Bhutan Adventure: Thimphu, Punakha Excursion & Paro
Inclusions du Séjour
Aperçu
Itinéraire du Circuit
En route, stop at Tamchog Lhakhang to cross the historic suspension bridge constructed with centuries-old hand-forged iron chain links by the legendary Tibetan builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
Thimphu Arrival & Evening: Check into your hotel in Thimphu (2,334 m / 7,657 ft). Freshen up and take a stroll around Clock Tower Square and Norzin Lam, observing local shops and the famous white-gloved traffic policeman directing the city center without traffic lights. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
10:30 AM – 01:30 PM (Punakha Dzong & Suspension Bridge): Descend into the warmer, lush Punakha Valley (1,240 m). Visit Punakha Dzong ("The Palace of Great Bliss"), widely regarded as the most picturesque fortress in Bhutan, built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers. Cross the monumental wooden cantilever bridge, admire the gilded murals of the sacred Kuenray hall, and walk across the adjacent Punakha Suspension Bridge—one of the longest in the kingdom.
02:00 PM – 05:30 PM: Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch in Khuruthang town, then begin the scenic drive back over the pass to Thimphu. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Buddha Point (Kuenselphodrang): Visit the colossal 169-foot bronze Buddha Dordenma, gilded in gold and housing 125,000 miniature statues, offering sweeping views of the entire Thimphu valley.
Sangaygang View Point (BBS Tower): Drive up the ridge through fragrant blue pine forests for an aerial vantage point over the capital city, framed by thousands of colorful prayer flags.
Motithang Takin Preserve: Tour the pine forest enclosure to observe the Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), Bhutan's unique, goat-antelope national animal.
01:30 PM – 03:00 PM (Drive to Paro Valley - 55 km / 1.5 hrs): Drive down the river gorge to the serene, willow-lined valley of Paro (2,200 m). Check into your resort.
03:30 PM – 06:00 PM (Ta Dzong & Rinpung Dzong): Visit Ta Dzong, a historic 17th-century circular watchtower housing the National Museum of Bhutan, exhibiting ancient thangka scrolls, festival masks, and royal heirlooms. Walk down the paved stone pathway to Paro Rinpung Dzong ("Fortress on a Heap of Jewels"), an architectural masterpiece overlooking the river, and stroll across the historic wooden cantilever bridge, Nyamai Zam. Overnight stay in Paro.
09:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Monastery Sanctum): Continue the final climb, descending concrete stairs through a misty waterfall gorge before ascending to the cliff-hanging complex perched 900 meters sheer above the valley floor. Tour the sacred meditation cave of Guru Padmasambhava.
01:00 PM – 03:30 PM: Descend back down to the base for lunch.
04:00 PM – 05:30 PM (Kichu Lhakhang): Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the two oldest and most sacred Buddhist temples in Bhutan, founded in the 7th century by Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo.
Evening: Savor a celebratory farewell dinner with local delicacies like Ema Datshi (chili and cheese) and red rice, or unwind with an optional traditional hot stone bath (Dotsho). Overnight stay in Paro.
Complete check-out formalities. Your dedicated private chauffeur and guide will escort you to Paro International Airport (PBH) in time for your return flight, presenting you with farewell blessing scarves.