An enchanting journey through the valley of charm (Seven Day Excursion)

Day -1 – Arrive in Paro International Airport

On arrival you will be greeted by a Tashi Tours & Travels representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon drive to Drugyal Dzong (ruined fortress – 16kms from Paro town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese defeated invading Tibetans. From here, the peak of Mount Jumolhari (mountain of goddess) can be seen on a clear day. In the evening you can explore Paro Town. Overnight in Paro.

Day -2 – Paro to Thimphu ( 1 hour drive)

After breakfast you can visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress of heap of jewels). It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions as do all Dzongs in the kingdom. You will visit the National Museum formerly the watchtower for the Dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, Thangkas, statues and antiques. You can then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the afternoon you will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The drive to Thimphu is along the winding road following the Paro and Thimphu rivers.  Overnight in Thimphu.

Day – 3 – Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast you will visit the following places:

• Memorial Chorten ( built in the memory of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck)
• Changgangkha Monastery
• Nunnery Temple and National Library
• Takin Reserve ( Bhutan’s national animal)
• School of Arts and Crafts ( painting school)
• Folk heritage Museum and Textile Museum
• Tashichhodzong (the fortress of the glorious religion) (houses Ministries/offices/the central monk body)
• Simtokha Dzong ( Oldest Fortress in Bhutan)

Overnight in Thimphu

Day -4 – Thimphu – Wangduephodrang with afternoon excursion to Punakha

After breakfast you will drive to Wangduephodrang, with a stop enroute for tea at Dochula ( 3,100 meters) where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan and visit Punakha Dzong, which is one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan it was built in 1637 by the first Zhabdrung (Secular leader) On the way back from Punakha, you will stop at Metshina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang. Chime Lhakhang is renowned for its fertility blessings, it also fulfils other religious and spiritual needs of the people, and you can choose to receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.

Day- 5 – Day excursion to Gantey

You will begin the day by driving at Gantey. You will pass through dense forest of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gantey village, where you will visit Gantey Gompa/Monastery. From Gantey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain Range as well as Phobjika Valley, the winter habitat of the black necked cranes. In the evening you can take a stroll through town and visit shops. The nearby villages are known for their slate, stone cravings and bamboo works. Overnight at wangduephodrang.

Day- 6 – Wangduephorang – Paro

Set out for Paro, lunch in Paro. In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and if you wish, enjoy a hot stone bath and a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight in Paro.

Day – 7 – Depart Paro.

Fly to onward destination