Pictures of the Dragon Tour

The morning will be dedicated to sightseeing in Thimphu. Begin with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a large stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Next, head to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), home to the world’s largest seated Buddha statue, which offers sweeping views of the valley. 

Continue to the Arts and Crafts School, where you’ll see students creating traditional Bhutanese paintings and crafts. Afterward, visit Sangaygang, a viewpoint that provides a bird’s-eye view of Thimphu and its scenic surroundings. Following this, explore the Takin Preserve, where Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, is protected. 

After lunch, visit the National Library, which houses ancient manuscripts, followed by the Folk Heritage Museum, which provides a glimpse into Bhutanese rural life. Conclude the day with a tour of Tashichho Dzong, the central secretariat building and seat of the government. This impressive structure houses the Throne Room, the King’s office, several government ministries, and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and senior monks. 

After visiting the Dzong, we’ll take a short stroll into the town, where you’ll experience one of the unique aspects of Bhutan’s capital, a city that functions smoothly without a single traffic light in the world. Here, you can observe the local lifestyle and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Thimphu.

Overnight at Hotel

Day three takes you deep into the heart of the Phobjikha Valley. The Phobjikha valley is known by its beauty and immemorial scenery stretching over a vast valley. Spring is a wonder for visitors from different walks of life. It is an exact time of the year where the true nature of its beauty is being revealed with varied abundant blossoms of flowers and rhododendrons complemented by cool breezes blowing through this heavenly abode. However, it is characterized by cold temperate climatic conditions with strong winds on a daily basis. It usually experiences very harsh cold windy winters with snowfall and cool warm rainy summers. 

The natural beauty of the valley complemented with rich flora and fauna in particular the Black-necked Cranes, makes the place an attractive recreational destination for both Bhutanese and foreign visitors. Moreover, the introduction of Home-Stay program in the villages adds more value for the foreign visitors to experience the living styles, food habits and culture of the people living in the far flung areas. You’ll visit the Black- necked Crane Information Centre, where you can learn about these majestic birds and the efforts to conserve them.

Then, you’ll explore Gangtey Monastery, an important religious site with stunning views of the valley. Following this, you’ll enjoy a walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, which offers a peaceful and scenic way to appreciate the valley’s natural beauty. Gangtey is considered one of the most beautiful place in Bhutan, in here you will get the chance to take loads of pictures as memories from the trip.

Overnight at Hotel.

Today, we’ll make our way to Punakha, a journey of about two hours. Along the way, we’ll stop to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple associated with the beloved saint Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman.” Lama Drukpa Kunley is celebrated for his unconventional teaching methods, often involving humor and shocking behavior to challenge societal norms. Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to his legacy and is particularly famous as a fertility temple, attracting visitors from around the world seeking blessings for children. 

The temple and surrounding village are known for their unique and colorful phallic symbols, which are painted on walls and carved into decorative elements to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The walk to Chimi Lhakhang is a pleasant, hour-long round trip through picturesque rice fields and local homes, offering an authentic glimpse into Bhutanese rural life.

After lunch at the Lhakhang, we move to Punakha. As we reach Punakha, we can see the Dzong (Fortress) resembling a giant ship bed rocked on a mass of still water from afar. Built by the Zhabdrung in 1637, it is an architectural icon located at the confluence of two rivers – the Pho (male) and the Mo (female) chus (rivers). The winter residence of the Chief Abbot and the clergy, it houses most of Bhutan’s sacred relics and treasures. The architectural design of Dzong (Fortress) can be witnessed here in Punakha Dzong.

Overnight at Hotel

We will begin our journey back to Paro, a drive of approximately four hours. Before departing, we’ll take a scenic hike up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning hilltop monastery built to bring peace and harmony to the kingdom. This chorten, commissioned by the Queen Mother, features intricate Bhutanese art and is adorned with elaborate murals and golden spires. The hike to the top takes you through beautiful rice terraces, and from the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Punakha Valley, making this a truly special and serene experience.

Overnight at Hotel

This is going to be one of your most memorable experiences as we visit Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Lair), a work of art blending the spiritual with architectural splendor. One of the holiest shrines in Bhutan, the Monastery is perched on a hill (1000m) overlooking the valley. It is said that the great Indian Saint and Tantric Buddhism’s Master Guru Padma Sambhava came to Taktsang riding a tigress in one of his most fearful forms to subdue demons that were obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Several Buddhist masters have meditated at the site. The trek in total takes five hours, and it is a gradual climb along an old trail. 

After the trek, you can stroll through Paro town before you rest for the day for shopping and

take a hot stone bath to get rid of the fatigue of the day and this concludes your adventure to Bhutan.  We will visit Kyichu Monastery, one of Bhutan’s oldest, built in 659 A.D. by the Buddhist Tibetan King Songsten Goembo.

Overnight at Hotel

After early breakfast, we drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. TASHI DELEK!!