Eco Tour (4 Nights / 5 Days)
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Bhutan’s scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks. This tour offers a balanced experience of natural beauty and historical significance, perfect for first-time visitors and nature enthusiasts.
Overview
- Day 1: Paro to Thimphu
- Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha
- Day 3: Punakha to Paro
- Day 4: Paro
- Day 5: Departure
Day 1: Arrive in Paro and Drive to Thimphu (54 km)
Upon arrival at Paro Airport, meet your guide and driver who will accompany you to Thimphu (approximately a 1-hour drive). If time permits, stop at Tachog Lhakhang along the way. After arrival in Thimphu, you will be escorted to your hotel.
Included Activities:
- Tachog Lhakhang: Cross a 600-year-old iron bridge built by Thangtong Gyelpo, the "Leonardo Da Vinci of the Himalayas." Explore the nearby temple and shrines dedicated to Chenrizig, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha (76 km)
Begin your day by visiting Memorial Chorten and Buddha Point. After lunch at your lodge, drive to Punakha, enjoying breathtaking views at Dochula Pass. Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong.
Included Activities:
- Memorial Chorten: A stupa built in 1974 to honour the third Druk Gyalpo, known as a visible religious landmark in Thimphu.
- Buddha Point: The Great Buddha Dordenma statue, standing 177 feet tall, overlooks the city and contains over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues.
- Dochula Pass: A scenic mountain pass featuring 108 memorial chortens and stunning views of the Himalayas.
- Chimi Lhakhang: A fertility temple founded in 1499, where blessings are sought for children and family prosperity.
- Punakha Dzong: The second oldest and largest dzong in Bhutan, built in 1637-38, and a significant site for Bhutanese history and culture.
Day 3: Return to Paro (130 km)
After breakfast, drive back to Paro. Visit Rinpung Dzong and explore Kyichu Lhakhang and Drugyel Dzong upon arrival.
Included Activities:
- Rinpung Dzong: A majestic fortress and monastery built in 1644, known for its intricate architecture and annual Paro Tsechu festival.
- Kyichu Lhakhang: One of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century, featuring sacred treasures and unique year-round fruit-bearing orange trees.
- Drugyel Dzong: A historic fortress built in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 4: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
After an early breakfast, hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), perched dramatically on a cliffside. Enjoy lunch at a cafeteria midway before exploring the monastery and returning to the valley.
Included Activities:
- Paro Taktsang: A sacred Buddhist site and cultural icon of Bhutan, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated. The site hosts the annual Tsechu festival.
Day 5: Departure from Paro
Our team member will escort you to the airport three hours before your flight. Farewell and safe travels!