Itinerary
- Day 1
Paro to Thimphu
You'll arrive at Paro International Airport where your guide and driver are waiting to begin your Bhutan journey. Depending on when you land, the first day includes stops at Kichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century monastery, followed by the National Museum of Bhutan. Then you'll head to Paro Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress overlooking the valley. After that, you'll transfer to Thimphu, the capital. If there's daylight left, you can visit the giant Buddha statue with views across the valley, though you can also save this for the next morning if you're tired from travel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Kichu Lhakhang 7th-century Buddhist monastery
- Visit National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)
- Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels)
- Transfer to Thimphu
Optional Activities
- Visit giant sitting Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu valley (if time permits)
Landmarks/POIs Kichu Lhakhang National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong) Paro Rinpung Dzong - Day 2
Thimphu to Paro
This morning in Thimphu starts at the National Memorial Chorten, a sacred site at the city center. Next, there's an optional stop at the Bhutan Postal Museum where you can get stamps with your own photo printed on them. Then you'll check out the National Library and Archives, followed by the National Institute of Zorig Chusum to watch students working on 13 traditional Bhutanese crafts. After lunch at a traditional restaurant, you'll drive past the Changlimithang Archery Range to catch archery matches if they're happening. Later you'll head back to Paro for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Sumptuous traditional lunch at Folk Heritage Museum or similar restaurant), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit National Memorial Chorten
- Visit National Library & Archives of Bhutan
- Visit National Institute of Zorig Chusum
- Drive by Changlimithang Archery Range to witness archery matches if in progress
- Transfer to Paro
Optional Activities
- Visit Bhutan Postal Museum
- Get stamps printed with your own photo
Landmarks/POIs National Memorial Chorten Bhutan Postal Museum National Library & Archives of Bhutan National Institute of Zorig Chusum Changlimithang Archery Range - Day 3
Taktsang Monastery and Local Village
After breakfast, you'll be driven to Ramthangka base to start the hike up to Taktsang Monastery. The trek takes roughly 2 hours total and winds through ancient pine-shaded paths. After about an hour of steep climbing, you'll reach a cafeteria with excellent views where hot tea and snacks are available. If you're up for it, the final stretch takes another hour to reach the actual monastery where you can receive blessings. After descending and grabbing lunch at the cafeteria, you'll spend the afternoon walking around Paro town. Later in the evening, you'll head to a local farmhouse for homemade Bhutanese dinner and hear about traditional village life from your hosts.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria), Dinner (Authentic home-cooked cuisine at local farmhouse)
Included Activities
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery
- Visit Taktsang Monastery and receive blessings from sacred relics and artifacts
- Lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria
- Explore Paro town
- Visit local farmhouse for authentic home-cooked dinner
Optional Activities
- One-way horse riding up to mid-point (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria) for approximately USD20 per horse per person
- Traditional hot stone bath at farmhouse for approximately USD15
Landmarks/POIs Taktsang Monastery Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria - Day 4
Departure from Paro
You'll have breakfast and then transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight out. The exact timing depends on when your flight departs.
- Meals
- Breakfast
