Today, we drive from Thimpu to the town of Punakaha via the famous Dochula Pass. This mountain pass in the snowy Himalayas is known for the 108 memorial ‘chortens’ or stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.  The Punkaha Valley is home to marvellous temples such as the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, located on the hill and the Chimi Lhakhang, a famous fertility temple. We’ve also planned an exciting three hour trek to the Lhuenchutse monastery, our last stop for the day, after which we arrive and check in to our hotel in Punakha.   

We continue our exploration of Punakha and begin the day with a guided walk to a chorten in the tiny hamlet of Nyizergang. Like all the other chortens in the valley, the Nyizergang chorten is also a wonderful place to soak in the spiritual aura of Bhutan. We then head for a visit to the most famous site in the city, the Punakha Dzong. Located on the juncture of the Phochhu (male) and Mochhu (female) rivers, the Punakha Dzong is a famous 17th century fortress which now serves as Punakha district’s administrative centre. Next visit the Wangdiphodrang Dzong, a tiny town in Central Bhutan. After an up-close and personal encounter with this lovely side of the country, drive back to Thimpu.

Today, we begin our morning with a visit to the Simtokha Dzong, or “palace of the profound meaning of secret mantras”. Constructed on 1627, the Simtokha Dzong is an important historical monument and a former Buddhist monastery. The dzong, covering an area of 650 sq ft, is built over three floors and features an array of 300 carvings, depicting saints and philosophers. Next, visit, the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. Next head for a visit to one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries, the Kyichu Lhakhang, a part of a network of 12 temples situated around Jo-khang temple at Lhasa, all of which were by the 7th century Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo. Before heading back visit to Rimpung Dzong, a large Buddhist fortress and monastery dating back to the 15th century. 

As our trip enters its last leg, drive to the base of the Taktshang Complex (Tiger’s Nest), one of Bhutan’s most prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred sites and temple complexes.  After enjoying the views of Bhutan from the top and paying reverence at the temples, return to base and enjoy a delicious lunch. Post lunch, we pay a visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan which houses more than 3,000 works of Bhutanese art, that cover over 1,500 years of the cultural heritage of Bhutan.  

Thank you for joining us on this enriching tour of Bhutan. Our associated with help you transfer to the Paro airport where your tour concludes. We wish you a safe journey home and look forward to seeing you again.