Bhutan Luxury Tour

Day 1:- Arrival at Paro International Airport
You will meet your guide upon arrival at the airport for the 10 minute transfer to the property. We will go for sightseeing in Paro town and a visit to a Temple. Visit the imposing Paro Dzong. Have some free time, and rest to acclimatize to altitude.

Day 2:- Paro - Thimphu - Punakha Valley
The capital Thimphu itself sprawls up the wooded western hillside of the Wang Chhu and is the center of government, religion and commerce. We will have a panoramic view of the town from the viewpoint at the Big Buddha statue.

Visit the following places at Thimphu:
National Memorial Chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the weekend market(Main market days are Friday, Saturday and Sunday), and Folk Heritage Museum. This drive is truly awe-inspiring as it zigzags up to the 3,140m high mountain pass of Dochu La with its forests of fluttering prayer flags, maze of memorial chortens where, on a clear day, sweeping views of the main Himalayan range. Up river, deep in the verdant terraced hills past Punakha Dzong is our home for the next two nights - Punakha.

Please note museum, monastery, temple and dzong opening days and times can and do vary with national holidays and events such a visit by a member of the Royal Family or auspicious ceremonies.

Day 3:- Punakha Dzong
Enjoy a full day of exploration of the scenic Punakha Valley. We will hike through the farmland to Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten, a shrine recently built by the royal family. It is a startlingly ornate and elaborate structure with a rainbow of Guru Rinpoche images and superb views. Heading down along the riverside the massive architectural edifice of the 17th-century Punakha Dzong soon looms into view. The fortress-monastery was built in 1637 by Shabdung Nawang Namgyal in a commanding position at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu (Father and Mother rivers). It once served as the seat of the Kingdom's government and is now the winter home of Je Khempo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks. In the afternoon a short walk across rice paddies takes us to Chimmi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint known popularly as the Divine Madman. The temple sits atop a picturesque hill surrounded by rice fields. Drukpa Kuenley built a chorten on the site in the 14th century, and it has long been a pilgrimage site for couples hoping to start a family.

Day 4:- Punakha Valley to Paro via Chuzom and Tamchhu Lhakhang
We make our way back to Paro. Returning to the Chuzum (river confluence) we catch a glimpse of the three shrines in Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese style which were built to ward off evil spirits near the checkpoint.

Time permitting the journey can be broken with a visit to Tamchhu Lhakhang built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the so-called Iron Bridge Builder. This former saint from the 14th century introduced the art of building suspension bridges with iron chains and the only way to reach his temple is by one of these bridges. On the final leg the road snakes alongside the Pa Chhu River, through apple orchards and rice paddies, past quaint homesteads to our home in the mountains, Uma Paro.

After check-in, spend the rest of the day relaxing around the property, enjoying the facilities or trying an activity like the Bhutanese national sport of archery or a traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath.

Day 5:- Paro
We wind through pine forests high above Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery of Zurig Dzong. We cross to Ta Dzong, home of Bhutan's National Museum with magnificent views over Paro, and on down to Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels). The trail then leads across Paro Chhu (river) via the traditional covered bridge, Nyamai Zam, and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace, and into Paro town. We then drive north and pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang; one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magical orange tree that bears fruit all year round. Time permitting; we drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet.

Day 6:- Hike to Paro taktsang
Today is the main highlight of the Paro Valley - Taktshang Goemba which defies logic, gravity, and reason. Legend has it that this Cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. To avoid the hot sun an early start is advisable for the two-hour climb to the Tiger's Nest viewpoint. Descend steeply, and then climb up to the monastery, passing a waterfall and entering through the main gates which are filled with murals.

Retrace our steps or alternatively (if time and energy levels allow) head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. Return to Uma Paro in the afternoon for some time to rest and relax and enjoy the facilities such as the steam rooms, swimming pool or a Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath followed by a soothing massage. In the evening you are invited for a firelit farewell dinner either in the courtyard at Uma Paro or at our Bukhari restaurant.

Day 7:- Departure from Paro International Airport
After breakfast, it is time for your 10-minute transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Note:
The itineraries can be tailored to suit your interest and convenience.

Daily Tariff (High tourist season):
US $250 per person per day on twin sharing basis during the Month of March, April, May, September, October, November

Daily Tariff (low tourist season):
US $ 200 per person per day on twin sharing basis during the month of January, February, June, July, August, December

All the tours can be customized and clients can request extra services.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLIMENT US $ 30 PER NIGHT PER PERSON.
FIT surcharges 1 pax US $ 40 per day per person.
FIT surcherges 2 pax US $ 30 per day per person.

Cost Includes:
1. All Permits
2. Museum Fees
3. All Sightseeing
4. Walks and Hikes
5. Bottled Mineral Water
6. English Speaking Guide
7. Double/Twin in 2/3 Star Accomodation
8. Receive and Transfer to Airport
9. 3 Meals every day with Evening Tea
10. Toyota SUV for FIT & Toyota Bus for Group with Driver

Cost Does Not Include:
1. Insurance
2. Inbound Airfare
3. Gifts & Souvenirs
4. Alcohol & Beverages
5. Round Trip Air fare
6. Donations to Monasteries
7. International Telephone Calls
8. Tips for Guide, Driver & other Staff

Note:
TCB Licensed language Speaking Guides US $ 100 per day.
Tour price is based on High Season Tariff of US $ 250. For low season months it will be based on Low Season Tariff of US $ 200