Package Overview
The Thunder Dragon package offers a comprehensive 6-night, 7-day journey through the heart of Bhutan, perfectly balancing cultural immersion with breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. Your adventure begins with two nights in Thimphu, the kingdom's vibrant capital, where you’ll explore landmark sites like the Buddha Dordenma and traditional textile museums. The journey then descends into the lush, subtropical valley of Punakha for two nights, featuring the majestic Punakha Dzong and scenic walks through terraced rice fields. The expedition concludes with two nights in Paro, highlighted by the iconic pilgrimage to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang).
Day Plan
Arrive Paro airport and direct drive to Thimphu. On a clear day, the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. In Paro you will be received by your Bhutanese guide and transferred to Thimphu that takes an hour. There are a good many things to see in the capital which has a very relaxed, laid-back feel about it. Thimphu is relatively small and is Bhutan's capital city and center of government, religion, and commerce. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
SUV Car
Private transfer to full trip
Lhayul (Thimphu) Option 1
Room:
1 Double |
Meal: MAPAI |
Room Type: Standard Room
Lemon Tree Resort (Thimphu) Option 2
Room:
1 Double |
Meal: MAPAI |
Room Type: Deluxe Room
After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Thimpu, city’s main attractions that includes. Royal Textile Museum the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. National Library the history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Institute for Zorig Chusum commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Zangthopelri Lhakhang the present structure was built in 1960s and although lacking the charm of many of the older temples. Simply Bhutan Museum this privately owned museum depicts the ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization. Memorial Chorten the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King. Buddha Point or 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 (Kuensel Phodrang). Changangkha Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries in the Thimphu valley Trashichhoedzong fortress of the glorious religion. Overnight, dinner and unwind at the hotel in Thimphu.
Lhayul (Thimphu) Option 1
Room:
1 Double |
Meal: MAPAI |
Room Type: Standard Room
Lemon Tree Resort (Thimphu) Option 2
Room:
1 Double |
Meal: MAPAI |
Room Type: Deluxe Room
After breakfast at hotel, drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,O8Om). 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, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu. Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lakhang, 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. After motorable road one has to walk hrough paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1.1/2 hours walk, both ways. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha
Lemon Tree Resort (Thimphu) Option 2
Room:
1 Double |
Meal: MAPAI |
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Punakha Residency (Punkha) Option 1
Room:
1 Double |
Meal: MAPAI |
Room Type: Standard Room
RKPO Green Resort (Punkha) Option2
Room:
1 Double |
Meal: MAPAI |
Room Type: Deluxe Room
After breakfast visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery: Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, 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 Padmasambawa, 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.vAfternoon hike up through fields of chilies, cabbages to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha
Lemon Tree Resort (Thimphu) Option 2
Room:
1 Double |
Meal: MAPAI |
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Punakha Residency (Punkha) Option 1
Room:
1 Double |
Meal: MAPAI |
Room Type: Standard Room
After breakfast, drive to Paro and transfer to the hotel. Later in the day after checking into hotel, 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 shortly followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong 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 at the hotel in Paro.
Kaachi Grand (Paro) Option 2
Room:
1 Double |
Meal: MAPAI |
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Nirvana Inn (Paro) Option 1
Room:
1 Double |
Meal: MAPAI |
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Morning visit the local market this morning, then proceed to the spectacular Taktshang Monastery ('Tiger's Nest'), Enjoy a 4-hour hike with your guide. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Later 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. Along the way, 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. You have the option to enjoy hot stone bath at a traditional farm house (exclusivity of Bhutan), on direct payment basis, wherein spring / river water reaches a bath tub after passing through red hot stones having medicinal qualities. Overnight at hotel.
Kaachi Grand (Paro) Option 2
Room:
1 Double |
Meal: MAPAI |
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Nirvana Inn (Paro) Option 1
Room:
1 Double |
Meal: MAPAI |
Room Type: Deluxe Room
As the sun begins its ascent, savor an early breakfast at the hotel, preparing for the departure ahead. Drive to the airport, where your onward journey awaits. Our dedicated representative will assist you with exit formalities and bid you a heartfelt farewell, marking the conclusion of your Bhutanese adventure. Safe travels to your next destination