Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Paro

   • Fly into the country’s only airport, in the beautiful Paro valley. The clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress provide a breath-taking first impression.

   • On arrival, after immigration and custom formalities, your tour guide for the trip will receive you and transfer you to the hotel.

   • Afternoon sightseeing includes a visit to Ta Dzong, once a watchtower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during the inter-valley wars of the 17th century. 

   • Next in line is Rinpung Dzong; It was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan.

   • Take a walk across the bridge and take in the splendour of Dzong’s architecture.

   • Enjoy an evening stroll along the main street, and perhaps visit a few handicrafts shops, or take refreshments at a local café or bar.

   Return to the hotel.

2. Day 2: Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery

   • Hike up to the famous cliff-hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.

   • After, go off the beaten track further up to the temples that are on the hilltops above Tiger’s Nest.

   • To go down, follow a different path that takes you through the pristine thick forest of Oaks and Rhododendrons Festooned with Spanish Moses.

   Overnight – The same hotel.

3. Day 3: Paro to Thimphu

   • In the morning, take a drive to Thimphu (1 hour). Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan.

   • Sightseeing in Thimphu includes; a visit to Bhutan National Bank for currency exchange, and then you can get an opportunity to purchase exquisite collector Bhutanese stamps. 

   • Visit the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts; the school offers a six-year course in traditional art techniques in religious and secular paintings, woodcarving, clay sculpture, and traditional mask making.

   • Stroll through the Weekend Market. A wide range of agricultural produce and other food products from Thimphu and other parts of the country are brought here for trading. 

   • Next, visit the National Memorial Chorten; the building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who wanted to erect a monument for world peace and prosperity. 

   • Continue to the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and privately owned crafts shops, which offer a wide range of handcrafted products, including the splendid Thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles which Bhutan is famous.

   • See Tashichhodzong, which was built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1962 by the Late King, His Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

   Return to the hotel.

4. Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing

   • Full day sightseeing in Thimphu, including Changgangkha temple in the hilly Motithang area; drive to the top of the ridge overlooking the Thimphu Valley, with a panoramic view of the capital in its spectacular mountainous setting.

   • Visit the zoo of Takin (National Animal of Bhutan).

   • Head to the Drubthrob nunnery, where every evening the nuns chant prayers till the end of the day.

   • Go to a handmade paper workshop where artisans create beautiful and unusual handmade papers and weaving centre at Changzamtog. The looms are filled with traditional and updated versions of the world-renowned Bhutanese textile arts.

   • Marvel at the Buddha Dordenma stupa; a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue.

   Overnight - the same hotel.

5. Day 5: Thimphu to Punakha

   • Today we will take a drive to Punakha (2 hours) across Dochu La (3050m), from where one can have a spectacular view of the Himalayas to the north when the sky is clear. The pass is marked by 108 chortens (Stupa) which are Buddhist reliquaries, memorials to the teachings of the Buddha.

   • Visit the new Druk Wangyel Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works.

   • See the Dzong built by Shabdrung, in 1637, on a strategic place at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.

   Return to hotel. 

6. Day 6: Return back to Paro

   • Right after breakfast, drive to Chimi Lhakhang, a very popular and revered temple that lies on the periphery of the fertile valley of Lobesa, where the borders of Thimphu, Punakha and Wangduephodrang districts meet. 

   • Take a brisk 15-minute walk through the village of Sosokha and head straight to the temple.

   • En-route visits the botanical garden, which is the centre of a 47 sq mile Royal Botanical Park which forms one of the critical biological corridors connecting the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park. 

   • After Lunch, visit Thimphu Town to purchase souvenirs to take back home and, in the evening, drive back to Paro.

   Return to hotel.

7. Day 7: Departure

   • Return to Paro International Airport for the flight to Kathmandu.