The Best Of Bhutan – 6 Days

As you approach Bhutan you'll notice a scenic view of the Himalayan range. Upon arriving at Paro International Airport, you'll be greeted by a representative of the Alpine Club of Himalaya and your Bhutanese guide. After immigration formalities head on a short drive toward Thimpu.

Traversing through Paro valley witness views of the silvery Pa Chu also known as Paro River meandering its way through the thickly forested ravine, the Paro Dzong a monastic fortress, and Ta Dzong watchtower.

Later in the afternoon, visit Tashicho Dzong a beautiful fortress and monastery which houses the Secretariat building, King’s Throne, and other government offices. It is also the summer residence of the chief abbot or spiritual leader Je-Khenpo. Next, visit the Handicrafts Emporium and witness a wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products including the famous traditional thangka paintings. Then, move towards the memorial Chorten which is a beautiful stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Overnight in Thimpu.

After breakfast head for sightseeing. Visit Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit the National Library which has a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts.

After that drive to Arts & Crafts School, famous for traditional thangka paintings. Here you will see students at work producing intricate designs on cloth.

After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays a wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as the Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Overnight in Thimpu.

After breakfast drive to Punakha with a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080 m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the Chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If the skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158 m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Terigang (7,060 m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497 m.

Later visit Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has now been fully restored.

After that drive to Wangduephodrang visiting Dzong and the local market. The district of Wangduephodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate, and stone carvings.

Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast drive to Paro. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, it now houses the School for religious studies.

Afternoon in Paro visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower in 1967, now it serves as the National Museum of the country and holds a fascinating collection of art, artifacts, Thangkha paintings, and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.

Afterward, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. Built-in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district.

Overnight in Paro.

Today drive north of Paro valley to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. From this fort, the Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit a traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into the lifestyle of local people.

Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to the monastery takes about 5 hours for a round trip. While returning to Paro town visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.

Overnight in Paro.

After early breakfast at the hotel drive to Paro airport and head towards Nepal. This scenic Himalayan flight is regarded as one of the best aerial routes in the world. Once you land in Kathmandu proceed toward your accommodation. Later in the evening join a special dinner program to mark the end of your journey to Bhutan.

If you have any inquiries or require assistance and further information about this trip or any other trips, please feel free to contact Alpine Club of Himalaya – Walk of the Himalaya.