Detailed Program
Flight into Paro with Druk Air crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording amazing views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari 7314m and Jichu Drake 6794m peaks in Bhutan. On arrival Truly Bhutan Team will greet you.
Biking begins
You will drive to Paro town for some refreshment and you will ride the bike to Thimphu. You will stop en route to view the magnificent Tachocho Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s Iron Bridge Builder, and further ride we will reach Chuzom marks by the confluence of Paro Chu (river) and the Wang Chu. Opposite of you, at the confluence, are three protecting chortens each built in a different style.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
Accommodation options:
Today’s exploration of Thimphu by biking takes with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan; the Kingdom’s rich culture at the National Library; the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where students undergo a training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts; Folk Heritage Museum which will provide an insight into the traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and rural past through exhibits and documentation of rural life.
After lunch visit, Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress-like temple, which lies perched on a ridge above Thimphu; Taken Preserve to see the rare national animal of Bhutan. This animal is chosen as the national animal of Bhutan for its uniqueness and its association with the country’s religious history and mythology. Ride bike to visit Buddha point will give you a stunning view of Thimphu valley – the Buddha Dordenma Project is the construction of a 138.6-foot-tall Sakyamuni Buddha statue (inclusive of lotus) seated on a 62-foot-tall throne in the Kingdom of Bhutan, symbolizes peerless virility to bestow blessings, peace, and happiness on the whole world. From there we will get a stunning view of Thimphu valley.
A further bike towards the BBS tower will provide a bird’s eye view of the capital; visit the nunnery temple. Now you will put our bike in the car and you will drive to visit Tashicho Dzong or “the fortress of the glorious religion” which is Bhutan’s administration and religious center and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, other Government offices. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
Accommodation options:
You will ride to Punakha (ancient capital) through agricultural land and valleys. The first stop over Dochu La, a 3050 meters pass, snow-capped eastern Himalayan ranges can be seen on a clear day. The bike from the Thimphu valley ascends to Dochula Pass, which will take about 1 hour more.
At Dochula pass and enjoy the view of eastern Himalayan ranges stretching about 25 kilometers. The beauty is further enhanced by Druk Wangyel Chorten’s 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother. You will continue to bike to Punakha winding down through the lush forest of oak, fir, spurs, and rhododendron. On the way ride through Sopsokha village and visit the temple of fertility “Chimi Lhakhang” which is located atop the hill.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Punakha.
Places and attractions:
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley
- Talo Goenpa
- Nalanda Buddhist College
- Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang
- Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup
- Limukha Village
- Ritsha Village
Accommodation options:
Morning you will start cycling to the Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637, and stands majestically at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu and Mo chu. The Dzong is said to be the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, it is an outstanding structure with intense artwork and the winter residence of the Je Khenpo the chief abbot of Bhutan.
Also, this is the second Dzong built in Bhutan by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the year 1637. Visit the Dzong and enjoy the Afternoon you will cycle off road for about 3 hours along the Phochu river of Punakha visit the farmhouse and walk along the rice field.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Punakha.
Places and attractions:
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley
- Talo Goenpa
- Nalanda Buddhist College
- Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang
- Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup
- Limukha Village
- Ritsha Village
Accommodation options:
Early morning drive back to Paro. Stop at Dochula to visit Druk Wangyel Lhakhang built by the eldest Queen’s mother; the past and future appear to merge in the details of the Lhakhang that tells the story of a supreme warrior figure whose vision pierces the distant future.
Continue drive to Paro and Visit Ta-Dzong (watch tower); this is turned into a National museum in the 1960s. Visit Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks, and walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. The evening is free to relax or take a stroll through town.
Overnight stay at hotel Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
After breakfast, you will bike through the beautiful Paro Valley and stunning hike on foot or on an accommodating mule to the Taktsang Goemba or Tiger’s Nest viewpoint and visit Tiger’s Nest. The hike, which is all the way uphill, takes about 2 hours through pine forests.
The Goemba clings to a huge granite cliff 900 meters, it is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. It is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their lifetime.
In the afternoon you will visit the auspicious Kyichu Lhakhang the sacred monastery that dates back to the 7th century, Drukgyel Dzong, and the fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. In clear weather, Mountain Jumolhari is 7314 meters can see.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
Early morning, drive to the airport for your onward journey. Thank You and Good Bye.
- Inclusion
- Exclusion
- Insurance
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
