5-Day Tour

OVERVIEW

Day 1: Arrive at Paro | Drive to Thimphu | Sightseeing

Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha | Explore Cultural & Scenic Gems

Day 3: Punakha Cultural Hike | Return to Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu to Paro | Hike Tiger’s Nest | Traditional Hot Stone Bath

Day 5: Departure

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Paro | Paro to Thimphu Sightseeing

Begin with a warm welcome at Paro Airport, followed by a scenic drive to Thimphu.

• Visit the Tachog Lhakhang Temple and the historic iron chain bridge en route.
• Highlights in Thimphu:
• Buddha Dordenma: A stunning 51-meter gold Buddha offering spectacular valley views.
• Simply Bhutan Museum: Experience Bhutanese traditions, try archery, and enjoy folk dances.
• Tashichho Dzong: Explore this grand fortress, a hub of spiritual and governmental significance.
• Craft Bazaar: Shop for authentic Bhutanese arts and crafts.

Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha | Sightseeing

• Travel via the stunning Dochula Pass (3,140m), with panoramic Himalayan views and the 108 Chortens.
• Visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Monastery at Dochula Pass.
• In Punakha:
• Stroll through lush paddy fields to the Chimi Lhakhang Monastery for a special fertility blessing.
• Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers.
• Walk across one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges.
• End the day with serene views at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery.

Dinner and overnight stay in Punakha

Day 3: Punakha Cultural Hike | Return to Thimphu

• Morning hike to the stunning Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang through paddy fields and villages.
• Enjoy the serene upper Punakha valley before returning to Thimphu via Dochula Pass.
• In Thimphu:
• National Memorial Chorten: A sacred stupa honoring Bhutan’s third king.
• School of Arts & Crafts: Witness the creation of traditional Bhutanese crafts.
• Takin Preserve: Meet Bhutan’s unique national animal, the takin.
• Centenary Farmers’ Market: Explore local produce and crafts (weekends only).

Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu to Paro | Hike Tiger’s Nest Monastery

• Scenic drive to Paro, followed by a hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) perched on a cliffside.
• Visit the historic Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
• Experience local life with a visit to a traditional farmhouse, enjoying:
• Authentic Bhutanese cuisine.
• A relaxing traditional hot stone bath.
• Insight into Bhutanese culture and hospitality.

Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 5: Departure

• After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure, leaving with cherished memories of Bhutan.

This concise yet immersive itinerary captures the essence of Bhutan’s cultural, natural, and spiritual wonders.

OVERVIEW

Day 1: Arrive at Paro | Paro to Thimphu Sightseeing | Overnight in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha Sightseeing | Overnight in Punakha

Day 3: Punakha Cultural Hike | Punakha to Phobjikha Valley | Overnight in Phobjikha

Day 4: Phobjikha Nature Hike & Sightseeing | Phobjikha to Thimphu | Overnight in Thimphu

Day 5: Thimphu Sightseeing | Thimphu to Paro | Paro Sightseeing | Overnight in Paro

Day 6: Tiger's Nest Monastery Hike | Overnight in Paro

Day 7: Departure

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive at Paro | Paro to Thimphu Sightseeing | Overnight in Thimphu
  Distance: 54 km | Driving Time: ~1 hour

• Warm welcome at Paro International Airport.
• Drive to Thimphu, stopping at Tachog Lhakhang Temple and the historic iron chain bridge.
• Explore Thimphu highlights:
• Buddha Dordenma: A 51-meter bronze Buddha offering panoramic views.
• Simply Bhutan Museum: Immerse in Bhutanese traditions, try national attire, and enjoy archery.
• Tashichho Dzong: Discover the historic fortress housing Bhutan’s government offices and monk body.
• Craft Bazaar: Shop for authentic local crafts.

Evening at leisure in Thimphu. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha Sightseeing | Overnight in Punakha
  Distance: 71 km | Driving Time: ~2 hours

• Travel via the picturesque Dochula Pass (3,140m), enjoying views of the Himalayas and visiting the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Monastery.
• In Punakha:
• Stroll through paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Divine Madman’s Monastery, for a fertility blessing.
• Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, where Bhutan’s two rivers meet.
• Cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge and visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery for scenic valley views.

Dinner and overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 3: Punakha Cultural Hike | Punakha to Phobjikha Valley | Overnight in Phobjikha
  Distance: 68 km | Driving Time: ~2 hours

• Morning hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang, enjoying the serenity of upper Punakha valley.
• Journey to Phobjikha Valley, part of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and a sanctuary for black-necked cranes.
• Evening visit to a local farmhouse for a glimpse into rural Bhutanese life.

Dinner and overnight stay in Phobjikha Valley.

Day 4: Phobjikha Nature Hike & Sightseeing | Phobjikha to Thimphu | Overnight in Thimphu
  Distance: 135 km | Driving Time: ~4 hours

• Begin with a peaceful hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail and visit the Black-Necked Crane Center.
• Interact with locals and visit farmhouses in the valley.
• Return to Thimphu via Dochula Pass, enjoying scenic landscapes along the way.

Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 5: Thimphu Sightseeing | Thimphu to Paro | Paro Sightseeing | Overnight in Paro
  Distance: 54 km | Driving Time: ~1 hour

• Explore Thimphu’s highlights:
• National Memorial Chorten: A sacred stupa honoring the Third King of Bhutan.
• School of Arts & Crafts: Witness students mastering Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts.
• National Textile Museum: Dive into Bhutan’s rich weaving heritage.
• Takin Preserve: Spot Bhutan’s rare national animal, the takin.
• Centenary Farmers’ Market: Experience local produce and crafts.
• In Paro:
• Walk across the Cantilever Rimpung Bridge to Paro Rinpung Dzong.
• Visit the National Museum housed in the historic Ta Dzong.

Dinner and overnight stay in Paro.

Day 6: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery | Overnight in Paro

• Morning hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched on a cliffside.
• Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple.
• Experience local life at a traditional farmhouse with:
• Authentic Bhutanese cuisine.
• A relaxing hot stone bath.

Dinner and overnight stay in Paro.

Day 7: Departure

• Transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight, leaving with unforgettable memories of Bhutan.

This itinerary provides an enriching blend of culture, nature, and spirituality, offering a comprehensive Bhutanese experience.

OVERVIEW

Day 1: Arrive at Paro | Paro - Thimphu Sightseeing | Overnight in Thimphu
  Day 2: Thimphu Nature and Cultural Hike to Tango Monastery | Overnight in Thimphu
  Day 3: Thimphu - Punakha Sightseeing | Overnight in Punakha
  Day 4: Punakha Nature & Cultural Exploration | Overnight in Punakha
  Day 5: Punakha - Trongsa Scenic Drive & Sightseeing | Overnight in Trongsa
  Day 6: Trongsa - Bumthang Highlights | Overnight in Bumthang
  Day 7: Discover Tang Valley | Overnight in Bumthang
  Day 8: Bumthang - Phobjikha Valley Excursion | Overnight in Phobjikha
  Day 9: Gangtey Nature Trail Hike | Return to Thimphu | Overnight in Thimphu
  Day 10: Thimphu - Paro Exploration | Overnight in Paro
  Day 11: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery | Overnight in Paro
  Day 12: Depart from Paro

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive at Paro | Paro - Thimphu Sightseeing

Your Bhutan journey begins with a warm welcome at Paro Airport. Enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu, stopping at Chunzom to visit Tachog Lhakhang and walk over a traditional suspension bridge. Explore the bustling capital with visits to iconic sites like Buddha Dordenma, the Simply Bhutan Museum, Tashichho Dzong, and the Craft Bazaar.

Highlights:

• Panoramic views from Buddha Point
• Insight into Bhutanese culture at Simply Bhutan Museum
• Evening leisure in vibrant Thimphu town

Day 2: Thimphu Nature & Cultural Hike

Start your day with a hike to Tango Monastery, surrounded by serene forests and stunning vistas. Post-hike, visit the National Memorial Chorten, School of Traditional Arts, and the Takin Preserve. Conclude your day with a stroll through the lively Centenary Farmers' Market.

Highlights:

• Peaceful hike to Tango Monastery
• Witnessing Bhutanese art and traditions firsthand

Day 3: Journey to Punakha

Drive through the scenic Dochula Pass, offering breathtaking Himalayan views. Visit Chhimi Lhakhang, the fertility shrine, and marvel at the grandeur of Punakha Dzong. Cross one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges for spectacular river views.

Highlights:

• Views from Dochula Pass
• Cultural immersion at Chhimi Lhakhang

Day 4: Explore Punakha’s Natural & Cultural Gems

Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang for panoramic valley views and visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang. Experience traditional Bhutanese life in Gaselo village, interacting with friendly locals.

Highlights:

• Scenic hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang
• Authentic rural experiences in Gaselo

Day 5: Scenic Drive to Trongsa

Travel through stunning landscapes, passing through Pele La Pass and stopping at Chendebji Chorten. Explore Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s most impressive fortress, and delve into history at the Ta Dzong Museum.

Highlights:

• Historic Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong Museum
• Scenic rural landscapes

Day 6: Trongsa to Bumthang

Arrive in Bumthang via the Yotong La Pass, stopping at the Yathra Weaving Centre to witness the creation of traditional woolen textiles. Visit spiritual sites such as Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang.

Highlights:

• Rich textile traditions at Yathra Weaving Centre
• Ancient temples with profound spiritual significance

Day 7: Discover Tang Valley

Explore the remote beauty of Tang Valley, visit the Ogyencholing Heritage Museum, and stop by the sacred Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake). Enjoy a relaxing day immersed in Bhutan’s natural and cultural wonders.

Highlights:

• Insightful visit to Ogyencholing Heritage Museum
• Spiritual connection at Mebar Tsho

Day 8: Bumthang to Phobjikha Valley

Travel to the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, home to the endangered black-necked cranes. Enjoy leisure time soaking in the valley’s tranquility.

Highlights:

• Pristine landscapes of Phobjikha Valley
• Winter haven for black-necked cranes

Day 9: Gangtey Nature Trail Hike

Start with a visit to Gangtey Monastery, followed by a nature trail hike through the valley. Visit the Black-Necked Crane Center and enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch in a farmhouse.

Highlights:

• Scenic Gangtey Nature Trail
• Insight into Bhutan’s conservation efforts

Day 10: Return to Paro

Stop by Dzongdrakha Lhakhang, the “mini-Taktsang,” and explore Paro Dzong and the National Museum. Spend your evening wandering Paro town.

Highlights:

• Stunning cliffside temples of Dzongdrakha
• Insights into Bhutanese history at the National Museum

Day 11: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Embark on a rewarding hike to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The breathtaking views and serene atmosphere make it a perfect finale to your Bhutan adventure.

Highlights:

• Memorable hike to Tiger’s Nest
• Panoramic views of Paro Valley

Day 12: Farewell Bhutan

Bid farewell to Bhutan, taking with you unforgettable memories of this magical land.