Luxe Bhutan
Bhutan Luxe
5 Nights/ 6 Days
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
Distance: 55 km | Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Arrival Experience:
Scenic flight offering breathtaking Himalayan views.
Warm Bhutanese welcome with a traditional 'Tashi Khaddar' (auspicious scarf).
Transfer Highlights
Drive through Paro Valley to Chuzom, where Paro and Thimphu rivers converge.
Visit **Tachog Lhakhang Temple** and walk across a traditional iron chain bridge (50 minutes round trip).
Afternoon Activities in Thimphu:
Visit the **National Memorial Chorten** – A spiritual hub featuring intricate Buddhist artwork.
Stroll through Thimphu’s main street and vibrant market.
Overnight Stay:** Hotel in Thimphu (Altitude: 2,320m).
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### Day 2: Explore Thimphu
- **Morning Highlights:**
- Drive to **Buddha Dordenma** – A 51.5-meter gold-gilded Shakyamuni statue housing 125,000 smaller Buddha statues. Option for meditation.
- **Afternoon Experiences:**
- **Textile Museum:** Discover Bhutanese craftsmanship and royal textile collections.
- Visit **Centenary Farmers Market** and Ka Ja Thorm, a bustling weekend market for farm produce and handicrafts.
- **Evening Visit:**
- **Trashichhoedzong:** Explore this grand fortress that serves as Bhutan’s government and religious center.
- **Overnight Stay:** Hotel in Thimphu (Altitude: 2,320m).
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### Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha & Wangdue
**Distance:** 75 km | **Travel Time:** ~3 hours
- **En Route:**
- Cross **Dochu La Pass** (3,088m) with views of Himalayan peaks and 108 chortens.
- Visit **Druk Wangyal Lhakhang** at Dochu La Pass, dedicated to the fourth King of Bhutan.
- **Afternoon Activities:**
- Explore **Punakha Dzong**, a stunning 17th-century fortress at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.
- **Overnight Stay:** Hotel in Punakha (Altitude: 1,300m).
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### Day 4: Punakha – Paro
**Distance:** 125 km | **Travel Time:** ~4 hours
- **En Route Visit:**
- **Simtokha Dzong:** Bhutan’s oldest fortress-monastery, built in 1629.
- **In Paro:**
- Visit **Ta Dzong (National Museum):** Explore a vast collection of thangkas, textiles, weapons, and historic artifacts.
- Walk to **Rinpung Dzong:** Admire exquisite Buddhist murals and architecture.
- **Overnight Stay:** Hotel in Paro (Altitude: 2,280m).
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### Day 5: Paro
- **Morning Adventure:**
- Hike to **Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)** (5-hour round trip). Perched on a cliff 900m above the Paro valley, it’s one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites.
- **Afternoon Exploration:**
- Visit **Kyichu Lhakhang:** A 7th-century temple marking the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
- **Evening Leisure:**
- Explore Paro’s charming shops offering local handicrafts and farm products.
- **Overnight Stay:** Hotel in Paro (Altitude: 2,280m).
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### Day 6: Departure from Paro
- **Morning:**
- Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
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### Important Notes:
- **Monument Closures:**
- Ta Dzong (Paro): Closed on government holidays.
- Textile Museum (Thimphu): Closed on government holidays and weekends after 4:00 p.m.
- Centenary Farmers Market: Closed on Tuesdays.
**End of Tour**