Paro Tshechu

Day 1: Arrival Paro

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Paro
Meals: lunch, dinner

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, a T8 Untrodden Travels representative will be waiting outside the arrival terminal, holding a placard with your name on it. The representative will greet you in the traditional manner by offering a Trashi Khadar (greeting scarf), and will be your guide for the entire tour.

Start your day by exploring Rinpung Dzong, a 17th-century Buddhist monastery and fortress, and the National Museum. Next, visit Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang, a temple symbolizing the different stages of rebirth, and climb between its levels to see beautiful displays of Buddhist artwork. End your day by visiting Drukgyal Dzong, a fortress and Buddhist monastery in ruins, now being rebuilt to commemorate significant events in Bhutan’s history.

Day 2 – 3: Witness Paro Tshechu

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Paro
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Experience the vibrant Paro Tshechu festival, held annually during spring, on the first two days of the festival. The festival, initiated in the 17th century, is a celebration of Bhutanese culture, with colorful and elaborate masked dances performed by monks and laypeople. Along with witnessing the festival, walking tours will also be arranged to explore the surrounding area and immerse in the local culture. The tour will provide a unique opportunity to witness the spiritual and cultural significance of the festival and get an insight into the local way of life.

Day 4: Hike to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Start your day with a visit to Drugyal Dzong, a historic fortress located 16 km from Paro. Although now in ruins, the dzong holds great importance to the people of Bhutan as it was the site where the Bhutanese defeated the Tibetan invasion. On a clear day, you can witness the sacred Mt. Jomolhari.

Next, take an unforgettable hike through a beautiful pine forest to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. Built in 1684, the monastery is perched on the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in the east.

After lunch, we will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, along a winding road by the Paro Chu and the Wang Chu. In Thimphu, visit the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, which includes the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. In the evening, you will have free time to explore the city at your leisure.

Day 5: Hike to Tango Monastery

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Dodeyna to begin your climb through a beautiful forest track to reach the Tango Monastery. This ancient monastery overlooks a forested valley and other Buddhist retreats high up in the mountains, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

After lunch, you’ll visit the National Memorial Chorten, built-in honor of Bhutan’s late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This stupa is a significant landmark of Thimphu and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Next, you’ll head uphill to the Kuensel Phodrang, where you’ll witness the construction of a large statue of Buddha Shakya Muni. This statue is set to become one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, and the location offers a panoramic view of the entire Thimphu valley.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit several important institutions, including the National Institute of Traditional Medicines, the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (School of 13 arts & crafts), the Royal Textiles Academy, and a local handmade paper house. These visits will give you a deeper understanding of the traditional arts, crafts, and medicinal practices of Bhutan.

Day 6: Thimphu – Punakha

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Punakha
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

On this day of the tour, you will drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, via the Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3,140 meters. Along the way, you will stop to admire the breathtaking array of Druk Wangyal Chortens, enjoy the panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains.

After lunch, take a leisurely 25-minute walk along the beautiful terraced farmlands to visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the “Temple of Fertility.” This temple was built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who subdued a demoness with his “Magical Thunderbolt.”

Next, visit Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress situated between the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. It is the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body, and also the office of the district administration. You will have ample time to explore the dzong and its surroundings before returning to your hotel.

Day 7: Punakha – Paro

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After an early breakfast, embark on a short drive of about 7 km from Punakha, crossing the suspension bridge over the Mochu River. Then, take a 30-45 minute hike to reach the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten (Stupa), located on a strategic ridge that offers panoramic views of nearby villages under Kabisa geog. The stupa was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangden Wangchuck to promote peace, stability, and harmony throughout the world. It is the first of its kind in the world and its architectural designs were drawn from scriptures as visualized by Dudjom Lingpa.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, explore the beautiful Sangaygang – Wangtse walking trail on a guided walking tour. On the way, stop by the mini zoo at Motithang to see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, up close. This gentle and docile creature is revered in Bhutanese folklore and is believed to have been created by a Buddhist saint in the 15th century. The walking trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing a peaceful and refreshing escape from the bustle of everyday life.

Day 8: Departure from Paro International Airport

Accommodation: NA
Meals: breakfast

After breakfast, proceed to Paro International Airport for your scheduled departure flight.