Land of Dragons

Assistance on arrival at International airport & travel to Thimpu

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Paro Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (National Museum) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Upon arrival in Paro our tour executive will welcome you at the airport’s arrival lounge with a TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS signboard and drive you to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.

Check in at Hotel & rest of the day free to relax

On arrival check in at your accommodation. Rest of the day free for relaxation.

Sightseeing tour visiting Tashichho Dzong, Post office, excursion to Tango, enroute stop at Pangri Zampa

Early morning drive to “the fortress of the glorious religion”, Tashichho Dzong. It’s a majestic fortress in all its grandeur and serves as the seat of Bhutan’s government. Visit the post office in town to see/buy a wondrous collection of Bhutanese stamps and postcards. Afternoon: Tango excursion: Enjoy your afternoon with a hike to Tango Monastery at the head of the valley. En route, stop at Pangri Zampa. At present, a well-respected astrologer lives here. From the base point at Dodena (45 min drive from Thimphu), it’s an enjoyable one hour walk uphill to Tango. Visit the monastery and the holy caves. Tango is presently the residence of the 07th reincarnate of the 4th Desi (Temporal ruler) of Bhutan, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. After your descent, enjoy tea and snacks on the bank of the Thimphu River next to the picturesque Cheri Zam (Cheri Bridge), one of the last remaining traditional suspension bridges in the Himalayas. Return to hotel and spend rest of the time at leisure.

Travel to Trongsa, enroute stop at Dochula Pass

After an early breakfast start your scenic drive to Trongsa. Pass streams, forests and villages before climbing the Pelela Pass. On the way, stop at the Dochula pass 3120m alt. From this pass, on a clear day, you can view the Entire Eastern Himalayan Mountain ranges. Also, visit the 108 miniature stupas built in the centre of the pass and continue driving onwards.

Check in at Hotel

On arrival at Trongsa, Check in at your accommodation.

Visit Trongsa Dzong & travel to Bumthang

Morning, after breakfast, visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong – the largest Dzong in the country, was an ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. Also, visit Ta Dzong or Trongsa Tower, an erstwhile watch tower now converted into the Museum. Later drive to Bumthang one of the most scenic places in Bhutan. According to legends, Guru Padmasambhava lived here in the 8th century making it the heartland of Buddhism. There are more than 40 temples in the valley.

Assistance on arrival (Afternoon visit Kurjey Lakhang, Padmanasabha Lhakhang, Tamshing Lakhang & evening visit Swiss Farm House)

Upon Arrival transfer to hotel. After brief rest, visit Kurjey Lakhang where it is believed that Guru Padmasambhava had meditated here in the 8th century. The temple is built around a cave with a body print of Guru Padmasambhava embedded in the wall. Continue hike to Padmanasabha Lhakhang, another meditation place of Guru Padmasambhava, Tamshing Lakhang also known as Temple of Good Massage and Jakar Dzong. Also, visit Swiss Farm House famous for its Cheese & Beer Factory.

Travel to Punakha (En-route visit Royal Heritage Museum)

After breakfast travel to Punakha. En-route visit the Royal Heritage Museum. This watchtower, which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands on a promontory above the town. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the 1st Governor of Trongsa in 1652. It has four observation points representing a tiger, lion, garuda, and dragon. A visit to this former watchtower provides visitors with an insight into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. Continue your drive to Punakha.

Check in at Hotel

On arrival check in at your accommodation & relax for rest of the day.

Sightseeing tour visitng Punakha Dzong & Chimi Lhakhang & travel to Paro

Morning after breakfast visit Punakha Dzong, built in 17th Century at the junction of Po Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The Dzong has now been fully restored to its original splendor. Cross over the longest Suspension Bridge in the country over the Pho Chhu river spanning 350 m. You will enjoy the swaying walk across the bridge draped with colourful prayer flags and visiting the little village shops. Visit Chimi Lhakhang in Lobesa which was built in 1499. It is a half hour walk across a local village and rice fields from the road head at Sopsokha. It is located on a hillock in the center of the valley. It is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs, and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teaching and hence was also known as the divine madman. It is widely believed that childless couples who pray at this temple are usually blessed with children so it is also known as the Fertility temple. Later proceed to Paro.

Check in at Hotel & visit Kyichu Lhakhang & Ta Dzong

Travel to Paro and on arrival check in at your accommodation. Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Built in the 7th century by the famous Buddhist Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. As the name suggests, the temple is a reservoir of peace, where you will really feel at peace. Next, we visit Ta-Dzong (National Museum) The Ta-Dzong was originally the watchtower for the Paro Dzong and stands imposingly on a hillock overlooking the Paro valley.

Visit Tiger's nest & Drukgyel Dzong

The main highlight of the day is the hike to one of Bhutan’s most venerated pilgrimage sites, the Taktsang Goemba, commonly referred to as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche miraculously flew here on the back of a tigress, meditated in a cave here for three months and converted the whole of Paro valley to Buddhism. Resting at an altitude of 900m above the valley, Taktsang is an architectural wonder and the spectacular four-hour walk will be your most overwhelming experience ever. Drive on to visit Drukgyel Dzong (the ruined fortress -17 km from the town), built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetans in 1644. Drukgyel means ‘fortress of the victorious Drukpas’. The Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, and the Mount of Jumolhari (Alt 24,000 feet) appearing as a backdrop in a fine weather is an awe-inspiring sight.

Departure transfer to Paro Airport

After breakfast checkout from the hotel. Tour finishes with wonderful memories and direct transfer to Paro international Airport to board flight for your onward journey.