Bhutan

This 5 Nights 6 Days Bhutan tour includes arrival in Paro with onward travel to Thimphu, covering Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Dordenma), National Memorial Chhorten, Zorig Chusum, Folk Heritage Museum, Sangaygang View Point, Changangkha Monastery, Takin Preserve Centre, and Tashichhodzong. The journey continues to Punakha via Dochula Pass, followed by visits to Punakha Dzong, Chhimi Lhakhang, and time exploring Punakha and Wangdue Valley. The return to Paro includes stops at Royal Botanical Park (Lamperi) and Tamchog Lhakhang with its historic iron suspension bridge. In Paro, sightseeing covers Paro Rimpung Dzong, Ta Dzong (National Museum), optional archery and national dress experiences, and leisure time in Paro town. A full-day excursion is dedicated to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) hike, with additional visits to Kyichu Lhakhang or an optional trip to Chelela Pass with a short hike to Kila Goenpa. The tour concludes with departure from Paro after completing all cultural and scenic activities.

Day 1
Paro – Thimphu

Driving Distance: 65 Km, Driving Time: 1.5–2 hrs, Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 m

Your flight to Paro, on a clear day, is marked with panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Everest and other famous peaks. The approach through the foothills and the landing (including a few steep turns) at the tiny airstrip of Paro has been termed adventurous by many travelers. After the completion of immigration formalities at the Paro Airport exit door, you will be received by your Bhutanese guide with a traditional “Tashi Khadar.” Afterwards, drive to Thimphu following the Pa Chhu (river). Check in to the hotel and have your first experience with Bhutanese cuisine. The rest of the day is at leisure. You can explore the Thimphu valley and town or shop to your heart’s content.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2
Thimphu Sightseeing

On day 2, you will be driven in and around Thimphu covering key places of interest. After breakfast, you will visit Kuensel Phodrang, the gigantic Buddha Dordenma statue located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park; National Memorial Chhorten, a stupa built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, where people circumambulate from morning till night; Zorig Chusum, the premier institute of traditional arts and crafts established to preserve the thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan; and the Folk Heritage traditional house, which gives an insight into Bhutanese lifestyle and rural household artifacts.

In the afternoon, you will visit Sangaygang View Point (BBS Tower), offering panoramic views of Thimphu town; Changangkha Monastery, a fortress-like temple perched on a ridge above central Thimphu and built in the 15th century by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo; and the Takin Preserve Centre to see the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, known for its unique combination of goat and antelope features.

You will also visit Tashichhodzong, the “fortress of the glorious religion,” initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and rebuilt in the 1960s in traditional style without nails or architectural plans. It houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body and opens to visitors after 5 PM. After sightseeing, return to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3
Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue

Distance: 76 Km, Driving Time: 1.5–2 hrs, Altitude of Punakha: 1310 m

After breakfast, you will be driven to Punakha. On the way, stop at Dochula Pass, located at an elevation of 3,150 m and a great place to view the higher Himalayas. The landmarks around the pass include the 108 Druk Wangyal Stupas built under the patronage of Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.

Thereafter, continue your drive to Punakha. While in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the government. It is still the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo (the Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan).

Visit Chhimi Lhakhang, a famous temple known as “The Temple of Fertility,” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Explore the Punakha and Wangdue Valley for a while.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.

Day 4
Punakha – Paro

Driving Distance: 135 km, Driving Time: 4–5 hrs, Altitude of Paro: 2280 m

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Paro for the final leg of the tour. On the way, stop at Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi, also known as the Rhododendron Garden, the first botanical garden of Bhutan, famous for its 46 species of rhododendrons. Next, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, built by Thangthong Gyalpo in the 15th century. Thangthong Gyalpo is also known as the Iron Bridge Builder. Walking across the suspension iron chain bridge and feeling the soothing breeze and river is a memorable experience.

After arriving in Paro, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Post lunch, visit Paro Rimpung Dzong, also known as the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal; and Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower overlooking Rimpung Dzong, built in 1951 and now converted into the National Museum.

The evening is free for leisure activities such as archery experience, national dress wearing experience (on direct payment), and shopping around Paro town.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 5
Paro Sightseeing and Hike to Taktsang

After breakfast, start your day with a hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the abode of gods and monks situated at an altitude of 3100 m in the upper Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the tantric master who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, came in the form of Dorje Drolo riding a flying tigress to subdue a demon obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas.

Post lunch, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo.

OR

Take a day trip to Chelela Pass, the highest motorable road in Bhutan. The views from Chelela Pass are stunning. Spend some time there and, if you wish, do a short hike to Kila Goenpa. Drive back to Paro and explore Paro Valley in the afternoon.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 6
Departure

On day 6, we will bid farewell to this beautiful country and take an early flight back. We hope you have made good friends and captured beautiful memories of Bhutan. We certainly look forward to serving you again on your next visit to this great country, the Last Shangri-La. Tashi Delek.