Itinerary
- Day 1
Paro
You'll arrive in Paro after flying through scenic mountain passes, and your guide meets you at the airport. After grabbing lunch, head to Ta Dzong Museum where you can see religious relics and traditional handicrafts from the region. From there, walk through the impressive Rimpung Dzong fortress-monastery perched above the valley. Later in the afternoon, you'll drive along the Pachu River toward Thimphu for the evening.
Included Activities
- Ta Dzong Museum visit
- Rimpung Dzong visit
- Afternoon sightseeing tour in Paro
Landmarks/POIs Ta Dzong Museum Rimpung Dzong Pachu River - Day 2
Thimphu
This full day focuses on Thimphu's cultural sites. Start at the National Memorial Chorten, then check out Changangkha Temple and Takin Park to see Bhutan's national animal. After lunch, see the Zilukha Nunnery, the School of Arts and Crafts, and the National Library. Before dinner, visit the Traditional Paper Factory and the impressive Tashichhodzong fortress that dominates the skyline.
Included Activities
- National Memorial Chorten visit
- Changangkha Temple visit
- Simply Bhutan experience
- Takin Park visit
- Drubthob Monastery and Zilukha Nunnery visit
- School of Arts and Crafts visit
- National Library visit
- Traditional Paper Factory visit
- Tashichhodzong visit
Landmarks/POIs National Memorial Chorten Changangkha Temple Takin Park Zilukha Nunnery School of Arts and Crafts National Library Traditional Paper Factory Tashichhodzong - Day 3
Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley
You'll drive over the Dochu-La Pass at 3,100 meters/10,170 feet where panoramic Himalayan views appear on clear days. The route takes you through extensive rhododendron forests before reaching the market town of Wangduephodrang. As you descend into Phobjikha Valley, a rare glacial valley, you'll see where black-necked cranes winter from November to March. You'll settle in for the night in the valley.
Included Activities
- Dochu-La Pass crossing
Landmarks/POIs Dochu-La Pass Wangduephodrang Phobjikha Valley - Day 4
Phobjikha Valley
Spend the day exploring Phobjikha Valley's natural landscape and culture. Visit the Phobjikha Sanctuary to look for black-necked cranes (November through March), then walk to the historic Gangtey Gompa, a 16th-century monastery and the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. In the afternoon, wander along scenic trails that cut through the valley's terrain and take in the surroundings.
Included Activities
- Phobjikha Sanctuary visit
- Gangtey Gompa visit
- Scenic valley trail walk
Landmarks/POIs Phobjikha Sanctuary Gangtey Gompa - Day 5
Phobjikha Valley to Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, Bhutan's former capital. Explore Punakha Dzong, known as the Palace of Great Happiness, built in 1637 where two rivers meet. Inside, you'll see the three-story main temple with four cypress pillars decorated in gold and silver. This fortress hosted Bhutan's first king's coronation in 1907, so the historical significance is substantial.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Punakha Dzong visit
Landmarks/POIs Punakha Dzong Mo Chu River Pho Chu River - Day 6
Punakha to Paro
Begin with a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman Drukpa Kunley and a fertility symbol. After lunch, head to the 17th-century Drukgyel Dzong fortress built in 1644 to celebrate victory over Tibetan invaders, and Mount Jomolhari at 7,314 meters appears on clear days. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples established in the 7th century with a golden Buddha statue inside. End with an evening walk through Paro town.
Included Activities
- Chimi Lhakhang walk
- Drukgyel Dzong visit
- Kyichu Lhakhang visit
- Paro town stroll
Landmarks/POIs Chimi Lhakhang Drukgyel Dzong Mount Jomolhari Kyichu Lhakhang - Day 7
Paro
After breakfast, you'll hike uphill for 2 to 3 hours to Taktsang Monastery, which sits 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Horses can carry you to the midway cafeteria if you need a break. This sacred site is where Guru Rinpoche meditated for three months in an 8th-century cave. Later, you'll have dinner with a local family in a traditional farmhouse and relax in a hot stone bath before bed.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at teahouse near Taktsang Monastery), Dinner (Authentic Bhutanese dinner with local family in traditional farmhouse)
Included Activities
- Taktsang Monastery hike
- Authentic Bhutanese dinner with local family in traditional farmhouse
- Traditional hot stone bath
Optional Activities
- Horse rental for uphill trek (available for hire)
- Visit to Paro's local pubs for snacks and drinks
Landmarks/POIs Taktsang Monastery Paro Valley - Day 8
Paro
Have breakfast and your guide escorts you to Paro International Airport for departure, taking memories of Bhutan with you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Paro International Airport
