Thimphu Retreat

Meet & Greet on arrival at Paro Airport and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to relax at the hotel or take a leisure walk around the Thimphu City. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

After breakfast drive to Punakha (4298 ft). On the way stop at Dochula Pass at 3150 m to view the higher Himalayas. The pass is approximately 25 kms away from Thimphu and is the highest point between the Thimphu and Punakha/Wangdue Valley. Another attraction is the 108 chorten/stupas (Druk Wangyel Chortens) built close to each other surrounded by numerous colorful prayer flags. Further, one the way to Punakha enjoy the winding roads and the nature at its best. While in Punakha, take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang which is also known as the “The Temple of Fertility” and was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”. Then, visit the Punakha Dzong. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal the Dzong served as the seat of the Government until the time of the Second King of Bhutan. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). It is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo. If time permits, visit the Suspension Bridge, which is one of the longest in Bhutan. In the evening, drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at Thimphu.

After breakfast visit the Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma). Located at a short drive from Thimphu City Centre, Kuenselphodrang offers a good overview of the Thimphu valley. The largest statue of Buddha in the country sits here which houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues. Then visit the National Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan and visit the Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit Sangaygang View Point. The Lookout point offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire Thimphu. On the way back visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the National animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Changangkha Lhakhang. This is a popular Buddhist temple and is especially visited by parents to receive blessings for their new-born. Its interiors are full of murals that depict different stories. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong, first built in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. The Dzong is the seat of the National Government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Overnight stay at Thimphu.

After breakfast drive to Paro (7483 ft.). While in Paro, visit the Ta Dzong which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangka, etc. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong which literally means the "fortress of the heap of jewels". The Dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro Dzongkhag. Then explore the Paro Town. Afternoon, visit the Kyichhu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Drive further to visit the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the behest of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invasion. On the way back take a photo stop to catch the view of the Taktshang Monastery (Tiger Nest). Further ahead stop at the Paro Airport View.

After breakfast check-out from hotel and take the departure transfers to Paro Airport for your onward journey with beautiful memories.