Thimphu Tshechu

Arrive at Paro international Airport. By the time you finish your immigration formalities, it will be late in the evening. Representatives from the company will meet you at the airport, after which you will drive for about an hour to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. 

On the way to Thimphu, 

• Visit the famous iron bridge which connects to Tagchogang Temple. The iron chain bridge dates back to the 15th century and was constructed by iron builder Drupthop Thangthong Gyalpo. 

Check into your hotel and have a stroll in the town and the Craft Bazaar and local vegetable market – Kaja Throm.  

In the morning visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. 

Witness Thimphu festival for half a day. 

• Thimphu Tshechu is celebrated yearly across the nation’s temples, dzongs, and monasteries, Tshechus honor the birthday of Guru Rimpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to the nation for the first time in the eighth century. These celebrations are always held on the tenth day of a lunar calendar month, even if the precise month varies depending on the location. Tshechu means “tenth day” and many believe that witnessing the celebrations is a blessing.

After lunch 

• the Memorial Chorten, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful stupas, built in memory of the Third King, Late His Majesty Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck, known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. 
• Buddha Point, where the statue of the World’s largest Future Buddha (Maitreya) will be seen.

In the morning, attend the festival for a few hours and do the nature trail hike which is about an hour. It is one of the beautiful hikes and is at an easy level. 

Visit the black necked crane sanctuary and start your journey back to Punakha. 

Phobjikha Valley, also known as Gangtey Valley, is a beautiful glacial valley in central Bhutan. It is a major wintering ground for black-necked cranes, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Here are some things you can do in Phobjikha:

• Visit the Gangtey Monastery: This impressive ancient Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism overlooks the valley and offers stunning views.
• Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail:This trail offers moderate hikes through pine forests and meadows, with breathtaking views of the valley.
• Spot Black-Necked Cranes:Phobjikha Valley is a major wintering ground for black-necked cranes, an endangered species. You can visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre to learn more about these birds and take a guided birdwatching tour.
• Explore the local villages: Get a glimpse into the lives of the Bhutanese people by visiting some of the local villages around Phobjikha.

Move towards Punakha for night halt.

Early morning walk up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – a stunning Buddhist temple. It was constructed in 2004, this architectural marvel stands atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley and the convergence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The hike is about 1 -1.5 hours. 

After that, visit:

• Punakha Fortress, which looks like a giant ship rocked on a still mass of water from far. Built on the confluence of two rivers, the Pho (male) and Mo (female) rivers, the Dzong served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still home of the Chief Abbot in winter months. It was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and has played a prominent role in the civil and religious history of the Kingdom. Destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully restored in its original splendour. 
• Before reaching Punakha, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple where the Phallus is worshipped and associated with Lam Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Madmonk.” It is about 1 hour hike (to and fro) from the road point. 

Later in the evening move towards Paro.

After breakfast, we drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip.) The trail is along an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels. 

As you reach Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m,3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence,  the name, Taktshang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.”

After breakfast, you can have a short visit to town and by late morning you will be driven to Paro international Airport for your journey out of Bhutan.