6 Days Paro to Punakha Holiday Package

Hotel Phuntsho Pelri 3

Arrival in Paro & Transfer to Thimphu| Meals included: Dinner
Bhutan is a landscape of fluttering flags and majestic monasteries. It is also famous for its essentially undisturbed ecology and traditional ways of life. The serene atmosphere is a perfect setting for adventures and exploration. This Bhutanese holiday would commence with your arrival in Paro, where you would be greeted by a representative at the airport and he she shall brief you about the tour, itinerary, inclusions as well as cultural practices of Bhutan, including some do/’s and don/’ts.
Then you would be transferred to Thimphu on a shared basis in a coach (seat-in-coach). This journey from Paro to Thimphu would be an amazingly scenic drive with views of mesmerizing mountains and flowing rivers. The distance between Paro and Thimphu is 70 km and would take approximately 1.5 hours to cover.
On reaching Thimphu, after your check-in at the hotel, you have rest of the day at leisure. You could book a relaxing couple/’s massage (own expense) at a premium hotel by the river - Terma Linca Resort & Spa; this massage would be relaxing and includes transfers from and to the hotel in a private vehicle. You could purchase this activity on the payment page at the time of booking this package.

Hotel Phuntsho Pelri 3

Sightseeing in Thimphu | Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, you would be picked up from your hotel, at a tentative time of 8.30 am, for local sightseeing on a seat-in-coach basis. You would visit the Simtokha Dzong - a monastery built in 1627 that today houses the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies. Then, you would go to the Memorial Chorten which is the most visible religious structure in Thimphu and the Buddha View Point. The view of the valley from this point is as magnificent as the statue of Lord Buddha that resides on the premises. You could grab lunch here (own expense) at one of the local eateries and sample the local delicacies of Bhutan.

After lunch, your sightseeing would continue as you proceed to the Takin Mini Zoo. The Zoo houses the Takin - the national animal of Bhutan that looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that it was created by the great Buddhist yogi - Drupa Kunley. The animal is indigenous to Bhutan and its surrounding regions. After the zoo, you would be taken to Trashi chhoed zong - a strikingly large structure, surrounded by manicured lawns and beautiful gardens, which houses the throne room, offices of the secretariat and the King.
After taking in the sights of Thimphu, you would be dropped off at the hotel where you can enjoy a delicious dinner.

Hotel Phuntsho Pelri 3

Transfer from Thimphu to Punakha | Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Today after enjoying a lovely breakfast, you would be transferred to Punakha. The transfer would be on a seat-in-coach basis and tentative pick-up time would be 8.30 am. The distance between Thimphu and Punakha is 75 km and would take approximately 3 hours to cover. En route, you would be making stops to do some sightseeing. The first stop on the roster would be Dochula view point. The Dochula pass is 45-minutes from Thimphu and is perched at 3100m, offering a glimpse of the Himalayan range. As you come closer to Punakha valley, you would stop at Chimi Lhakhang or the Fertility Temple. This sacred temple was made in honor of Lama Drukpa Kunley. Childless women go to the temple to receive a blessing or empowerment from the saint. It is a 20-minutes long pleasant walk from road at Sopsokha to the temple. En route, you would also cross an archery ground.
Then, you would visit the Punakha Dzong. It stands majestically on an island between the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers and is one of the most photogenic of all of Bhutan’s ancient fortresses. The dzong joins the mainland by an arched wooden bridge and houses many precious relics from the days when successive kings reined the kingdom from this valley.
In the evening, return to the hotel in Punakha for a comfortable overnight stay after a delectable dinner.

Hotel Phuntsho Pelri 3

Transfer to Paro & Sightseeing | Tour to a Brewery with Beer Tasting & Vegetarian
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, head off to Paro - the gateway to the Himalayan Kingdom. The journey to Paro will be on a shared basis in a bus coach (seat in coach) and will take about 5 hours to cover the distance of 150 kms.

Upon reaching, you can enjoy a local lunch (own expense) and then spend the rest of the day at leisure. Later, You will visit the popular attractions of Paro such as the National Museum of Paro that displays antique items gathered from different parts of the country in a revamped Ta-dzong building. Another interesting site would be the Kyichu Lhakhang. It is believed that this temple was built in 659 to subdue a demonizes residing in the Himalayas.
After marveling at the beautiful attractions of Paro, make your way to a Brewery. Discover the heritage of the locally produced beer and browse the many selections provided. And also get a chance to taste some of the local varieties and relish some snacks (limited). Please note that limited snacks and beer will be served.
In the evening, return to the hotel for a warm and comforting dinner before you retire for the night.
Note: Beer will not be served to people below 25 years of age. Limited servings for beer and snacks will be offered.

Hotel Phuntsho Pelri 3

Get set to explore Paro after a delicious breakfast at the hotel; start from the hotel at about 8.30 am on a shared basis in a coach (seat-in-coach) to visit the famous Tiger/’s nest temple, also known as the Temple or Taksang Monastery. One of the most famous Bhutanese monasteries, it is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at the monastery. Perched precariously on the edge of a 1200 m cliff, this monastery is an impressive sight and the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. Do note that the up-hill hike would take around 2 hours, so it is recommended you wear comfortable walking shoes and carry light refreshments with water. An option to ride a horse from the parking lot to the monastery is also available. Alternately, you could also hike for about an hour to reach a cafeteria - a wooden tea-house restaurant which offers a good view of the monastery.
After that thrilling excursion, make your way to a local farmhouse to get a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a typical Bhutanese family. Here, you could take part in Bhutan/’s national sport - archery. Deck-up in Bhutan’s national dress (gho and kira) to click pictures and also gulp down Ara, a local beverage made of rice.
In the evening, you would be dropped at the hotel, with dinner and a comfortable overnight stay to end the day.

After breakfast, you would check out from the hotel and head to the airport, on a seat-in-coach basis to board your return flight. Head back to India with memories galore and an increase in your personal happiness index.