Driving Distance: 50 km | Driving time: 1.25 hr | Altitude of Thimphu: 2300 m

The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience. On arrival at the Paro International airport your guide from Ideal Travel Creations shall welcome you with a “Tashi Khadar”.

Drive to Thimphu. Discover the barren mountains, Tamchog Lhakhang, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu River (Wangchhu) at Chhuzomsa and the three stupas featuring distinct Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali style architecture. Villages, linear settlements the comfortably winding road along the Thimphu and Paro River with some beautiful views are some of the experiences as you reach Thimphu.

Check in at the Pemako, Thimphu, located at the heart of Thimphu City. Take a dip in the indoor pool or simply relax in the garden area of the hotel.

Lunch in one of the Tourist Restaurants in Thimphu. After lunch, if the energy levels allow, stroll around Clock Tower Square, Craft Bazaar and the Kaja Throm”, the new local market built as per the command of the His Majesty.

In the evening visit impressive Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) which houses the Throne Room and the Offices of His Majesty the King as well as the Je Khenpo, seniormost religious authority of Bhutan.

Dinner at the inspired dinning; Chig Ja Gye OR Thongsel Restaurant in the Property. Overnight in Pemako Thimphu.

After a leisure breakfast, join the Local residents of Thimphu for circumambulations at the National Memorial Chorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Drive towards Kuenselphodrang. On the way visit Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019. His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra on 1019 in this temple. Further in Kuenselphodrang, witness the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu. Visit the temple inside the statue and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas. The place offers a breath-taking view of the Thimphu Valley. If you love Hiking You can opt for a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang from here. It is a 7 km Hike through the pine forest. This trail was initially intended to be a cycling trail but is very good for hike as well. It is a part of the 60 km cycling trail around Thimphu valley which was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan. Finally visit the Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group. 

Lunch in one of the Tourist Restaurant in Town. After lunch, visit Takin Preserve. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy. The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium.

In the evening, you may choose to take a spa in the hotel (additional costs may be applicable) OR spend your time at the Ara Bar. (additional costs may be applicable). The Rimps could be other options to enjoy your evening tea or Suja (Bhutanese Butter Tea)

Dinner with your Bhutanese Hosts at the Thongsel. Overnight in Pemako, Thimphu.

Driving Distance: 76 km | Driving Time: 2 hr | Altitude of Punakha: 1250 m

Start your day with a drive to Dochula Pass. You shall first see the Simtokha Dzong and then the winding roads leads you through blue pine forests and the villages of Hongtsho (2890m) and Yusipang. The local villagers sell apples, walnuts, dried cheese in this area. The road climbs through the forest till you reach the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

Descend down to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas. Visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience.

They say Pemako Punakha is an earthly paradise waiting to be discovered, inspired by the remote Himalayan sanctuary, or beyul, of the same name. The car stops at the banks of the Mo Chhu and walk over the beautiful suspension bridge which can be a big adventure to many. Your personal butler and buggy car shall take you to the Pemako Punakha, where peace restores perspective, spaces inspire wonder and the pace is entirely your own. The luxury tented accommodations come with a private pool and the property has a lot to offer. Your time at the property shall be at its best.

Dinner at Soma where you can indulge in dining all day long, relishing a variety of cuisines.

Overnight in Pemako Punakha.

Start your day with a Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chhorten. An hour of walk after crossing the suspension bridge and through the rice fields takes you to magnificent views and the Chhorten, beautifully crafted in traditional Bhutanese style. With the intricate design and sculptures, the temple was built by Bhutanese craftsmen which took 9 years. The craftsmanship of Bhutanese artists is amazing. The 360-degree views of the Punakha valley’s rice fields and the shimmering river shall ensure that the sweating was worth.

An hour of rafting on the Mo Chhu shall bring you near the Punakha Dzong. A Picnic lunch at the Banks of the Mo chhu.

Finally Spend some time with the Nuns at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Explore the Khuruthang town for a while on the way back to Pemako Punakha.

Once inside the Pemako, make comfortable among the undisturbed nature and the priceless experience the property has to offer.

Dinner and overnight in Pemako Punakha.

Driving Distance: 120 km | Driving Time: 3 Hr | Altitude of Paro: 2280 m

After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. Check in the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, a 5-star wellness-inclusive luxury resort. At the Resort, schedule a free consultation with one of the Traditional Bhutanese Medicine Doctors, who will create a personal wellness program, including dietary advice, focused on balancing the body, mind and spirit. Guests can enjoy the benefits of traditional massages, herbal treatments, yoga, meditation, and hot stone baths.

After a healthy 4 course lunch arranged at a private location, walk over the Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilevered bridge. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong.  Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics. Finally explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals, also try out Bhutanese National Dress and have some photographs. Drive back to the hotel with a Stoppage at the Airport Viewpoint.

Dinner and Overnight at the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary.

Altitude of Paro: 2280 m

Your Day starts with an early morning Hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century. Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why is the Monastery an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom.

A Picnic Enjoy a picnic lunch on the way back. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year.

Drive back to the Hotel. Explore the property, enjoy a peaceful time all by yourself within the property.

The Sanctuary’s restaurant is subtly divided by a big “social table”, where guests can engage with each other or interesting Bhutanese people that are invited for dinner. Smaller tables and the tea bar flank this central area, and the grand double staircase does extra duty as a stage for music performances and storytelling. The floor-to-ceiling windows give view to the terrace with fireplace making the dining experience even more special. The Sanctuary has a very dedicated and passionate Culinary Team. The element of hospitality extends to the open kitchen, where the skilled team can be seen at work.

Overnight in the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary.

“Serenity and Splendor; Bhutan in Style” comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport.