight at Hotel.
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Day 07. Punakha-Thimphu
After breakfast drives towards the north of Punakha valley and starts a hike to Kham sum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, this will take around 1 hour and walk back down. After lunch drive to Thimphu, overnight at hotel.
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Day 08. Departure
After breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for your onward flight. Our representative will see you off and bid farewell.