(The itinerary can be revised in feasible order, to incorporate local events or celebrations depending on your interest. Please revise in consultation with your guide)
Day 1: Arrival: Paro – Sightseeing
Check in hotel at Paro. Rest for a while and then start sightseeing in Paro. Some of the attractions in Paro are 1. National Museum- ancient watch tower, 2.Rinpung Dzong – the fortress of the heap of jewels built in 1646, 3. Kyichu Lhakhang- oldest temple built in 7th century by Tibetan Emperor, 4. Drukgyel Dzong- built in 1649 to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet. If the sky if clear, you can see Mt. Jomolhari, 5. Tachog Lhakhang- built in 14th century by son of the builder of Iron chain bridges in Bhutan; if you visit coincides on weekends, try going around to the Sunday market. : Night halt: Paro
Day 2: Paro Tshechu – Enjoy Tshechu + sightseeing
Festivals in the Land of the Thunder Dragon are rich and happy expressions of its ancient Buddhist culture. These festivals are held in all districts in honour of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.
Mask dances you would witness are 1. Dance of the Lord of Death and his Consort 2. Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds 3. Dance of the Black Hats 4. Dance of the Drums from Dramitse 5. Dance of the eight kinds of Spirits 6. Religious Songs : Night halt: Paro
Day 3: Enjoy Tshechu + sightseeing
1. Dance of the Black Hats with Drums 2. Dance of the three kinds of Ging with Sticks, with Swords and with Drums 3. Dance of the Stag and the Hounds 4. Dance of the Terrifying Deities 5. Dance of the Heroes with six kinds of Ornaments 6. Dance of the Nobelmen and Ladies 7. Dance of the four Stags 7. Dance of the Judgement of the Dead 8. Paro Thongdrel 9. Dance of the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche 10. Dance of the Sixteen Fairies: Night halt: Paro
Day 4: Paro - Thimphu: Sightseeing (Drive: 1 hour)
Some of the attractions and visits include
- Memorial Chorten; the 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.
- Trashichhodzong; the beautiful fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat building, King's Throne room and other government's offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot.
- Kuensel Phodrang with one of the tallest Bhuddha statue in Bhutan.
Night halt: Thimphu.
Day 5: Thimphu – Punakha (drive: 2-3 hours)
- Dochula pass (3040 masl) where you will also find the 108 stupas built in 2004 war causalities.
- Lamperi Botanical Garden. If you are interested, enjoy sometime walking in the garden.
- Chimi Lhakhang- the seat of the divine madman alias Drukpa Kunley. Chimi Lhakhang is renowned for its fertility blessings; it also fulfils the other religious and spiritual needs of the Bhutanese.
- 4. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. And it is still the winter capital or residence of the Central Monastic Body. Punakha dzong (fortress) is strategically located between Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers. : Night halt: Punakha
Day 6: Punakha to Wangdue Phodrang – Paro (drive: 3 hours)
- Wangduephodrang. Wangduephodrang dzong: constructed in 1638 after a boy named Wangdue- which also means bringing power under ones control. This magnificent dzong was gutted down by fire 24th June 2012. It is now in ruins. You may want to walk through the town and also visit the ruins.
Then drive back to Paro; Night halt: Paro
Day 7: Paro- day excursion to famous Paro Taksang (Tiger’s Nest) (5-6 hours)
Short hike to Paro Taksang- popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is perched on a rocky cliff. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche – Popularly regarded as the 2nd Lord Buddha and founder of Mahayana Buddhism, rode on a tigress and meditated in this cave.
Day 8: Departure
Drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Your guide and driver will be through and through till you leave the airport and have bid you farewell with onward journey wishes.
