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.