8 Days 7 Nights thimphu, punakha, paro with tigers nest monastery Family Vacation Package

Hotel Tashi Yoedling 3

After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your tour guide and driver. Transfer to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. Enjoy travelling through the spectacular countryside. Check into your hotel upon arrival. You are free for the reminder of the day.

Hotel Tashi Yoedling 3

Visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery located on the northern edge of Thimphu, as well as the newly consecrated Tara Lhaden Zhingkham Lhakhang. Continue onward to the awesome Buddha Dordenma. This trip offers an excellent, 3km hiking option with sensational views. We also recommend that you visit Zorig Chusum, the institute teaching traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts; the Folk Heritage Museum; and the National Library, home to a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts.

Meri Puensum Resort 3

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via the Dochula Pass. If the weather is clear, we will stop at the pass to see the Himalayas. See Chimi Lhakhang, which is said to have been built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15th century after having subdued demons with his magical thunder bolt. The temple is also known as the ’Temple of Fertility’. Enjoy your lunch in Punakha. Your next destination is Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated near the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.

Meri Puensum Resort 3

Drive to the valley of Wangdi Phodrang. Visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1638 AD atop a high ridge between Punak Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu. Enjoy the view of the valley below. Wangdi Phodrang holds an important place in Bhutan’s history because in the early days it was the country’s second capital. Head for the village of Limbukha, accessible by a feeder road from Punakha. Farmers in Limbukha are known for growing Bhutan’s famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values. While returning from the chorten, you also have an option to take the ancient trail that goes through farmlands and a village to arrive near Punakha Dzong.

Sonam Trophel Inn 3

Leave Punakha early in the morning for your westward journey to the Paro Valley. Arrive in Paro in time for a late lunch in one of the local restaurants. Time for an orientation tour of Paro next. See the major sights of this city including Paro Dzong, with its cantilever bridge; Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples; and the ancient fortress of Drugyel Dzong. On a clear day, you will get the chance to see amazing views of Mt Chomolhari (7314 m) from the fortress.

Sonam Trophel Inn 3

This morning, head for the National Museum of Bhutan in Paro to see the fine collection of ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and other artefacts. You have the evening free to relax and stroll around.

Sonam Trophel Inn 3

Head for Taktshang, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, after breakfast. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1½ hours. Enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of a cliff from the viewpoint. You can stop for refreshment at the nearby cafeteria before continuing your journey to the monastery, which will take you around an hour more. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rimpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The principal monastery of this monastic complex dates from 1692. Take the route back to the road after reaching the monastery with a detour in between for lunch before driving back to your hotel. On the way, visit the Kichu Temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demon was preventing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas.

Enjoy your breakfast and prepare for the departure. One of our representatives will drive you to Paro International airport for your onward flight.