Flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular journeys in the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Paro airport, pass through immigration, baggage collection and exit where you are met by guide or driver. Afterwards begin drive to Thimphu, which takes around 1hr from the airport. Enroute stop to visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a private temple that is dedicated to the 13th century saint Thangthong Gyalpo, the bridge builder. This temple is located across the river. In order to get to the temple, one must cross an iron chain bridge, one of the few remaining of the many that Thangthong Gyalpo built. It is also a good location to take pictures.

Continue drive and pass through Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu & Paro rivers. 

On arrival in Thimphu, check-in hotel. Relax and recover from the journey. Later begin an exploratory walk in and around Thimphu town, visiting Clock Tower Square area and Local crafts market. You can browse and buy Bhutan’s fine traditional crafts such as textiles, Thangka painting, masks, jewellery and other local materials.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day Highlights:

Tamchog Lhakhang 6

Chuzom Bridge crossing by walk

Visit to ABC Bazaar (Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Market)

Clock Tower Square Area

The capital of Bhutan also has most things to see for visitors. A full day tour of Thimphu’s cultural sites and monuments will include National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, the Jungshi handmade paper factory and Simply Bhutan Museum. Continue visiting more sights of Thimphu namely, Motithang Takin Preserve, National Institute of Zorig Chusum (also known as Painting school, where students undergo a 6-year training. Course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional carts & craft), a short drive up to a viewpoint for aerial view of the capital, its suburbs and Tashichho Dzong. There are other attractions like Changangkha monastery, Simtokha Dzong, Textile Museum, Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, Farmer’s Market (more vibrant during the weekends), and others which can be visited as per available time or based on your interests. 

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day Highlight(s):

National Memorial Stupa

Buddha Dordenma Statue (Giant Buddha Point)

Jungshi Paper Factory Tour

Simply Bhutan Museum

Motithang Takin Preserve

Thimphu Dzong from Viewpoint

National Institute for Zorig Chusum Tour

Drive across the spectacular Dochula La Pass to Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley (5 hr.). The scenery is stunning and ever-changing, as the road climbs and descends. Along the way, you can stop at several places. Upon arrival, visit ancient Gangtey Gompa Monastery and take a short walk to visit local homes. 

Overnight in Gangtey.

Day Highlight(s):

Panoramic Dochula Pass

Gangtey Gompa Monastery

Visit to a local Bhutanese home

In the morning, take a short easy walk in the valley and also visit the Nature information centre. One of the main attractions of the valley is the endangered, black-necked crane, which resides in Phobjikha from late October till March. Later drive back and descend into the sub-tropical valley of Punakha – Wangdue (2-3 hrs). Visit the township of Wangdue and its massive fortress. In the evening, take a short easy walk to see Chimi Lhakhang temple, which is through a small village.

Overnight in Punakha.

Day Highlight(s):

Easy walk in Phobjikha Valley and spotting Black-necked Crane

Visit to Nature Information Centre

Chimi L’hakhang Temple

Optional:

Visit to Wangdi-Richengang Village 

In the morning, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong at the confluence of Pho and Mochu rivers. If you wish, you can also take a short (40 minute each way) walk to visit Khamsum Yuelley Chorten. On the return drive to Thimphu, we spend some time below Dochula pass to explore the botanical park and nearby surrounding for birds for diverse flora. Lunch could be planned at Dochula pass. After descending into Thimphu, continue short drive to Paro. The popular attractions within Paro include visiting Rinphung Dzong, National Museum, temples of Kichu and Dungtse, visiting local home and the stroll around the township. 

Overnight in Paro.

Day Highlight(s):

Punakha Dzong

Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Crossing Suspension Bridge

Photo stop at Rinphung Dzong viewpoint

Visit to National Museum

Optional Activities:

River Rafting/ Kayaking in one of Punakha rivers (1.5-2hrs.)

Drive to the trailhead and hike to the famous Taktsang (tiger’s nest) monastery (3120m/10,200ft). Visible from afar, this magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 1,000 feet above the valley floor. It is one of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan. If for some reason, you are not able to hike, your Guide can arrange other interesting alternatives. You can also hire a pony for the uphill part, till the first viewpoint & cafeteria but you must be able to walk back downhill. While some will probably not make it all the way to the monastery, however it is worth even trying to try getting till the first viewpoint. Return to Paro, where we may have more time for a stroll around the town. 

Overnight in Paro.

Day Highlight(s):

Hike to the Tiger’s Nest                                   

Optional:

Excursion to Chele La Pass (highest motorable road in Bhutan) – about one & half hour drive from Paro valley floor and offers beautiful sights along the way. On a clear day, there are spectacular views of Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and adjoining peaks to the Northwest, as well as the view of Haa Valley.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro airport in time for your departure flight.