Routes to Happiness Tour

The morning will be dedicated to sightseeing in Thimphu. Begin with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a large stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Next, head to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), home to the world’s largest seated Buddha statue, which offers sweeping views of the valley. Continue to the Arts and Crafts School, where you’ll see students creating traditional Bhutanese paintings and crafts. Afterward, visit Sangaygang, a viewpoint that provides a bird’s-eye view of Thimphu and its scenic surroundings. Following this, explore the Takin Preserve, where Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, is protected. After lunch, visit the National Library, which houses ancient manuscripts, followed by the Folk Heritage Museum, which provides a glimpse into Bhutanese rural life. Conclude the day with a visit to Changyul Park, one of the trending majestic park in Thimphu.

Overnight at the Hotel.

We begin our journey to Punakha. After about 45 minutes, we reach Dochula pass (3,100m), from where we get the first spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan ranges, consisting of snow-capped mountains, with heights ranging from 6000m to 7554m. The beauty of the pass is augmented by the spectacular 108 stupas (chortens), build around a mound. From the pass, it is a gradual descend along outgrowths of rhododendron, short bamboo and other tress to the subtropical valley of Punakha and Wangduephodrang. We then move to Chimi Lhakhang, built in the 15^th century and associated with Lam Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Madmonk.” It is just 30 minutes (back and forth) from the road point. We will move towards Punakha after the visit to the Lhakhang. As we reach Punakha, we can see the Dzong (Fortress), resembling a giant ship bed rocked on a mass of still water from far. Built by the Shabdrung in 1637, it is an architectural icon, located at the confluence of two rivers – the Pho (male) and the Mo (female) chus (rivers). The winter residence of the Chief Abbot and the clergy, it houses most of Bhutan’s sacred relics and treasures.

Overnight at the Hotel.

We will begin our journey back to Paro, a drive of approximately four hours. Before departing, we’ll take a scenic hike up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning hilltop monastery built to bring peace and harmony to the kingdom. This chorten, commissioned by the Queen Mother, features intricate Bhutanese art and is adorned with elaborate murals and golden spires. The hike to the top takes you through beautiful rice terraces, and from the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Punakha Valley, making this a truly special and serene experience.

Overnight at the Hotel.

This is going to be one of your most memorable experiences as we visit Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Lair), a work of art, blending the spiritual with architectural splendor. One of the holiest shrines in Bhutan, the Monastery is perched on a hill (1000m) overlooking the valley. It is said that the great Indian Saint and Tantric Buddhism’s Master, Guru Padma Sambhava came to Taktsang riding a tigress, in one of his most fearful forms, to subdue demons that were obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Several Buddhist masters have meditated at the site. The trek, in total takes five hours and it is a gradual climb along an old trail. After the trek, you can stroll through Paro town, before you rest for the day.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro international Air- port for your flight out of the country.

Tashi Delek!