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Day 1
Arrive in Thimpu
Upon arrival at International Airport in Paro (2200m / 7200ft), you will be greeted by our representative. Then drive for about 1 hour to Thimphu (2320m / 7600ft), the world’s smallest capital city, to settle into your hotel. After checking in at hotel and freshen up, visit the Tashichho Dzong - the ‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’ and home to Bhutan’s royal government.
• Meals included: Dinner
• Accommodation: At hotel in Thimphu
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Day 2
Sightseeing in Thimpu
Visit the Buddha Point on a hilltop to see the biggest statue of the Buddha in the world. The view of Thimphu valley from the park is just amazing. Then visit National Textile Museum, Painting school, Folk Heritage Museum and National Library of Bhutan which give you an insight of Bhutanese culture, tradition and arts. Take a stroll around the town if time permits.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: At hotel in Thimphu
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Day 3
Drive to Punakha
Make your way to Punakha (1240m / 4070ft), the old capital of Bhutan, enjoying the views from Dochu La Pass (3100m / 10,200ft). On the way, take a short walk to the Chime Lhakhang known as the Temple of the Divine Madman, a uniquely-adorned 15th century temple said to bless visiting couples for fertility. After checking in at hotel, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong which is one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country. It serves as the winter residence for Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of Bhutan.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: At hotel in Thimphu
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Day 4
Sightseeing in Punakha
After breakfast, take a short drive to Mochu River. After crossing the bridge, you will be in the middle of the beautiful Punakha valleys surrounded by the misty mountains from all directions. The valley is home for rice and potato fields. Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten through the rice fields and pine forest. The hike is moderate and takes about 2 hour’s roundtrips. Located a top of a hill, the site provides the mesmerizing 360-degree views of the entire Punakha Valley. After lunch, visit Ristha village with traditional mud and stone houses. The village is popular village for growing both red and white rice.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: At hotel in Punakha
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Day 5
Drive to Gangtey
After breakfast, set off on the road climbing up on mountain road towards east to reach to the glacial valley of Gangtey or Phobjikha (2900m/ 9500ft).
When you arrive at valley, your eyes are blessed with the scenic beauty of the valley comprising of mountains, trees, animals, birds and shrubs. This serene and remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. After checking in at hotel and lunch, visit the ancient Gangtey monastery located on a hill ridge overlooking the vast and beautiful Phobjikha valley. Stroll around the surrounding villages in the afternoon.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: At hotel in Gangtey
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Day 6
Drive to Paro
Retrace your drive across Dochu La Pass, Thimpu and to Paro (2200m / 7200ft). On the way to Paro, stop at 15 century Iron Bridge built by Thangtong Gyalpo (1385-1464) - a great yogi, physician, blacksmith and architect.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: At hotel in Paro
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Day 7
Sightseeing in Paro
After breakfast, take a short drive to the National Museum of Bhutan which display the Bhutanese culture, art and natural history. Followed by Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro valley has a long history. Built on 1644 by Ngawang Namgyal, the fortress-monastery served as an effective defense against numerous invasions attempts by the Tibetans. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang - an important Himalayan Buddhist temple dates back to 7th century. If time permits, stroll around downtown Paro in the afternoon.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: At hotel in Paro
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Day 8
Hike to Tiger's Nest
Rise early to make the hike to the magnificent Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3120m / 10240ft). The hike is about two miles and takes about 3 hours to reach the picturesque Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) Monastery that clings to a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Tiger’s Nest is a sacred pilgrimage site, where the great tantric mystic Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is believed to have flown on the back of the tiger. This is where he meditated and taught tantric Buddhism. After exploring the Tiger’s Nest, hike down which takes about 2 hours. Rest of the day in leisure.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: At hotel in Paro
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Day 9
Depart from Paro
After breakfast, transfer to airport for onward journey.
•Meals included: Breakfast