Swiss Alps & Scenic Train Journey

Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu Arrive at Paro International Airport (2,200m)
You’ll be greeted with spectacular views of the Himalayas during your descent. After
immigration formalities, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport.
Drive to Thimphu (1.5 hours, 55 km) 

Enjoy the scenic drive along the Paro River and Thimphu Chhu. Stop at the Tamchog
Lhakhang iron chain bridge en route.

Depending on your arrival time, you can visit:
Memorial Chorten – Built in honor of the third king, a spiritual hub for locals. 

Evening Leisure
Stroll along Norzin Lam to explore local markets and handicraft shops.
Overnight in Thimphu. Seva Hotel

Depart for Punakha early to make the most of your day. The drive from Thimphu to Punakha
takes about 3 hours,On the Way to Punakha a quick Stop over at Dochula Pass (3,150 meters
above sea level) for a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The pass is home to
the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupas), which were built in memory of Recent conflict with
Indian Insurgents. It’s a perfect spot for photos and to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

Chimi Lhakhang After descending from Dochula Pass, head towards Chimi Lhakhang, also
known as the Temple of Fertility. This 15th-century monastery is dedicated to Lama Drukpa
Kunley, known as the "Divine Madman." It’s famous for its unique blessings related to
fertility, and visitors often take part in a spiritual ritual for good luck in conception. 

After lunch, head to Punakha Dzong, one of the most iconic and beautifully located dzongs
in Bhutan. The dzong is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It
was built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and serves as the
administrative center of the Punakha district.

Explore its impressive courtyards, temples, and
the beautiful central tower (UTSE). Don’t miss the stunning chapel housing the Buddha
statue and the golden Buddha statues inside.

Head to the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan It spans the Pho Chhu River and offers a thrilling experience with beautiful views of the dzong and surrounding valley. The bridge is an iconic spot for photos Over Night stay at Local Homestay in Punakha.

Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten If you have time and energy, take a short hike to
the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. This chorten, located on a hilltop, offers amazing
views of the Punakha valley and the surrounding mountains. The chorten itself is beautifully
decorated and provides a peaceful place for reflection.

River rafting in Punakha is an incredible adventure experience, offering a perfect blend of
thrill and natural beauty. Punakha, located in Bhutan, is known for its stunning landscapes,
including the confluence of two major rivers, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. The combination
of these rivers creates ideal conditions for rafting, with both calm sections for beginners and
exciting rapids for more experienced adventurers.

Drive Back to Thimphu for overnight stay in Seva Hotel.

Thimphu Lhamoie Dromchoe is one of the most significant and vibrant festivals celebrated.
It is particularly held in Thimphu, the capital city, and is an important event in the Bhutanese
Buddhist calendar. This festival, steeped in culture and tradition, celebrates both the religious
and spiritual values of the Bhutanese people.The Lhamoie Druochen is a grand religious and
cultural festival primarily devoted to protective deities in Bhutanese Buddhism.

It is
celebrated in honour of deity Pelden Lhamo, the female deity, who is revered for her
protective powers and connection to the earth and local communities. This festival is a
manifestation of the deeply held beliefs in divine protection, happiness, and prosperity in the
region.The name "Lhamoie Druochen" roughly translates to the "Grand Festival of the
Protector Deity", with Lhamo representing the protective female spirit, often identified with a
form of Palden Lhamo, a fierce and protective goddess in Tibetan Buddhism, who is
considered to be the guardian of Bhutan. She is believed to protect the nation and its people
from evil forces and bring blessings.

One of the highlights of the festival is the exorcism rituals designed to drive away negative
energies and spirits. The monks chant mantras, make offerings, and perform various
ceremonies to invoke divine protection. The central deity, Palden Lhamo, is invoked to
provide blessings for the wellbeing of the people.

While Lhamoie Drupchen is primarily a religious event, it is also a cultural celebration,
blending traditional rituals with lively and colorful festivities:
Masked Dances: Like most Bhutanese festivals, one of the central attractions is the
performance of Cham dances. These sacred dances are performed by monks wearing
traditional masks and costumes. The dances tell stories of Buddhist mythology and are meant
to invoke the blessings of deities and protect the community from evil forces.

Religious Rituals: Daily prayers and rituals are performed in monasteries and temples, with
offerings made to various deities. The people of Thimphu, along with visitors from other
parts of Bhutan, gather to attend these ceremonies.

Drive To Paro,
Overnight stay in Thim-Dorji @ Paro Riverfront.

Today you will have to Design your Day in Bhutan, as for few days you had been following
the itinerary set by the tour operator guided by your Guide, so discuss over with the Guide
and do Design your Day (DYD).
Overnight stay in Thim-Dorji @ Paro Riverfront.

Morning: Hike to Tiger’s Nest
Begin early for the hike to Paro Taktsang, Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. Perched on a cliff
at 3,120 meters, the monastery is a sacred pilgrimage site. The hike takes 4–5 hours
roundtrip.

Option for less experienced hikers: Stop at the cafeteria viewpoint for stunning photos
without hiking the entire way.

Optional: Traditional hot stone bath a therapeutic Bhutanese treatment involving mineral
stones and herbs. 

Overnight stay in Thim-Dorji @ Paro Riverfront.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your
departure. Take one last deep breath of the clean mountain air and reflect on your journey
through Bhutan.