Punakha Dzong

Bhutan

The Golden Triangle of Bhutan – 6 Night, 7 Days 7 days

  • Price From: $ 1866.00

Tour Overview

trip code

BH-003

Starting Point

Paro

End Point

Paro

Max Altitude

2350m/ 7,710ft

Duration

7 days

country

Bhutan

Trip grade

Beginner

Activities

Cultural Tour

Best Season

Spring, Autumn and Winter

Embark on a transformative 7-day journey through Bhutan's Golden Triangle, a realm where happiness thrives. This meticulously crafted tour immerses you in the rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes of Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro, offering a unique blend of spiritual discovery and gentle adventure.

Your adventure begins with a spectacular flight into Paro, offering mesmerizing Himalayan views. Upon arrival, you'll be whisked away to Thimphu, the world's only capital city without traffic lights, a place where modern life harmonizes with ancient traditions. Explore the iconic Tashichho Dzong, a fortress monastery that serves as the heart of Bhutanese government and religion. Immerse yourself in Bhutanese art and culture at the National Library and the Institute for Zorig Chusum.

Journey to Punakha via the scenic Dochula Pass, adorned with 108 memorial chortens and offering panoramic Himalayan vistas. Discover the Punakha Dzong, famed as Bhutan's most beautiful building, and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the "Fertility Temple".

The climax of your trip awaits in the stunning Paro Valley, where you'll undertake a pilgrimage to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), a gravity-defying structure clinging to a cliffside. Explore the historic Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples. This journey offers cultural immersion, spiritual discovery, and mild adventure. Bhutan's official language is Dzongkha, but English is widely spoken, facilitating easy communication. The local currency is Ngultrum, which is equal to the Indian Rupee.

Tour highlights

  • Experience the culture of Bhutan.
  • Get the Glimpse of the 108 memorial stupas at the Dochula Pass. 
  • Enjoy the walk towards Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility)
  • Get to see the first Dzong build in Bhutan, Simtokha Dzong
  • Walk with the nature along the way to Taktsang Monastery

points of attraction

Thimphu: The Cultured Capital Begin in the world’s only capital city without traffic lights. Thimphu is a unique blend of modern life and deep-rooted tradition. Key highlights include the massive Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the valley.

National Memorial Chorten where locals perform daily prayers.
Tashichho Dzong, a fortress that serves as the center of government and religion.

Punakha: The Ancient Sanctuary Drive across the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100m), famous for its 108 memorial chortens and panoramic Himalayan views, into the lush Punakha Valley. 
Here, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, arguably the most beautiful building in the country, situated at the confluence of two rivers. 

You’ll also walk through rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous "Fertility Temple."

Paro: The Sacred Gateway Your journey culminates in the stunning Paro Valley. 
The definitive highlight is the pilgrimage to Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang), a monastery that defies gravity by clinging to a cliff 900 meters above the valley. 

You’ll also explore the Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom, dating back to the 7th century.

 

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Paro by air & transfer to Thimphu (55 km / 1½ hrs drive)

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left TschogangLhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.
 
On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
 
Later visit to Trashichhoedzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.
                                                         
Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area. Also visit theLocal Crafts Bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.
 
  • Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02: Thimphu

After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.

Later visit Textile Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form. 

After lunch take a short drive (15 km) to Pangri Zampa, 16th century one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan located just north of Thimphu. Here is a monastic school where Buddhist student’s monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.                                                            

Afterwards visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.                                                                    
                                          
King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (75 km / 03 hrs drive)

After breakfast at hotel, Drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

After checking into hotel, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body.

Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1½ hour walk, including both way). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers

Evening can be spent exploring Punakha village located right on the bank of river. 

  • Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04: Punakha

After breakfast, hike up through fields of chilies, cabbages and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999.

Later visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padma Sambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05: Punakha – Paro (120 km / 4½ hrs drive approx)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro along scenic highway, enroute visit SimtokhaDzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.

On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts  
                                                                   
Ta Dzong visit immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Paro
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06: Paro

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk):  It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.

Evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Paro
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07: Depart Paro by air

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.

  • Meals: Breakfast

What's included

  • Daily Government Royalties and Taxes ($100 per person per night)
  • Entrance Fees/Monuments Fee
  • All transfers vehicle and sightseeing as per itinerary
  • English-speaking accompanying guide
  • Accommodation as per below - 3 stars mentioned hotels
  • Breakfast & dinner at the hotel and lunch at the local tourist restaurant
  • 1 Bottle of water per day during the tour

 

Destination - 3 Hotel Envisaged: Name of Hotels
Thimphu:   Hotel Drukgyel Twin / Hotel Central / Hotel Migmar / Hotel Lemon Tree
Punakha:   Hotel Lobesa / Punatshangchu Cottage / Zen Punakha
Gangtey:   Yangkhil Lodge / Phobjikha Resort / Gakiling Guest House
Paro:         Tenzinling Resort / Gonju Boutique / Dema  Resort / Metta Resort / Hotel Treenz Lite

What's excluded

  • Bhutan visa fee is US$50 (fast track)
  • Beverages (alcoholic/non-alcoholic)
  • Expenses of personal nature (like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, camera/video fees, etc.)
  • Insurance of any kind/medical expenses
  • Air Ticket