- Day 01: Arrival in Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport—with breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s sacred peaks—you’ll be greeted by our representative and transferred directly to Thimphu (a 2-hour drive over 60 km). En route, admire the scenic Paro valley as you pass Chuzom, the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers, marked by three distinct chortens, and catch a glimpse of Tachogang Lhakhang, the 15th‑century “temple of the excellent horse.”
After lunch in Thimphu, visit the Memorial Chorten, a grand stupa dedicated to the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and then proceed to Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s oldest fortresses built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Later, wander through the Authentic Bhutanese Craft Bazaar, where traditional textiles, masks, carvings, and other local crafts await. In the evening, you can relax at one of Thimphu’s modern health clubs offering herbal beauty treatments and massages.
Overnight in Thimphu.
- Day 02: Thimphu Cultural Exploration
After breakfast, begin your day at the impressive Tashichho Dzong—the heart of Bhutanese governance and monastic life, originally built in 1641 and reconstructed in 1961 using traditional methods. Continue your cultural journey with visits to the National Library, where ancient manuscripts are preserved, and the Institute for Traditional Medicine, where age-old healing practices flourish.
Next, explore Bhutan’s vibrant arts scene at the Wood Craft & Painting School and the Textile Museum. Delve into local craftsmanship at mask-making workshops and studios for fine metalwork, weaving, ceramics, and paper crafts. If your visit coincides with the weekend, enjoy the lively Thimphu market and visit notable spots such as the Dechenphodrang Monastic School, BBS Tower (Sangay Gang) viewpoint, and even a small zoo.
Overnight in Thimphu.
- Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha
After a hearty breakfast, depart for Punakha. En route, stop at the Dochula Pass (3,050 m), where 108 striking stupas grace the hilltop and offer expansive views of the Greater Himalayas. Continue your journey to Punakha and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong—a grand fortress built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, gracefully set between the Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers. This dzong, steeped in legend and history, continues to serve as the winter residence for Bhutan’s monastic body.
Later in the afternoon, embark on a scenic hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, perched high above the Punakha Valley. This chorten was built by Her Royal Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck to promote peace and prosperity.
Overnight in Punakha.
- Day 04: Punakha – Wangdue – Paro
Begin your day with a drive to Wangdue Phodrang to visit the historic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1639 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Situated at the confluence of the Puna-tsang-Chu and Tang-Chu rivers, local legend tells of four ravens flying away—an auspicious sign symbolizing the spread of Buddhism.
On the return journey to Paro, stop at Chimi Lhakhang, the famed fertility temple dedicated to yogi saint Drukpa Kuenley, affectionately known as “the divine madman.” Enjoy the picturesque drive through lush fields and quaint farmhouses before arriving in Paro.
Overnight in Paro.
- Day 05: Paro Heritage & Scenic Marvels
Today, explore Paro’s rich historical tapestry. Drive up to the Drukgyal Dzong, a fortress originally built in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Though it was once left in ruins after a fire, it has been lovingly restored to reflect its former glory, offering magnificent views of Mount Jhomolhari.
From Satsham Chorten, soak in the awe-inspiring view of Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)—a revered pilgrimage site perched nearly 4,000 ft above the valley and built around Guru Rinpoche’s meditation cave in the 8th century. Next, visit the ancient Kichu Lhakhang, constructed in 659 AD by Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo, one of the 108 monasteries established to usher Buddhism into Bhutan.After lunch, explore Ta Dzong, a former watchtower now housing the National Museum, which comprises six galleries that capture Bhutan’s cultural and ecological diversity. En route, admire Dungtse Lhakhang—the only temple built in the form of a chorten—and then view the magnificent Rinpung Dzong via its traditional cantilevered covered bridge. Later, take a leisurely stroll through Paro town, soaking in its relaxed atmosphere.
Overnight in Paro.
- Day 06: Departure from Paro
After breakfast, bid farewell to Bhutan as you’re transferred by our representative to Paro International Airport, carrying with you memories of a land steeped in history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
