Discover Bhutan: Exploring the last Shangri-La

Upon arrival at Paro airport, your Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks representative will greet you and drive you to Thimphu. En route, you'll visit:

• Tachog Lhakhang monastery, situated on the Paa Chhu River. Built in the late 1300s by the renowned Tibetan saint Drupthob Thangthong Gyalpo, it's a significant historical site.
• Chuzom Bridge, known for its three distinct types of stupas and stunning photo opportunities.

After arriving in Thimphu, you'll check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Start your day in Thimphu with visits to several fascinating sites:

• Memorial Chorten, a monument built in 1974 to honor the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
• Bhutan Postal Museum, home to rare stamps and artifacts.
• The 169-foot Buddha Statue, the world's largest, overlooking the Thimphu valley.
• Textile Museum, showcasing royal collections and historical textiles, including the first Raven Crown.
• Tashichho Dzong, a 17th-century fortress housing the central government and the King's office.
• Folk Heritage Museum, displaying ancient tools and cultural artifacts.
• Craft Bazaar, offering locally made crafts and souvenirs.

Conclude your day with an overnight stay in Thimphu.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Punakha via the Dochula Pass, which sits at 3,140 meters. Highlights include:

• Breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas (weather permitting) from Dochula Pass and the chance to explore the 108 chortens.
• Visit to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple where couples seek blessings.
• Explore Punakha Dzong, a historic fortress at the confluence of the Phochu and Mochu rivers, once Bhutan's capital and site of the first king's coronation.

End the day with thrilling white-water rafting on the Punakha rivers, followed by an overnight stay in Punakha.

Begin with breakfast before a scenic drive to Paro, stopping at key attractions:

• Enjoy Himalayan views from Dochula Pass and explore the nearby Botanical Garden.
• Visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in a former 17th-century watchtower.
• Admire the architectural beauty of Paro Rinpung Dzong, a 17th-century fortress by the Pachu River.
• Capture panoramic views, including the airport, from a dedicated viewpoint.

Overnight stay in Paro follows.

Start your day with breakfast and drive to the base of Taktsang Monastery. Options include horseback riding to a viewpoint (extra cost) to ease the trek.

The monastery is dramatically perched 900 meters above Paro Valley and is famed for the legend of Guru Rinpoche arriving on the back of a tigress. Before returning to your hotel, consider visiting Kichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a mythical demon.

Overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your departure, concluding your unforgettable Bhutanese adventure.