Thimphu Tshechu

  • Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
  • 0 booked
  • Duration: 7 NIGHTS & 8 DAYS

Overview

With a maximum of 13 people, this small-group tour takes in the beauty of Antelope Canyon X without the crowds. Travel round-trip by minivan from your Las Vegas hotel to Arizona, and explore the canyon with a Navajo guide. Hike out to the sheer rock face at Horseshoe Bend and stop at a scenic overlook for views of Lake Powell.

  • Spend a day exploring Antelope Canyon X, led by a Navajo guide
  • Travel through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona by minivan from Las Vegas
  • Avoid the crowds at hard-to-reach destinations with a small-group tour
  • Bottled water, soda, and sandwich are provided

 


 

What’s Included

  • Tour to Antelope Canyon X and Horseshoe Bend
  • Driver/Guide
  • Bottled water, soda, fruit and snacks
  • Hotel pick-up and dropoff by airconditioned vehicle
  • All Fees and Taxes

 


 

Additional Information

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, comfortable clothes and hiking or tennis shoes.
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • The tour start at 5:30am but the pickup times will be between 4am and 5:30am
  • May be operated, under request by a multi-lingual guide (Spanish and Portuguese)
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved at both attractions.
  • Waiver will need to be signed attesting to good health conditions

 


 

Cancellation Policy

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • The tour start at 5:30am but the pickup times will be between 4am and 5:30am
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

What To Expect

1

Day 1: Arrival Paro – Thimphu

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: lunch, dinner

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, a T8 Untrodden Travels representative will be waiting outside the arrival terminal, holding a placard with your name on it. The representative will greet you in the traditional manner by offering a Trashi Khadar (greeting scarf), and will be your guide for the entire tour.

Before heading to Thimphu, you’ll visit Ta-Dzong, an ancient watchtower built-in 1656 and later renovated in 1968 to become the National Museum.

Located below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong, known as the “Heap of Jewels.” It was built-in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and serves as the center of civil and religious authority in the valley.

After lunch, you’ll take a scenic drive along the Paro Chu, which means water or river, downstream to the confluence with the Wang Chu. From there, you’ll turn upstream along the Wang Chu to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which is scenically located.

In the evening, you’ll visit the Tashichho Dzong, which is the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. This visit will give you a glimpse into the traditional Bhutanese architecture and culture.

2

Day 2: Hike to Tango Monastery

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Dodeyna to begin your climb through a beautiful forest track to reach the Tango Monastery. This ancient monastery overlooks a forested valley and other Buddhist retreats high up in the mountains, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

After lunch, you’ll visit the National Memorial Chorten, built-in honor of Bhutan’s late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This stupa is a significant landmark of Thimphu and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Next, you’ll head uphill to the Kuensel Phodrang, where you’ll witness the construction of a large statue of Buddha Shakya Muni. This statue is set to become one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, and the location offers a panoramic view of the entire Thimphu valley.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit several important institutions, including the National Institute of Traditional Medicines, the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (School of 13 arts & crafts), the Royal Textiles Academy, and a local handmade paper house. These visits will give you a deeper understanding of the traditional arts, crafts, and medicinal practices of Bhutan.

3

Day 3 – 4: Witness Thimphu Tshechu 

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

You will have the unique opportunity to witness the Thimphu Tshechu festival, which is one of the most important cultural events in Bhutan. Depending on the schedule, you’ll attend the festival either on the first day or the second day in the afternoon.

During the festival, we’ll arrange for a walking tour along the beautiful Sangaygang-Wangtse walking trail. Along the way, you’ll visit the mini zoo at Motithang, where you can see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, up close.

In the evening, you’ll have some free time to explore Thimphu town, where you can shop for souvenirs and other items in the various shops and markets. This is a great opportunity to experience the local culture and take home some unique mementos of your trip to Bhutan.

5

Day 5: Thimphu – Punakha

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Punakha
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

On this day of the tour, you will drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, via the Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3,140 meters. Along the way, you will stop to admire the breathtaking array of Druk Wangyal Chortens, enjoy the panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains.

After lunch, take a leisurely 25-minute walk along the beautiful terraced farmlands to visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the “Temple of Fertility.” This temple was built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who subdued a demoness with his “Magical Thunderbolt.”

Next, visit Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress situated between the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. It is the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body, and also the office of the district administration. You will have ample time to explore the dzong and its surroundings before returning to your hotel.

6

Day 6: Punakha – Paro

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Paro
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After an early breakfast, you will drive approximately 7 km from Punakha and cross the suspension bridge over the Mochu River. You will then walk for about 30-45 minutes to reach the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten (Stupa), which is located on a strategic ridge overlooking nearby villages under Kabisa geog. This stupa was built under the sponsorship of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangden Wangchuck to promote peace, stability, and harmony throughout the world. It is the first of its kind in the world to have been constructed, with details and architectural designs drawn from scriptures as visualized by Dudjom Lingpa.

After the visit, you will drive to Paro with the journey taking approximately 4 hours via the Dochula Pass. You will stop for lunch at Druk Wangyel cafeteria.

Upon arrival in Paro, you will visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th century old temple located just a ten-minute drive from Paro town. This is one of the oldest temples to have been built in Bhutan, and is one of the 108 lhakhangs built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century AD. The king is said to have built 108 lhakhangs in a day throughout the Himalayan regions, of which Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang are two. Most of the remaining lhakhangs can be seen in Tibet.

After the visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, you will have the evening free to explore Paro town or do some last-minute souvenir shopping.

7

Day 7: Hike to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’ Nest

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Paro
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After having breakfast, the day’s itinerary begins with a visit to Drugyal Dzong, which is located 16 km away from Paro. Although it is now in ruins, this fortress holds great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion. On a clear day, visitors can view the sacred Mt. Jomolhari, also known as the “Mountain of Goddess.”

After the visit to Drugyal Dzong, you will be driven to the trailhead to start a breathtaking and memorable hike through beautiful pine forests. Along the way, you will stop for light refreshments at the Taktsang cafeteria before continuing on to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. The primary Lhakhang or main temple was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in the east.

In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the beautiful town of Paro. You can visit local shops and purchase souvenirs, handicrafts, and other items. Paro is a charming and picturesque town that is famous for its traditional architecture, lush green fields, and scenic views of the mountains.

8

Day 8: Departure from Paro International Airport

Accommodation: NA
Meals: breakfast

After breakfast, proceed to Paro International Airport for your scheduled departure flight.

Map

Review

0/5
0 Reviews
5 stars
0
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

There are no reviews yet.

    Fill up the form below to tell us what you're looking for

    Write a review