Day 2: Thimphu Tour sightseeing-Punakha Tour sightseeing,stay in Punakha

Thimphu –Punakha :Distance: 71 km, estimated driving time: 2 hr

Altitude at Dochula:3140m

Altitude at Punakha:1300m

After breakfast 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.

Then travel to Punakha via  Dochula pass. Driving for about 35 minutes you will reach Dochula Pass (3,088m). In the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges.After a refreshment at Dochula Pass Cafeteria, you will visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery) which was built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck ( the Queen Mother of Bhutan).

After lunnch at Lobesa village 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.

In the late afternoonn 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.

Dinner and Overnight at your hotel in Punakha

Day 3: Punakha Short Cultural hike -Thimphu Tour Sightseeing,stay in Thimphu

Punakha-Thimphu :Distance: 71 km, estimated driving time: 2 hr

Altitude at Thimphu:2300m

After breakfast 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.

From here travel for about 20 minutes through upper Punakha valley and take a leisure walk passing through suspension bridgeand  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.It provides good opportunity for photography.

After lunch  travel to Thimphu through Dochula pass.

At Thimphu 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. It is the best place for visitors to learn about traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

• 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.
• Bhutan Postal Museum (recently launched)-The museum tells the story of Bhutan’s progress and development through the evolution of communications and postal system in the country. And also you can get personalized Bhutanese postage stamps with your photo on them. You can bring along your favorite photo to put on the stamps and put these stamps on your postcard to send to your family and friends.
• Craft Bazaar -A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts.

In the evening you can explore Thimphu town .

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu -Paro Tour Sightseeing,stay in Paro

Distance: 54 km, driving time: 1 hours

Altitude at Thimphu:2200 m

After breakfast travel to Paro and visit National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here is an intriguing collection of artefacts which provide you with a wonderful insight to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bhutan. From the National Museum take a short 2km hike with approximately 1 hour 30 minutes hiking duration through the ancient walking trail through lush green forests along the hillside ,crossing a narrow bridge over a small stream to Zuri Dzong (Fort). Zuri Dzong dates from 1352 and is home to the valley’s local protector gods. The walk to Zuri Dzong passes Gonsaka Lhakhang and provides wonderful birds eye view of the entire Paro valley and Paro Rinpung Dzong below. From here take a gentle hike down to Uma Resort where your car will pick you up.

After lunch drive for about 20 minutes through Woochu vlllage to visit Dzongdrakha Goempa: Often called the mini- Taktsang, Dzongdrakha temples are built on the cliffs above Bondey village. Take a short walk to the temple for about 15 minutes. Legend says one of the temples is built around a levitating monument. Folks built a stronger temple around this monument with the hope that the levitating monument does not fly away into the sky.

Then drive back to Paro town where you will have refreshment before walking through the Rinpung Bridge ( oldest Traditional Cantilever Bridge) to visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. Then walk back down to Rimpung Bridge in Bhutan

Dinner and overnight a hotel in Paro.

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