Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Thimphu
After landing at Paro Airport, you'll go through immigration with your Visa Approval letter and passport. Your guide meets you at baggage claim, then it's about a 1.5 hour drive to Thimphu. Once you arrive, you can choose between visiting the National Memorial Chorten, National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, or National Library. If you'd rather take it easy, walking Main Street works too, where you'll find Himalayan artifacts and textiles in various shops.
- Start point
- Paro, Bhutan (international airport paro bhutan )
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Meet guide at baggage delivery
- Transfer to Thimphu
Optional Activities
- Visit National Memorial Chorten
- Visit National Textile Museum
- Visit Folk Heritage Museum
- Visit National Library
- Stroll Main Street for Himalayan artifacts and textiles
Landmarks National Memorial Chorten National Textile Museum Folk Heritage Museum National Library 
- Day 2
Thimphu
Start the day at Trashi Chhoe Dzong, which serves as Bhutan's government seat, then head to Pangri Zampa, a 16th-century training school for astrologers. If you're up for hiking, Cheri Goemba monastery is an option. You'll also check out cottage industries doing traditional paper making and hand-rolled incense. Later in the afternoon, drive to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point) for views over Thimphu and see Bhutan's largest Buddha statue from there.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit Trashi Chhoe Dzong
- Visit Pangri Zampa
- Explore cottage industries (traditional paper making, hand-rolled incense)
- Visit Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point)
Optional Activities
- Short hike to Cheri Goemba monastery
Landmarks Trashi Chhoe Dzong Pangri Zampa Cheri Goemba Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point) - Day 3
Thimphu to Punakha
Leave early for the drive over Dochu La mountain pass heading toward Punakha Valley. Along the route, stop at Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan's first fortress monasteries from the 17th century. You'll cross the 3,050-meter passes where you can see Himalayan peaks if the weather cooperates. After descending through Wangdi Valley, explore the local temple and shops, then continue into Punakha Valley. The village of Talo, where the Queens live and a protective deity's temple sits, is optional if time allows.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit Simtokha Dzong
- Pass through Wangdi Valley
- Visit local town temple
Optional Activities
- Visit village of Talo and lhakhang
Landmarks Dochu La Simtokha Dzong 
- Day 4
Punakha
This morning involves a hike along the Mo Chhu to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, built by Bhutan's four queens. You'll drive through the valley passing Punthsho Pelri Palace and other royal winter homes. Then visit Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress serving as the winter residence for the monastic head. Lunch happens as a picnic on the Punak Chu riverbanks. In the afternoon, walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility monastery from 1499, located in Lobesa village.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch on the banks of the Punak Chu), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten
- Visit Punakha Dzong
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang (fertility monastery)
Landmarks Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten Punthsho Pelri Palace Punakha Dzong Chimi Lhakhang - Day 5
Punakha to Paro
After coming down from Dochu La, follow Wang Chu and stop at a traditional farmhouse to learn how locals live and work. Then transition into Paro sightseeing with the National Museum, which displays artifacts from Bhutan's cultural heritage. Walk downhill to Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. Cross Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and visit the town temple from 1525 to see ancient wall paintings. You'll have the rest of the day free.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit traditional Bhutanese farmhouse
- Visit National Museum (Paro)
- Visit Paro Dzong
- Cross Nyamai Zampa (traditional cantilever bridge)
- Visit town temple and view ancient wall paintings
Landmarks National Museum (Paro) Paro Dzong Nyamai Zampa Paro Town Temple 
- Day 6
Paro
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery on a broad trail that takes 1.5 to 2 hours uphill, climbing nearly a kilometer above the Paro valley. Horses are available if hiking isn't possible. The monastery sits on a sheer cliff 900 meters up, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site with spectacular views. Stop at the teahouse for tea or coffee, then return to Paro for lunch. This afternoon, drive to Drukgyel Dzong ruins from the 17th century, built to commemorate a 1644 victory over Tibetan invaders. Mount Jomolhari (7,314 meters) shows up in the background on clear days. Stop at 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang on the way back. Alternatively, spend the whole day visiting scenic Haa Valley via Chelila Pass.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery
- Visit Drukgyel Dzong ruins
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang
Optional Activities
- Horse transfer for Taktsang hike (for those unable to hike)
- Day trip to Haa Valley via Chelila Pass
Landmarks Taktsang Monastery Drukgyel Dzong Kyichu Lhakhang Mount Jomolhari - Day 7
Departure from Paro
A car will pick you up for the drive to Paro Airport, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Plan to arrive at the airport at least an hour before your international flight departs.
- End point
- Paro, Bhutan (international airport paro bhutan )
