Evergreen Tour (5 Nights / 6 Days)
Discover Bhutan’s beauty with the Evergreen Tour, a 5-night, 6-day journey through Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Explore ancient fortresses, serene monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes—perfect for nature lovers and first-time visitors.
Overview
- Day 1: Paro to Thimphu
- Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha
- Day 3: Explore Punakha
- Day 4: Punakha to Paro
- Day 5: Taktsang Hike
- Day 6: Departure
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu (54 km)
Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your guide. Drive to Thimphu (approximately 1 hour). En route, stop at Tamchog Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple, and cross the historic iron chain bridge. Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in at your hotel and explore the city.
Included Activities:
- Tamchog Lhakhang: A 15th-century temple built by the renowned iron bridge builder, Thangtong Gyelpo.
- Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang): Visit the giant 177ft Buddha statue overlooking the Thimphu valley.
- Takin Preservation Centre: See the unique national animal of Bhutan, the takin, in a protected sanctuary.
- Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory (Optional): Learn about traditional Bhutanese paper-making techniques.
Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha (76 km)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, passing through Dochula Pass for breathtaking Himalayan views. Visit Druk Wangyal Chortens before continuing to Punakha. Explore Chimi Lhakhang, the famous Temple of Fertility, and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong.
Included Activities:
- Dochula Pass & Druk Wangyal Chortens: A scenic mountain pass with 108 stupas offering panoramic Himalayan views.
- Chimi Lhakhang: A 15th-century fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, known for its unique blessings.
- Punakha Dzong: A majestic fortress built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
Day 3: Punakha Sightseeing
Begin the day with a hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, offering spectacular valley views. In the afternoon, visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery and walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge. Optional river rafting is available on direct payment.
Included Activities:
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: A beautiful hilltop temple with intricate murals and stunning Punakha valley views.
- Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery: The largest nunnery in western Bhutan, offering panoramic views and spiritual serenity.
- Punakha Suspension Bridge: Walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, spanning the Mo Chhu river.
- Optional River Rafting: Experience an exhilarating rafting adventure on the Mo Chhu or Pho Chhu rivers.
Day 4: Punakha to Paro (130 km)
After breakfast, drive back to Paro (approximately 4 hours). Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum), explore a traditional farmhouse, and stroll through Paro town.
Included Activities:
- Ta Dzong (National Museum): A historic watchtower-turned-museum housing ancient artifacts, thangkas, and religious relics.
- Traditional Bhutanese Farmhouse Visit: Experience Bhutanese rural life, traditional architecture, and hospitality.
- Paro Town Exploration: Discover local handicraft shops, cafes, and cultural sites at your leisure.
Day 5: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Embark on an early morning hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Bhutan’s most iconic spiritual site perched on a cliffside. Enjoy a traditional hot stone bath in the afternoon and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
Included Activities:
- Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery): A sacred Buddhist site where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century.
- Traditional Hot Stone Bath: A relaxing Bhutanese wellness experience using heated river stones.
- Kyichu Lhakhang (Optional): A 7th-century temple, one of Bhutan’s oldest, believed to be a part of an ancient Buddhist network.
Day 6: Departure from Paro
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. Bid farewell to Bhutan with cherished memories of this breathtaking journey.