Itinerary
- Day 1
Paro to Thimphu
You'll arrive at Paro International Airport where your guide meets you, then head into Thimphu. Start by checking out the ancient Tachog Lhakhang bridge and Simtokha Dzong to get a sense of the region's architecture. The Buddha Dordenma statue is quite impressive when you see it in person. Later, wander through Thimphu's Weekend Market where local vendors sell traditional crafts and goods. After settling into your hotel, you'll have time to rest and prepare for the days ahead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Tachog Lhakhang - the iron chain bridge
- Explore Simtokha Dzong
- Visit Buddha Dordenma statue
- Browse Centenary Farmers Market and Weekend Market near Wang Chhu
Landmarks/POIs Tachog Lhakhang Simtokha Dzong Buddha Dordenma Weekend Market - Day 2
Dodeydra Monastery
You'll hike up to Dodeydra Monastery, which sits on a hilltop with nice views surrounding it. Once there, you get to meet with monks and join evening prayer. The monastery offers several ritual experiences including the Lhabsang Thruesel cleansing ceremony, plus you can hoist prayer flags and participate in offerings like incense, wine, and butter lamps. You'll spend the night at the monastery itself, which gives you time to take part in a Dharma discussion and really absorb the peaceful atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dining with monks at the monastery)
Included Activities
- Hike to Dodeydra Monastery
- Participate in evening prayer with monks
- Dine with monks
- Participate in 'Lhabsang Thruesel' cleansing ceremony
- Hoist prayer flags
- Participate in Incense Offering, Wine Offering, and Butter Lamp Offering rituals
Optional Activities
- Participate in Dharma discussion with monks
Landmarks/POIs Dodeydra Monastery - Day 3
Dodeydra Monastery to Punakha
Start this morning with prayer alongside the monks at Dodeydra Monastery. After that, you'll drive back toward Thimphu and continue on to Punakha, stopping at Dochu La Mountain pass at 3,100 meters. There you can hoist prayer flags and see the 108 Buddhist Shrines while taking in views of the Himalayas. From there, you'll hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple. Later, see Punakha Dzong, a large fortress built where two rivers meet and once served as the winter home for Bhutan's central monk body. You'll stay overnight in Punakha.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Participate in Morning Prayer at Dodeydra Monastery
- Stop at Dochu La Mountain pass with 108 Buddhist Shrines
- Hoist prayer flags at Dochu La
- Hike to Chimi Lhakhang
- Visit Punakha Dzong
Landmarks/POIs Dochu La Mountain Pass Chimi Lhakhang Punakha Dzong - Day 4
Tiger's Nest
You'll leave early and drive to Paro, then hike up to Tiger's Nest, one of Bhutan's most sacred pilgrimage sites. The monastery sits dramatically on a cliff at 3,120 meters, and along the way you'll learn about the 8th century story of Guru Rinpoche, who legend says flew here on a tigress and spent three months meditating. His presence is credited with bringing tantric Buddhism to Bhutan, and the whole site carries significant spiritual importance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
Landmarks/POIs Tiger's Nest Monastery - Day 5
Departure from Paro
Your Bhutan trip comes to an end today. Your tour team will drive you from your location to Paro International Airport for your flight home. They'll see you off as you depart.
