7 Days tour to Explore the Beauty of Bhutan

Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where Bhutan Druk Adventure dedicated team who will be holding placard, no one will be missed. We welcome with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards Thimphu river taking us to the heart of capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is very scenic and picturesque as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isina etc until we enter welcome gate in Thimphu. Tachongang Lhakhang- En-route to Thimphu, stopover for little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending your arrival time. Chuzom- Meeting point of two rivers (Thimphu & Paro) this is tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait of our King and Queen placed at chuzom which is so welcoming to all who visits Bhutan. Explore Thimphu City On your Own- If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m

Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Buddha Dordenma- The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. The Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic 51.5-meter tall statue, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. Arts and Crafts Vocational School- Arts and Craft School is where student learn 13 different techniques to master in Bhutanese Arts. Some of the skills required eight years to graduate. You can see live carving, painting, sculpture etc. You are allowed to take the pictures/make video. Products made by students are on display at the showroom for sales as well. The school is closed in July and December to February, beside their exams and events. Folk Heritage Museum- This museum was established in 2001 and provides visitors with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life, especially the life of Bhutanese in remote parts of Bhutan. Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar- Bhutan’s first ever craft bazaar located behind Hotel Taj Tashi showcases wide range of authentic Bhutan-made arts and craft products with reasonable price range. Handicraft Emporium- Realizing the importance of socio-economic growth, handicraft emporium was set up with the command of His Majesty 3rd King, this was the first step to showcase the authentic Bhutanese handicraft products in Bhutan. You can still find some of the fine products available here at reasonable cost. Witnessing Archery Match- Archery is the national game of Bhutan, it is amazing to see Bhutanese archers hitting target from a distance of 145 meters range. Bhutan has top archers on some categories on Olympic games. Weekend Market/Centenary Farmers Market– An interesting well organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. Its open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find wide range of local vegetables and fruits. Other side of the river is place for indigenous goods and handicrafts section, where locally produced goods, including religious objects, cloth, baskets and hats etc from various minority groups are sold here. These shops are open from Friday to Sunday only. Clock Tower Square- Situated in the heart of town, Clock Tower Square is a popular venue for open ground events such as cultural festivals, concerts, fund- raising events, live shows and trade fairs. The place is bounded by shops, cafes, souvenir shops and restaurants, making it one of the main attractions in the Thimphu town.

Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over dochula pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan. Dochula Pass- The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snow capped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Lamperi Botanical Park- The park has many varieties of plants, herbs, birds and animals. This park is one of the must visit place for birds and nature lovers. You may enjoy the hot packed lunch here if you had planned picnic. Visit Dairy Farm in Punakha: In Bhutan, the concept of smallholder dairy groups is relatively new yet its an important component of rural economy. Yogurt production is the main source of income for their dairy farm and Chimi Lhakhang- This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidences that many visitors dream came true however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama’s instruction. The hike though the lovely villages of Mesina gives truly amazing experience. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m

Punakha is often referred as second capital having best Dzongs of Bhutan. Punakha has the perfect place to awaken the nature lover, take in the splendid views of the Himalayas, listen to the sounds of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers that simply soak up the serene beauty of this gorgeous valley. Shengana village: Hike to Shengana village across Phochu river at Punakha which is situated in the Northeast of Punakha Dzong where you can experience Punakha village life. Shengana village is commonly known for RED RICE. You can even have experience of milking the cow here. Punakha Dzong- Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Punakha Suspension Bridge- Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan. The suspension bridge is only about 15 minutes’ walk from Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha.

As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. Riverside Visit- visit to riverside to enjoy the crystal clear river and group video/photo is must in Paro. Our guides will take you to the best place to enjoy at beautiful river banks of Paro. Rinpung Dzong- ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport. The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Explore historic PARO town with splendid views across the fertile valley. Bondey Farm-National Seed Centre: With the establishment of Bondey Farm, agriculture development activities increased with introduction of vegetables, fruits and farm mechanization in the agriculture farming practices of Bhutan. The farm is responsible for the production of vegetable seeds, strawberry runners, asparagus etc. Outdoor Activities- Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang. Taktsang/Tiger’s Nest Temple– is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Outdoor Activities- Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan.

Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan