(5 nights 6 days)
This short and sweet trip gives you a tantalizing peek into the scenic grandeur, unique culture and traditions of this erstwhile Himalayan kingdom. There are just a few short drives over the entire plan so it is also a perfect trip for relaxation.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Delhi/Kolkata - Paro - Thimphu (2350 M) 65 kms/ 1 ½ hrs
Reach Paro in the morning by air from Kolkata / Delhi. Short but beautiful drive to reach Thimphu by noon. Check into your hotel room. Freshen up, have a sumptuous meal and later visit the Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3rd King. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang- the oldest temple in the valley & Zilukha Nunnery. Overnight in a hotel. - Day 2: Thimphu
Post breakfast visit the zoo to take a look at the odd-looking Takin – the National Animal. Later try to see a local archery competition – the national pastime. Then do a beautiful drive of an hour each way up to Dochu La. Enjoy fantastic panoramic views of snow covered ranges & peaks of the Bhutanese Himalayas. Of course you’d also see the 108 Chortens built by the queen to commemorate victory of Bhutanese king over Assamese naxalites. Please note: those keen on hiking could skip the zoo visit, archery competition and instead get to Dochu La earlier and do a a beautiful hike of about (7 km return / 4 hrs) to Lungchuzekha Gompa through dense forests of Hemlocks, Junipers, Birches and Rhododendron, interspersed with meadows. Once at the gompa enjoy superlative 360° views covering various ranges in the Bhutanese Himalayas crowned by 7000 M + giant peaks like Jhumolhari, Gangkar Puensum – the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, high peaks of the Lunana. Walk back to Dochu La - Day 3: Thimphu - Paro (2200 M)
After a leisurely breakfast drive back to Paro. Check into your rooms. Later go to the National Museum - the first of its kind it has a collection that covers everything from natural history to religious paintings. Late afternoon visit the 17 century Paro Dzong on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use followed by an evening stroll in old Paro town to take a peek into some local handicrafts stores. Overnight in a hotel. - Day 4: Paro
After breakfast leave on a great hike to the awe inspiringly located Taktsang Monastery – Tiger’s Nest. Once you are back you could go for a relaxing hot stone bath. Please note: Tiger’s Nest is a must-see site; if hiking is not your cup of tea then you could hire ponies for this trip. - Day 5: Paro
Driving excursion over Chele La into the pristine & incredibly beautiful Haa valley and walk to the secluded Kila Gompa Nunnery. - Day 6: Paro - Delhi/ Kolkata - Fly back
Morning transfer in time to board a flight back to Kolkata/Delhi.