Discover Bhutan “The Last Shangrila” 6 Nights 7 Days

The most spectacular mountain flights you will ever experience in a lifetime. Flying in from the heat of the plains of India, one can witness from the left side of the aircraft window a series of the world’s highest peaks. Your pilot will announce the names of the peaks if the weather is clear. You will descend into the high mountains and as the plane lowers, you will not find any airstrip or any city but instead, you will enjoy the view of the approaching valley of Paro, the alpine forests, little monasteries, temples, and farmhouses.

Before the plane touches the runaway you will get a glimpse of the fertile valley of Paro, the Paro Dzong, and Paro chu(river). Our representative will be at the airport to assist you, meet and greet, and transfer to the capital city, Thimphu. The rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Thimphu.

When in Thimphu, you have to prepare for surprises where this unique capital has no traffic lights but adopted its version of the British – Indian colonial times traffic policemen who can startle you and memorize others with their elaborate hand gestures, sometimes they may be signaling stop when it looks like go but don’t worry you can observe the flow and notice their smile as you stare at them.

Sightseeing includes a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan, and the Buddha statue, Takin Zoo where you will find the national animal of Bhutan and drive downhill. Stop at the junction to take a glimpse of Trashichho Dzong. Proceed towards the National Library and Folk Heritage Museum.

Afternoon, take a short walk to Handicraft Bazaar to view the traditional arts and Centenary Park. Later, take a leisurely walk to the main city from Clock Tower Square for shopping. Overnight at Thimphu.

In the morning, drive to low lands of Punakha Valley touching Dochula Pass 10,000 ft. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. You could take three rounds, offer prayers, and take some best photo shots.

If the weather is clear, you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north, Gangar Punsum among others is the highest unclimbed peak (24,000 ft) in the world. Stop at Lamperi and visit the Royal Botanical Park for 30 minutes. If you are lucky you can see red pandas and different species of birds, and you can take some photos close to the natural lake.

Proceed down towards Punakha through Thinleygang Village and upon reaching Lobesa, turn left and enter Punakha Valley. On the way, stop and take a short walk through the villages to Chimmi Lhakhang - the divine madman, also known as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide would have excited you to visit Chimmi Lhakhang. Do not miss the master’s deeds painted on the walls. Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children.

Check in the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk. Evening at leisure and overnight at Punakha.

Morning drive to beautiful Gangtey Valley via Wangdiphodrang Dzong strategically located on a ridge 4,430 ft that overlooks the highway that forks to the east and south of the country. This is an old town with narrow streets, single-storied shops, and also the gateway to central and eastern Bhutan.

The legend Mahakala, the protective deity of Bhutan appeared to tell Shabdrung of prediction, saying “At the top of the rocky spur where two rivers meet, at the place where a flock of ravens will fly off in four directions, you will build the Dzong”. The Shabdrung built the dzong in 1638 and the Punakha/Wangdi valleys are also the winter home for many of the high-altitude farmers who migrate with their cattle to the warm climate.

The Gangtey Valley is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan and is the winter home to the endangered black-necked cranes (Grus Nigricllis) which migrate to this valley around mid-November from Tibet. These cranes have for centuries captured the human imagination with their intelligence, poise, sociality, beauty, and freedom which has given rise to several myths, legends, folktales, and songs.

The birds fly back across the Himalayas to their summer home in Tibet and China. The Gangtey village is small and dominated by the yellow-roofed Gangtey monastery. Late noon return to Punakha. Overnight at Punakha.

Morning drive to Paro same road via Semtokha entering the Babesa express highway. Upon reaching Chuzom check post, stop for a while at the bridge, stretch your legs, and walk through the bridge. Proceed towards Paro and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Paro.

Morning visit to Paro Dzong, the National Museum housed in a round fortress known as the Ta Dzong considered to be one of the best natural history museums in Asia. It has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts. Kyichu Lhakhang, the monastery dates back to the 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred. Afternoon visit to ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and drive till the base of Tigers Nest. Evening at leisure and you can visit the town for shopping. Overnight at Paro.

Note: If you wish to visit Tigers Nest Monastery, the itinerary can be amended, please speak to your guide for pre-arrangement.

Morning transfer to Paro International Airport for your next destination.