Bhutan Affordable Luxury Discovery Tour

Arrival by plane to Paro airport and drive to Thimphu. Stop at Tachog lhakhang to see traditional bridge made using ancient iron chains. Depending on arrival time visit of Tashichho dzong, the castle, which serves as seat of the king and government. If time permits, visit of the other sights.
Overnight in Thimphu Le Meridien

Early morning drive to Buddha Dordenma, the gigantic statue of Buddha overlooking the valley and walk to striking city viewpoint. See Memorial Chorten, always busy with devotees. Walk in Norzin lam street and see the traffic police signaling in junctions. Thimphu is only capital in the world without the traffic lights. Finish walk at handicraft market where many interesting Bhutanese souvenirs can be seen and bought for reasonable price. Drive to Changlimithang stadium to see archery match, traditional sport of Bhutan (depends on luck if the game is going on). From Friday to Sunday you can also visit to Centenary market where local people go to shop for food supplies. Market also has interesting handicraft section. Otherwise, you can enjoy some free time in the town, exploring it on your own or if someone is interested in learning GNH philosophy we can arrange one hour session (additional cost $ 100-150 per session, need prior information).

Morning drive to Wangdue or Punakha over Dochu-la pass (3010 m) with visit of royal temple Druk Wangyel lhakhang. Stop for walk in Royal botanical garden when descending to Wangdue. Upon arrival walk shortly to Chimi lhakhang temple, devoted to 15th century saint Drukpa Kunley, known as “Divine madman”, who did taught Buddhism by singing, drinking and rampant sexual behavior. It’s famous as “fertility temple”, helping couples to get healthy and strong children! Get blessing by monk from the wooden phallus relic to guarantee healthy deliver of the children. Later drive to your hotel for overnight stay in Dhensa Suite.

Today drive north of Punakha Dzong and make beautiful hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel stupa through the rice paddies. Stupa was built in 2004 by Queen mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck to bring peace world peace and clear obstacles for Bhutan. Exterior form of a pagoda like stupa with interior consists of four stories containing image of the deities mandalas of Vajarakilaya. After hike return to Punakha to visit visit Punakha dzong, beautiful castle built on the confluence of male and female rivers. See the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan as well just few minutes walk from Dzong. Optionally one can incorporate white water rafting (additional charges $ 150-200 per board).

After breakfast drive to Dochula then to Paro. If your hike lover you can make 3 hours hike to Lungchutsi monastery. The hike to the Lungchutse temple starts from Dochula pass. The trail will take you through a diverse forest of hemlock, rhododendrons and junipers until you reach the temple on the ridge. On a clear weather day, you can enjoy a 360 degree view of the Himalayas from the ridge. Upon arrival in Paro make visit to Paro dzong (Rinpung dzong), the castle-monastery where Bernardo Bertolucci’s Little Buddha film was shot and National Museum of Bhutan with interesting artifacts.

Climb to Taktsang gomba (Tiger’s Nest), is the highlight of the tour. While the hike seems to be hard, it’s very rewarding. If you don’t feel so strong, you can climb just halfway to cafeteria with nice view of the place. You can consider climbing in the morning or early afternoon depending on weather, your fitness and preferences. The rest day in leisure or enjoy hot stone bath to relieve muscles after the hiking in local home before you go to hotel for dinner and take rest. If time permits visit some site including Kichu temple, oldest temple in country and Dungtsi Lhakhang unique temple in structure.

Your guide and driver will pick you from hotel and will be escorting to Airport for your onward journey.