A romantic escape to the last remaining Himalayan kingdom, where adventure and culture collide
The ultimate honeymoon in Bhutan
Punakha and Paro
Ideal for honeymooners seeking a mix of adventure and romance
Expertly guided and privately hosted by local Bhutanese guides and specialists
Perfect for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts and avid hikers
Meander through bustling cities, exploring ancient sites and beautiful temples
Indulge in traditional wellness treatments as a couple
Iconic views of the mighty Himalaya mountain range and surrounds await
Your journey at a glance
Celebrate your union on this 6-day itinerary to the last remaining Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, uncovering magnificent mountain scenery, incredible architecture and colourful culture.
A diverse and natural Shangri-La, Bhutan is set within one of the world’s most breathtaking mountain chains and is famed for its high peaks and range of trekking opportunities. Enigmatic and shrouded in myth, the country is filled with tangible examples of its extraordinary culture, from the striking architecture of its mountain forts and monasteries to the images of Buddhist religious figures painted or carved onto the craggy cliffs. Its staggering variety of landscapes as well as a remarkable array of flora and fauna further entice travellers from far and wide.
A truly unique honeymoon destination, Bhutan invites newlyweds on a journey of shared discovery. Colourful prayer flags flutter on spectacular mountain passes and prayer wheels slowly turn with the current of clear mountain streams, creating an unforgettable tapestry of romance and cultural immersion – a beautiful and mindful start to your forever after.
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Your honeymoon begins in Punakha Valley. Once the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government, Punakha is the site of some of the most important moments in Bhutanese history. Popular amongst travellers, this district of Bhutan is located at an elevation of 1,200 m (3,937 ft) above sea level. It is a rich agricultural area producing local rice, vegetables and fruit from its many orchards. Two of Bhutan’s precious rivers converge here, the Mo and Pho Chu, and at their confluence stands the majestic Punakha Dzong. The riverbanks of the Pho Chu are also home to the last surviving populations of the critically endangered, white-bellied heron.
Next, you and your loved one will head to Paro Valley. Paro is a historic town, situated at 2,250 m (7,382 ft,) with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, the National Museum and the country’s only international airport. Mt Jhomolhari (7,326 m / 24,035 ft) reigns in its white glory at the northern end of the valley. Its roaring glacial water plunges through deep gorges to form the Paro Chu. Paro is one of the most fertile valleys in the kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.
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A taste of what to expect
Day 1 | Arrival
Punakha Valley
- Upon arrival at Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to Punakha (an approximate 3-hour drive).
- En route you will stop at Tamchog Lhakhang. Originally built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet, the temple houses one of Bhutan’s last two remaining bridges. Marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links.
- From here, the road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees to Dochu La, an incredible Bhutanese mountain pass peaking at 3,140 m (10,301 ft) above sea level. Stop to see the Druk Wangyal Chortens, where 108 memorial stupas and chortens stand in honour of Bhutanese soldiers slain in the insurgency against Bodo militants from India.
- Before reaching Punakha, you will also stop to visit the Chimi Lhakhang. Located on a round hillock on the edge of the Punakha Valley, the temple draws local Bhutanese people from across the country to receive blessings from the lama, and it is famously known as the temple of fertility. The Bhutanese also bring their new-borns to be named here.
- Upon arrival in Punakha, you will check in to &Beyond Punakha River Lodge and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 2
Punakha Valley
- This morning after a hearty breakfast, you will visit the villages of Talo and Nobgang. Located at an altitude of 2,800 m (9,186 ft), a visit to these charming communities also offers great views of the valley.
- Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the Nalanda Buddhist College, a Buddhist monastic school. Originally built in 1754 as a monastery, Nalanda was converted to a Buddhist college (Shedra) in 1991. The site was chosen by the founding monk following a dream he had about eight vultures that were circling this site while the monastic body was on the move from Punakha. These eight vultures were believed to be the original scholars from the ancient Nalanda University in India.
- On the way back, you will visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Perched on a ridge amongst the pine trees, this temple houses a 4.2 m (14 ft) bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, made by local Bhutanese artisans. Here you will experience a traditional blessing and butter lamp lighting ceremony for personal empowerment, wish fulfilment and a healthy life. This is a beautiful ritual for couples to preform together.
- After a delicious lunch at the lodge, visit the Punakha Dzong followed by a stop at the Punakha suspension bridge. Constructed in 1637, the very first National Assembly was held at the dzong as well as the royal wedding between King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema in 2011. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body and holds a very important relic over which many wars were fought with the Tibetans. Connecting the dzong to the surrounding villages is the Punakha suspension bridge. Stretching across the Pho Chu, the suspension bridge is 180 m (590 ft) in length, making it one of the longest suspension bridges in the country.
- Before heading back to the lodge for the evening, your last stop for the day is the Punakha farmers market. A visit to the farmers market is a unique opportunity to mingle with the community and familiarise yourself with the region’s local produce.
Day 3
Punakha Valley
- Early this morning, you and your loved one will hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. This three-storey lhakhang is a recent addition to Bhutan’s string of architecturally splendid buildings and offers impressive views of the valley. Built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon, it houses representations of the tantric form of Buddhist deities that subjugate enemies and ward off harmful influences on the people of Bhutan.
- After your visit to the chorten, begin your hike to Giligang. While it is a fairly steep 3 – 4-hour trail, there are numerous rest-spots along the way offering awe-inspiring views of the Punakha Valley, rice paddies, Punakha Dzong, mountain ridges and green forests. From Giligang, the trail continues gently downhill until you reach Changyul Bridge, near the Punakha Dzong. This is where the trail ends, and where you will be picked up and taken back to the lodge.
- After a hearty lunch, enjoy an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience. A favourite amongst thrill-seeking travellers, the Pho Chu’s 16 km (9.9 mi) course is loaded with 15 different rapids, ranging from class 2 to 4. At the confluence between Pho and Mo Chu lies the Punakha Dzong, and thereafter the main river is known as Punatsang Chu.
- This evening, you will enjoy a romantic sunset dinner for two along the Mo Chu.
Day 4
Paro
- After an early breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to Paro (an approximate 4-hour drive).
- Stop en route to explore Bhutan’s capital city of Thimphu. Here you will visit the National Memorial Chorten. This four-storey structure has become one of the most visible religious landmarks in Bhutan and serves as an important place of worship for Thimphu residents as well as devotees from other parts of the country. Found within the temple’s scared walls are carvings of mandalas, statues and religious teachings.
- Afterwards, you will continue north of Thimphu to visit the Pangri Zampa Monastery, the school of traditional Buddhist astrology. The school offers the incredible opportunity to have your astrology read by one of the lamas. Established in the early 16th century as an institute to learn and enhance traditional astrology, it is also tasked with the important role of releasing the lunar based Bhutanese calendar every year. Like the Bhutanese, you and your partner can also receive a prediction about your health, career, and life guidance.
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Thimphu before continuing to Paro. Upon arrival at your hotel, COMO Uma Paro, you will check in and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.
- This evening enjoy a visit to a local farmhouse, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of the Bhutanese farmer. Afterwards, you will head back to the hotel for a couple’s massage workshop.
Day 5
Paro
- Early this morning, you will take a short drive to Ramthankha to begin your hike to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2,950 m (9,678 ft), the four-hour trek to Taktsang offers spectacular views. The trail climbs through a beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Bhutan, flew from eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings and meditation to the cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world.
- On your way back down, hoist colourful prayer flags. Prayer flags are means to disseminate the blessings of the sūtras and mantras. It is said as the wind blows the flags, sacred prayers and mantras pervade in the form of peace, good will and compassion. A humbling act of love and harmony for couples.
- Afterwards return to the hotel to enjoy your afternoon at leisure.
Day 6 | Departure
Paro
- After breakfast, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Paro International Airport for your flight onward.
- It’s time for you to bid farewell to Bhutan, carrying treasured memories close while the thrilling anticipation of your married life together awaits.
Stay here on this journey of a lifetime
Rates
Rates are per person sharing
What's included
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary in a private vehicle
- Sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary with an English-speaking Bhutanese guide
- All entrance and monuments fees as mentioned in the itinerary
- SDF for five (5) nights per person and visa fees for Bhutan only
- Special inclusions:
- 0ne (1) blessing and butter lamp lighting ceremony in Punakha
- Dinner by the riverside in Punakha for two (2) guests
- Whitewater rafting experience on the Pho Chu
- Astrology reading in Thimphu
- Couple’s massage workshop at COMO Uma Paro
- Prayer flag hoisting along the Taktsang Monastery trail
- All current taxes as on date – subject to change as per hotel / airline / Government policy
What's not included
- Any international and / or domestic airfare
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Any insurance and rescue of any form
- Cost arising out of flight cancellation / road blockades / landslides / riots and events beyond our control
- Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost
- Any international air fare / airport taxes not mentioned above
- Hotel surcharges during festival period / Christmas and New Years Eve
- Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff
- Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls etc.
- Any video / still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit
- Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes
- Any airfare for domestic flights other than the quoted details
- Any cost of the meals other than the one indicated in room meal plan
- Sightseeing and excursions other than those specified in the itinerary
Conditions
*Airfare subject to changeMake use of our Punakha Honeymoon Offer
Save 50% on one partner’s accommodation when guests stay at &BEYOND Punakha River Lodge – an idyllic and spiritually enriching honeymoon destination nestled amidst the majestic Himalaya mountains.
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