5-Day Himalayan Expedition Tour from Paro: Thimphu | Punakha Dzong | Tiger's Nest Monastery | Buddha Gang

• Drive to Thimphu (60km/ 1hr). Thimphu is a charming capital city nestled at the heart of Himalayas. • En route walk on the ancient suspension bridge below Tamchog lhakhang. • Stop at confluence of river “Chuzomsa” to see the 3 different kinds of Himalayan stupas; Tibetan, Bhutanese and Nepalese style. • On arrival, drive to Sangay-gang where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity. This hill is also called the “romantic point” as lovers often come here to enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley. • Visit Buddha Gang, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world. • Circumambulate Memorial chorten (huge stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, pros trate, pray and practice their devotion. • The Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the St ate Monastic Body. • Visit the Farmer’s Weekend Market for organic fruits & nuts • In evening,free to go on a Walking tour around the bustling Thimphu city on your own or with your guide;Hongkong market, Norzin lam, Main traffic area, Wogzin lam, Clock tower etc. Overnight Thimphu (Alt; 2320m).

• En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. • Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple). • As you arrive Wangdue, hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang,a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child. • Visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river. • Walk on the 200m suspension bridge above Phochu river to Gidagom village . • In evening, time at your leisure. Overnight Punakha (Alt; 1240m)

• After breakfast drive to Paro via stopping for mountain view at Dochula again if the weather is clear. • On arrival, check in hotel followed by Paro sightseeing • Ta Dzong, an ancient Watch Tower turned into one of the best museums of Asia. • Rinpung Dzong “Fortress of the heap of Jewels.” • On the way back, visit Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king. • Witness an archery match at national stadium played by locals with lots of hue & cry. • In evening, time at your leisure, free to shop for souvenir at Paro town. Interact with the friendly locals. Overnight Paro (Alt; 2280m)

• After a wholesome breakfast,spend the day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5hrs round trip. (Ponies & horses optional) • Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view. • In evening, authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.” • Hot stone bath, optional. River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing. Overnight Paro (Alt; 2280m)

Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.