Best of Bhutan Tour( Culture- Hikes- Short Trek- Monastic Stay)

Day 1: Arrive at Paro - Drive to Thimphu (54Km/ 1.5 Hr)

1. Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge
   1h · Admission ticket included
   On the way stop at Tachoggang, a beautiful, historic sight across the Paro River. Adorned with numerous prayer flags, the iron bridge is a beautiful walk towards the temple. Apart from the temple, the bridge is of profound importance and steeped in history.
   Light a butter lamp here and begin your tour with beautiful aspiration.
2. Simtokha Dzong
   40m · Admission ticket included
   Five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge, stands Simtokha Dzong the oldest fortress in the Kingdom. Simtokha's strategic position overlooks the entire Thimphu Valley. The central tower has 12 sides, unlike any other Fortress in Bhutan.The carvings on walls in the courtyard is amazing
3. Buddha Dordenma
   30m
   Marvel at the grandeur of the tallest sitting Buddha statue, towering at an impressive height of 51.5 meters, located at Kuensel Phodrang.
4. Wangdi-tse Monastery
   2h
   Venture through the flavors and scents of thick pine forest along the side of Thimphu valley leading to the glorious Wangditse temple. It is one and half hour - easy hike crossing local apple farms and houses which could be exciting for the kids. The trail further takes into trees of oak, pine, and rhododendron which accompany you throughout the hike while occasionally opening to the view of the Buddha Dordenma statue, Tashichoe Dzong and Thimphu valley.
   
   From Wangditse Temple you have the option to hike back the same way and drive to Dechenphodrang Monastery or hike down to Dechenphodrang Monastery where you can meet young monks undergoing their monastic schooling. You can interact with the monks and witness their day to day life.
   
   Time Taken: 1 hour to 1 and half hour.
5. Centenary Farmers Market
   1h
   Thimphu's Weekend Market, a lively maze near Wang Chhu, bursts with regional vendors every Thursday to Sunday. Delight your senses with aromatic incense, exotic spices, and unique finds like yak legs with hooves attached. From dried fish to local honey, the stalls offer a sensory feast. Don't miss the cereals section with red rice and kapche. The bustling atmosphere spills into the streets, creating a vibrant market scene. Cross the traditional bridge to discover the weekends-only Handicrafts Market nearby. An unforgettable blend of flavors and culture awaits!

Day 2: Monastic Stay & Experience at Dodeydrak Buddhist Monastery

1. Pangri Zampa Monastery
   45m
   Drive to the Northern end of Thimphu valley passing through the countryside hike through the off-beaten tracks , visit the Buddhist College of astrology at Pangrizampa & the temple of the 21 Tara Devi in a serene setting next to it, before taking a hike to Dodeydra monastery.
   If interested in Buddhist astrology , you can consult the monk there
2. 4h
   Start your journey continues with a soul-stirring hike leading us to the sacred hilltop of Dodeydra monastery. As we ascend, we are greeted by breathtaking vistas and a profound sense of tranquility that permeates the surroundings.
   
   Immerse yourself in the sacred realm of Dodeydra Goempa, where you can meet and pray alongside monks. Share a serene evening prayer and dine with the monks. If you're up for it, engage in a Dharma discussion with the monks. Embark on an extraordinary journey of connection and spirituality.
   
   During your stay, you can indulge in the following experiences:
   
   • Be blessed by the monks with a special transformational/cleansing ritual.
   Upon reaching at the monastery attend a ‘Lhabsang Thruesel’- a cleansing ceremony to clean one from negativities and adversities of life.
   • Hoist Prayer Flags: Raise vibrant prayer flags, infusing the atmosphere with your aspirations
   
   • Engage in sacred rituals like Incense Offering, Wine Offering, and Butter Lamp Offering.

Day 3: Hike Back to Thimphu & Drive to Punakha

1. 1h
   Rise early to the sound of the chirping birds and morning bell summoning the monks for Morning Prayer. Begin your day by participating in Morning Prayer with the assembly of monks at the Dodeydra Monastery, before headind back to Thimphu.
2. Dochula Pass
   30m
   On the way to Punakha, stop at Dochu La Mountain pass at 3,100 meters marked by 108 Buddhist Shrines. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. Hoist prayer flags on one of the highest point and make aspirations to benefit of all being.
3. Chimi Lhakhang Temple
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, at about five minutes walk away from Sopsokha Village. Prepare to be greeted by paintings of an unassuming sight on your way to the site. The temple is also popularly known as the divine mad monk's temple or the temple of fertility.
4. Punakha Dzong
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood damage from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue.

Day 4: Punakha-Paro (130Km/ 3-4 hrs), Tiger Nest hike

1. Paro Taktsang
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Early morning drive to Paro.
   Upon reaching Paro hike up to Tiger’s Nest - one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrim sites; be rewarded to the overwhelming sight of the monastery perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters above the sea level and 900 meters above Paro valley. Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. He blessed and preached tantric Buddhism in Bhutan.

Day 5: Departure

1. Paro
   1h
   End of your travel to Bhutan. Our team will drive you to the Airport and bid farewell.

Pickup details

You will be entering Bhutan from Paro International Airport ( the only International Airport in Bhutan)
- Our Team will be at the Paro Airport with your placard and pick you up from there.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness