From sightseeing to trekking through the mountains, there is so much to do during Paro holidays. See endangered wildlife, religious sites and commemorative places in Thimphu. Also visit the head office of the national government, the centre of sports and handicrafts stores in the city. Stop at Dochula pass on the way to Punakha/Wangdue to spend some time in the realm of nature. On reaching the destination, take a stroll through the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery and Punakha Dzong to witness the ornate Buddhist sculptures, temples and stupas. Chimi Lhakhang and Mehsina village that are close to Punakha may also be explored while in the country.

From Punakha/Wangdue drive towards the flat expanse of the Gangtey or Phobjikha Valley with this Paro holiday tour package and make your expedition memorable. Return to the hotel after seeing the natural beauty of the region, and the next morning travel to Paro. Understand the culture, society, history and religion while taking trips to a number of town’s attractions. The following morning, embark on a road journey to the picturesque valley of Haa, and thereafter come back to the hotel. Travel to the airport the next morning to return home.

ITINERARY:

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN PARO | PARO TO THIMPHU (51 KM/1.25 HOURS APPROX.)
Meet our tour representative on arrival at Paro Airport, and then travel to Thimphu. On reaching the Bhutanese capital, transfer to the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.

DAY 02: SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPHU
Relish breakfast at the hotel, and then start the first leg of Paro holidays sightseeing by touring the city.
See the national animal and numerous species of deer in the gently sloping pine forests of Motithang Takin Preserve. Look at the colossal idol of Avalokitesvara and large-sized Buddhist texts at Changangkha Lhakhang. Admire the enchanting scenes of the Thimphu Valley from the top floor of the BBS Tower. Later, marvel at the 169-feet high Buddha Dordenma statue and meditate for some time. Get a taste of the sporting spirit of the Bhutanese people by visiting Changlimithang Stadium.

In the afternoon, continue the sightseeing trip by visiting Tashichho Dzong, Handicrafts Emporium, National Memorial Chorten and local shops. Tashichho Dzong serves as the seat of the national government, and it features ceremonial thrones. As entry is not allowed here, you can see it from outside. Thereafter, you may buy some traditional handmade items for your loved ones at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium.

Look at the intricate cloth paintings or thangkas of Buddhist deities and photographs of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, an erstwhile emperor of Bhutan, at the National Memorial Chorten. In the evening, visit local shops to buy more handmade goods. Return to the hotel after sightseeing and stay overnight in the city.

DAY 03: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA/WANGDUE VIA DOCHULA PASS
Get the permit, allowing you to go deeper in the country (permit is not issued on Saturdays, Sundays and government holidays). Thereafter, travel with this Paro holiday tour package to Punakha/Wangdue. En route, take a short break at Dochula pass, which has an elevation of about 10170 feet above sea level. Click photos of the snow-bound peaks of the Himalayas from up here before recommencing your journey. Avail optional visits to attractions like Chimi Lhakhang and Mehsina village that are located close to Punakha/Wangdue. Several ritualistic objects are kept inside Chimi Lhakhang, where a ferocious demon is said to have been subdued by a learned Lama.

On reaching Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, situated at the point where the Puna Tsang Chu and Mo Chu rivers meet. See beautiful sculptures of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche; and Lord Buddha here. Get amazed by looking at the ornate statues of Goddess Tara, Avalokitesvara, Lord Buddha, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Padmasambhava, and a decorated stupa at Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Post sightseeing, transfer to the hotel and stay overnight.

DAY 04: PUNAKHA TO PHOBJIKHA VALLEY| PHOBJIKHA VALLEY TO PUNAKHA
Keep the excitement of Paro holidays alive by undertaking an expedition to the scenic Phobjikha/Gangtey Valley. Located about 10000 feet above sea level, it is a vast flat and almost-treeless expanse of land. Explore the valley on reaching here and also visit the village of Gangtey. Return to Punakha in the evening for a good night’s sleep.

DAY 05: PUNAKHA/WANGDUE TO PARO
In the morning, check-out from the hotel and travel to the town of Paro for an overnight stay here.

DAY 06: PARO SIGHTSEEING
Today, this Paro holiday tour package includes many popular attractions for sightseeing. After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong, which has the National Museum of Bhutan. See its numerous exhibits that highlight the evolution of the country’s culture and religion. Later, reach Rinpung Dzong by embarking on a hike from Ta Dzong, and see its various buildings.

Later, see the ruined walls and various structures of Drukgyel Dzong, from where the Bhutanese army repelled attacks by Tibetans. Also pay a visit to the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, which houses many sacred articles. After touring the city, return to the hotel and stay overnight.

DAY 07: PARO TO HAA VALLEY VIA CHELELA PASS | HAA VALLEY TO PARO
In the early hours of the day, go on a scenic drive to the breathtaking valley of Haa. About 13000 feet high, Chelela mountain pass is covered with blue pine and rhododendron bushes. The pass offers magnificent views of the summits of Chomolhari and Drake.

Resume the journey after clicking photos of the mountains, and on reaching Haa explore its enchanting realm. Return to Paro after sightseeing in Haa for an overnight stay.

DAY 08: DEPARTURE FROM PARO
Relish a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, and then leave for Paro Airport to board your return flight.