Dzongdrakha Goemba, located in the western region of Paro Valley in Bhutan, is a monastery perched on a cliffside. Its unique setting has earned it the nickname “Mini Taktsang” of Bhutan. Rather than being a single structure, Dzongdrakha Goemba comprises a series of four chapels. Each chapel is devoted to a different Buddhist deity: Drolma (Tara), Guru Rinpochhe, Tsheringma (Goddess of Longevity), and Maitreya (the Buddha of the Future). Positioned above Bondey village, Dzongdrakha Goemba is renowned for its scenic hiking trail and fascinating legend, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and curious visitors exploring Paro Valley.
Day 1: Arrive Paro & Paro-Thimphu Tour sightseeing,stay in Thimphu
Arrive Paro. After immigration Bhutan Visa formalities, you will be received by our tour guide who will be with you throughout your Bhutan tour.
Travel to Thimphu which will take you through Chunzom (confluence of Pachu- the river flowing through Paro valley & Wangchu –the river flowing through Thimphu valley). On the way, enjoy walking over a suspension bridge to view 15th century iron chain bridge suspended over the Pa chu .
After crossing Chunzom, the drive will take you along the Wangchu upto Thimphu city.
On arrival at Thimphu, Check into your Thimphu hotel. After lunch visit the following:
- Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Yet another place for photographer’s delight.
- Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds. Here Takins are preserved in natural environment.
- Archery Match (National Sport of Bhutan) at Changlimithang National Stadium. Normally you will spot Bhutanese men playing archery game during weekends or public holidays. Good opportunity to interact with local people.
- Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Wed-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling centenary farmers’ market where farmers from neighboring areas come to sell their farm produces. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people.
Dinner at a restaurant in Thimphu town or at your Thimphu hotel as per your preference.
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Tour sightseeing-Punakha Tour sightseeing, stay in Punakha
After breakfast visit the following:
- Buddha Point /Kuenselphodrang: This massive Buddha statue is 51.5 meters in height and it is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.
- The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The term ‘chorten’ literally means ‘ seat of faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments the ‘Mind of Buddha’. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation, especially in the evenings and mornings, at the National Memorial Chorten.
Then travel to Punakha via Dochula pass. Driving for about 35 minutes you will reach Dochula Pass (3,088m). In the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges.After a refreshment at Dochula Pass Cafeteria, you will visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery) which was built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck ( the Queen Mother of Bhutan).
After lunnch at Lobesa village walk through paddy fields for about 20 minutes to visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.
In the late afternoonn walk over traditional canteliver bridge to visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho – Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river).
Then walk for about 15 minutes to one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan spanning 350 m and perched high above the very swift Pho chu (male river). Draped with prayer flags ,the bridge connects the town of Punakha and Punakha Dzong.This bridge is mainly used by locals from the village located on the other side of the river as a shortcut to Punakha Dzong.
Dinner and Overnight at your hotel in Punakha
Day 3: Punakha Short Cultural hike -Thimphu Tour Sightseeing,stay in Thimphu
After breakfast visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery and enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys from there. This scenic place gives you a good opportunity for photography.
From here travel for about 20 minutes through upper Punakha valley and take a leisure walk passing through suspension bridgeand through paddy fields to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang . The leisurely walk up to the temple would take about an hour. Visit the temple and also enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view from there.It provides good opportunity for photography.
After lunch travel to Thimphu through Dochula pass.
At Thimphu visit the following:
- The School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. It is the best place for visitors to learn about traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
- National Textile Museum which is a good place to see the art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colors and designs.You will also see people weaving with intricate designs.
- Bhutan Postal Museum (recently launched)-The museum tells the story of Bhutan’s progress and development through the evolution of communications and postal system in the country. And also you can get personalized Bhutanese postage stamps with your photo on them. You can bring along your favorite photo to put on the stamps and put these stamps on your postcard to send to your family and friends.
- Craft Bazaar -A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts.
In the evening you can explore Thimphu town .
Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu
Day 4: Thimphu -Paro Tour Sightseeing,stay in Paro
After breakfast travel to Paro and visit National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here is an intriguing collection of artefacts which provide you with a wonderful insight to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bhutan. From the National Museum take a short 2km hike with approximately 1 hour 30 minutes hiking duration through the ancient walking trail through lush green forests along the hillside ,crossing a narrow bridge over a small stream to Zuri Dzong (Fort). Zuri Dzong dates from 1352 and is home to the valley’s local protector gods. The walk to Zuri Dzong passes Gonsaka Lhakhang and provides wonderful birds eye view of the entire Paro valley and Paro Rinpung Dzong below. From here take a gentle hike down to Uma Resort where your car will pick you up.
After lunch drive for about 20 minutes through Woochu vlllage to visit Dzongdrakha Goempa: Often called the mini- Taktsang, Dzongdrakha temples are built on the cliffs above Bondey village. Take a short walk to the temple for about 15 minutes. Legend says one of the temples is built around a levitating monument. Folks built a stronger temple around this monument with the hope that the levitating monument does not fly away into the sky.
Then drive back to Paro town where you will have refreshment before walking through the Rinpung Bridge ( oldest Traditional Cantilever Bridge) to visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. Then walk back down to Rimpung Bridge in Bhutan
Dinner and overnight a hotel in Paro.
Day 5: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery,Stay in Paro
After breakfast, drive for about 20 minutes to the base of Taktsang Monastery and then hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The walk up to the viewpoint will take about 1 – 1 ½ hrs depending on your fitness and from View Point you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Take photos with great view of Taktsang behind you.
Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point.
Then visit a Farmhouse in Paro Valley and a visit to a farmhouse offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.
In the evening relax in the Traditional Bhutanese Hotstone bath at a farmhouse in Paro valley.
Traditional Hotstone bath: A traditional Bhutan hot stone bath uses river rocks that therapists place in water where they crack and steam, releasing key minerals and relieving deep-set aches.
You will also see around inside of the traditional Bhutanese house.
You will enjoy traditional Bhutanese dinner with the family members of the house.
Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 6: Departure from Paro
After breakfast, drive to the Paro International Airport and your tour guide from our company will see you off at the Paro International Airport for your flight to your onward destinations.
- Package is inclusive of following:
- Airport Transfers
- Stay in hotels as indicated in the itinerary
- All three meals, tea and coffee
- Dedicated SUV vehicle with a driver
- English Speaking Guide throughout the Trip
- Short hikes, Packed lunches and snacks wherever required
- Monumental Fees
- Bhutan Tourism Development Fee
- VISA processing Fee
- Package is exclusive of following:
- International Air fare
- Alcohol
- Tips/gratuities
- Cost arising out of Flight Cancellation/road blockades/ landslides and events beyond our control
- Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost