4 Night 5 day Bhutan Splendor Tour

Then travel to Thimphu which will take you through Chunzom (confluence of Pachu- the river flowing through Paro valley & Wangchu –the river flowing through Thimphu valley). On the way, enjoy walking over a suspension bridge to view 15^th century iron chain bridge suspended over the Pa chu and also walk for about 10 minutes to visit Tachog Lhakhang (temple), this 15th century temple located on the base of a mountain across the Pa chu on the Paro-Thimphu highway.

After crossing Chunzom, the drive will take you along the Wangchu upto Thimphu city.

On arrival at Thimphu, Check into your hotel and relax for sometime after early morming flight. After lunch visit the following:

The School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
National Textile Museum which is a good place to see the art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colors and designs.You will also see people weaving with intricate designs.
Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds. Here Takins are preserved in natural environment.
Archery Match (National Sport of Bhutan) at Changlimithang National Stadium. Normally you will spot Bhutanese men playing archery game during weekends or public holidays. Good opportunity to interact with local people.
Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Thu-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held by the side of Wangchu River. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Friday afternoon till Sunday evening. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people.
Craft Bazaar -A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product.

In the evening explore Thimphu town on your own.

Dinner at a restaurant in Thimphu town or at your hotel and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu-Punakha Sightseeing

Distance: 71 km, estimated driving time: 2 hours

After breakfast travel to Punakha & Wangdue through Dochula Pass 3140 m).

At Dochula, in the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. You can take photos at the beautiful 108 chortens.

You will also visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery) which was built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck ( the Queen Mother of Bhutan).

You will have refreshment (tea/coffee and snacks) at Dochula Pass Cafeteria and then travel onto Punakha.

On the way, stop for traditional Bhutanese lunch at a farmhouse Lobesa village. After lunch walk through paddy fields for about 20 minutes to visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

Then walk over traditional canteliver bridge to visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho - Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river).

Then walk for about 15 minutes to one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan spanning 350 m and perched high above the very swift Pho chu (male river). Draped with prayer flags ,the bridge connects the town of Punakha and Punakha Dzong.This bridge is mainly used by locals from the village located on the other side of the river as a shortcut to Punakha Dzong.

In the evening visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery and enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys from there. This scenic place gives you a good opportunity for photography.

Dinner and overnight at Hotel Lobesa or Zhingkham Resort or Meri Puensum Resort or similar hotels in Punakha.

Day 03: Punakha short nature -cultural hike and Punakha-Thimphu

After breakfast travel through upper Punakha valley and take a leisure walk passing through suspension bridge and through paddy fields to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang . The leisurely walk up to the temple would take about an hour. Visit the temple and also enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view from there.

After lunch travel to Thimphu crossing over Dochula pass.

Upon arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel and visit the following:

Buddha Point /Kuenselphodrang: This massive Buddha statue is 51.5 meters in height and it is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8^th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.
The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The term ‘chorten’ literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation, especially in the evenings and mornings, at the National Memorial Chorten.
Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Yet another place for photographer’s delight.

Dinner at a restaurant in Thimphu town or at your hotel and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu-Paro & A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) & Traditional Bhutanese Hotstone bath

After breakfast, travel to Paro and drive further for about 20 minutes to the base of Taktsang Monastery and then hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The walk up to the viewpoint will take about 1 – 1 ½ hrs depending on your fitness and from View Point you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Take photos with great view of Taktsang behind you.

Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point.

Next visit Kichu temple,one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo.

Then visit a Farmhouse in Paro Valley and a visit to a farmhouse offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.

In the evening relax in the Traditional Bhutanese Hotstone bath at a farmhouse in Paro valley.

Traditional Hotstone bath: A traditional Bhutan hot stone bath uses river rocks that therapists place in water where they crack and steam, releasing key minerals and relieving deep-set aches.

You will also see around inside of the traditional Bhutanese house.

You will enjoy traditional Bhutanese dinner with the family members of the house.

Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or similar or hotels in Paro.

Day 05:Fly out of Paro

In the morning,your Bhutan tour guide from Access Bhutan Tours ( Bhutan travel agent) will see you off at the Paro airport for your onward flight.

Bhutan Trip Cost for the 4 Nights 5 Days Bhutan Tour

Travel Time	1 pax	2 -3 pax	4 pax & above
Low Season:Jan, Feb,July,Aug & Dec	USD1240/person	USD960/person	USD940/person
Regular Season:Mar,Aprill,May,Jun, Sep,Oct & Nov	USD1280/person	USD980/person	USD960/person

The above Bhutan tour package prices includes the following:

Twin/double sharing hotel rooms at premium 3 star hotels
All meals ( breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments) at 3 star hotels
English speaking tour guide service
All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
Mineral drinking water
Tourist Tax (SDF) of USD100/person/night
Visa fee USD40 per person
Entrance fees to Museums & Monuments

The above tour prices do not include the following:

Single room supplement of USD 40/room/night (optional)
Airfares
Travel insurance (required)
Accommodations and meals at luxury hotel accommodations and meals -4 star and 5 star (optional)
Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry,etc

Complimentary Services:

Traditional Bhutanese dress for free renting to wear for a day or so ( if interested)
We provide facility to try out Archery using Bhutanese traditional bow and arrows (made out of bamboo) at a farmhouse ( if interested)
Traditional Hot stone bath one session at a farmhouse after your hike to Tiger's Nest monastery

***Thank you & Tashi Delek***

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