Itinerary

1. Day 1: Paro to Thimphu (1 hr drive)

   • Landing at Paro offers a dramatic experience, and if the weather permits, views of the Himalayas as well.
   • On arrival at Paro, meet the Bhutanese guide and proceed to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive is 1 hour through the hamlets of Paro, adjacent to the Paro river and later Thimphu river.
   • Based on convenience, one can start Thimphu sightseeing by visiting the Memorial stupa of the 3rd King of Bhutan. 
   • Visit Thimphu Dzong, the office of the 5th King of Bhutan and most ministers.
   • Option to do a hike of about 6 km through the pine forests or do some city sightseeing.

   Overnight: Thimphu; altitude 2,300 m.

2. Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha (3 hrs drive)

   • After breakfast, drive to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), which has one of the biggest Buddha Statue in Asia.

   • Drive through Dochula pass, the second-highest road pass in the trip at 3,010 m. When the weather permits, one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a site that stretches almost 180 degrees. 

   • After a short tea break, continue to sub-tropical Punakha.

   • In the afternoon, visit the Punakha Dzong (fortress), which houses the most elaborated temple in the country.

   Overnight: Punakha; altitude: 1,350 m

3. Day 3: Punakha to Paro

   • Start early morning by retracing the drive to Paro.

   • In Paro, visit the National Museum, the first of its kind, which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. 

   • Visit the 17th century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use.

   • Go for an evening stroll in Old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. 

   • Also, try a local restaurant for dinner.

4. Day 4: Paro Excursion

   • Take a hike to the Taktsang Monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche did his meditation for 3 months. The hike takes about 3 – 4 hrs depending on the capability of the hikers.

   • This is also a photographer’s delight; the monastery is adorned with prayer flags and stands in the cave of granite rocks 300 m above the valley floor. 

   • Relish lunch served in the viewpoint cafeteria.

   • Visit the archery grounds and see the shooting as people indulge in the national game of Bhutan.

5. Day 5: Departure

   • Go to the airport for your flight.