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

Your flight to Paro on a clear day, is marked with the panoramic views of the Himalayas including the Everest and other famous Peaks. The approach through the foothills and the landing at the tiny airstrip of Paro has been termed as adventurous by many travelers. Your Bhutan Tour Guide from Ideal Travel Creations shall welcome you with a traditional “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.

As you come out of your car at the parking of Terma Linca Resort and Spa, the soothing sound of the Thimphu River and a mesmerizing location of the property shall remind you of how beautiful our earth is. Check in and freshen up before driving to the Thimphu City.

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 Aie Restaurant in the Property. Overnight in Terma Linca Resort and Spa.

Altitude of Thimphu: 2300 m

After a leisure breakfast at the Aie Restaurant, 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. 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 Bhutan Postal Museum. You can choose to make personal stamps here. The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium.

In the evening, just sit outside your room watching the Thimphu River flow at its own pace. A priceless healer for your soul.

Dinner with your Bhutanese Hosts at the Aie Restaurant. Overnight in Terma Linca Resort and Spa.

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

Visit the Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. Drive to 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 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. Explore the Lobesa Village for a while. Interact with the local vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables and other local produce.

Lunch at the Lobesa Village in one of the Tourist Restaurants. Drive to Wangduephodrang and discover the Drinchengang Village. Previously known as Rinchengang Village, it is a captivating village known for its remarkable cluster of interconnected houses. It is situated on the opposite hill, overlooking Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. The residents are said to be descendants of the artisans and craftsmen who came from India and Nepal to build the Dzong. It is considered one of the oldest clustered villages in Bhutan. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638. Drive to Punakha and Spend some time with the Nuns at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.

Finally check in hotel. Spend your evening among the trees and beautiful views before you have your dinner at the home-style restaurant of Dhensa Boutique Resort which offers Bhutanese cooking, as well as a variety of Western and Asian favorites. The menus are created using local and organic produce.

Overnight at the Dhensa Boutique Resort.

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.

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.

Explore the Khuruthang town for a while on the way back the hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Dhensa Boutique Resorts.

Driving Distance: 135 km | Driving Time: 3.75 hr | Altitude of Paro: 2280 m

After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village. After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Finally Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics.

Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals.

Dinner and Overnight at the Naksel Boutique Hotel and Spa.

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 the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.  Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan.

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

Dinner and Overnight at Naksel Boutique Hotel and Spa.

In the morning drive to Chelela Pass which is the highest point between the Paro and the Haa Valley. At a distance of approximatekly 45 km from the Paro Town, the Chelela Pass lies at  an altitude of 3988 m and is the one of the highest motorable road in Bhutan. The drive from Paro to Chelela would be through a winding road over the dense pine forest, the view is spectacular. As we ascend further to higher elevation the vegetation changes to conifer such as spruce, juniper, hemlock, silver fir and finally at the summit, the vegetation is all open alpine meadows.

The Pass is decorated with colorful prayer flags. You can choose to hang some prayer flags or offer incense here. On a clear day the views are beautiful.

After a while Hike to Kila Goemba. The trail, spanning approximately 9-12 kilometers, meanders through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys. The hike concludes at the serene Kila Goenpa Nunnery, a centuries-old cliffside retreat home to Buddhist nuns. This journey, marked by natural beauty and cultural significance, provides hikers with a unique blend of adventure and spiritual tranquility.

On the way back visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery. Check out the varieties of made in Bhutan beers. Set in a traditional Bhutanese style, the place is beautifully located overlooking the Paro valley.  This place brews different flavors of Bhutanese Beer to suit one’s palette. The outdoor setting of Namgay Artisanal brewery is equally awesome. Take a tour in the beer producing house. They mainly produce Indian Pale Ale, Apple Cider, Wheat beer, Dark ale, and Red rice lager.

Finally visit the Drukgyal Dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal  in 1646 to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese over the allied  Tibetan-Mongolian forces. It was destroyed by fire in 1951 and was in ruins for a long time until reconstruction process was initiated in the year 2016 under the Command of His Majesty the King of Bhutan.

Drive back to Naksel Boutique Hotel and Spa.

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

“Luxury in the Magical Shangrila” comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.