Itinerary
- Day 1
Paro to Thimphu
You'll arrive at Paro International Airport where your guide and driver meet you. From there, head to the National Museum of Bhutan, which sits inside a 17th-century watchtower with interesting historical pieces. Then it's on to Thimphu for the rest of the day. You'll check out the Weaving Center to see traditional techniques, and afterward walk up to see the 169ft bronze Buddha statue positioned on a hilltop. If there's time before evening, you can catch archery matches at Changlimithang Archery Range, though this depends on how the day flows with travel time.
Included Activities
- Visit National Museum of Bhutan
- Visit Weaving Center
- Visit 169ft bronze statue of Lord Buddha
Optional Activities
- Watch archery match at Changlimithang Archery Range
Landmarks/POIs National Museum of Bhutan Paro Ta Dzong Bronze statue of Lord Buddha Changlimithang Archery Range - Day 2
Thimphu
After breakfast, drive north toward Tango Monastery and hike up for about 1.5 hours through forest to reach this 13th-century site. The trail brings you back to town by midday for lunch at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant where they serve traditional food. Later, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum to see all thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, then stop at the National Library & Archives. You'll also walk through the craft bazaar to see local artisans at work. If you're interested, the Postal Museum is nearby and shows stamp collections and related items.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional lunch at Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Tango Monastery
- Traditional lunch at Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant
- Visit National Institute of Zorig Chusum
- Visit National Library & Archives of Bhutan
- Explore craft bazaar
Optional Activities
- Visit Postal Museum
Landmarks/POIs Tango Monastery Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant National Institute of Zorig Chusum National Library & Archives of Bhutan Postal Museum - Day 3
Thimphu to Punakha
Get an early start and transfer to Punakha, heading up through Dochula mountain pass at 3,150m where you can see some of Bhutan's highest peaks when visibility is good. Descending into the subtropical valley, you'll reach Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple that requires a pleasant 20-30 minute walk through terraced rice fields to access. Grab lunch at a local restaurant nearby. Then continue to Punakha town to visit the historic Punakha Dzong, and walk across Bhutan's longest suspension bridge spanning the valley. If you'd like, Sangchhen Dorji Lhundrup Buddhist College for Nuns is open for visits as an optional stop.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Dochu La Pass
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang
- Visit historic Punakha Dzong
- Walk across Bhutan's longest suspension bridge
Optional Activities
- Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhundrup Buddhist College for Nuns
Landmarks/POIs Dochu La Pass Chimi Lhakhang Punakha Dzong Bhutan's longest suspension bridge Sangchhen Dorji Lhundrup Buddhist College for Nuns - Day 4
Punakha to Paro
After early breakfast, trek for 2.5 hours round trip to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten perched on a mountain ridge overlooking Punakha valley. The route crosses a suspension bridge over the Mochu River and passes through rice fields. Once back at the roadhead, drive to Dochula Pass and have lunch at Dochula Cafe. You'll have the option to do an easier downhill hike through forests to Tashigang Gonpa monastery from 1768 if energy permits. Later drive approximately 2 hours back to Paro.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten
- Lunch at Dochula Cafe
Optional Activities
- Easy hike to Tashigang Gonpa monastery from Dochula Pass
Landmarks/POIs Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten Dochula Pass Tashigang Gonpa - Day 5
Paro
Start early after breakfast for the hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery clinging to a sheer rock cliff 800 meters above the valley. Plan for 4-5 hours round trip and head out before the sun gets too strong. Horse riding is available for about USD20 per horse if you want to ride up to the mid-point viewpoint instead of walking the whole way. After coming back down, spend the rest of the afternoon freely exploring Paro town itself. Evening brings a visit to a traditional farmhouse for authentic home-cooked local food where you can participate in preparing popular local dishes. A traditional hot stone bath costs around $15 per person if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Authentic home-cooked local cuisine at farmhouse)
Included Activities
- Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
- Evening at authentic farmhouse with local cuisine
Optional Activities
- One-way horse riding to mid-point of Taktsang hike (approximately USD20 per horse)
- Traditional hot stone bath at farmhouse (approximately $15 per person)
Landmarks/POIs Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) - Day 6
Paro Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight out. Timing depends on your departure, so you'll coordinate with your guide based on what time you need to be at the airport.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Paro International Airport
