A Week of Bhutanese Beauty and Culture

Your flight to Paro is renowned as one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. As you approach Bhutan, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of some of the Himalayas' highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tserim Gang.

Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and begin your exploration of Paro. Your first visit will be to the iconic Paro Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress-monastery that exemplifies Bhutanese architecture and cultural heritage. Today, the dzong serves as the administrative center of the Paro district and houses a monastic community of around 200 monks.After visiting the dzong, you'll enjoy a short walk down to the traditional cantilever bridge before continuing your journey to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Upon arrival, you will have time to explore the town, visit local markets, and experience the unique charm of this captivating city. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Altitude: 2,300 m |  Drive: 1h20 | Distance: 70 km 

After breakfast, you’ll set out on a short hike to Wangditse Monastery, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Thimphu city. On your way back, visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a unique and endearing creature found only in this region.

Continue to the Buddha Dordenma, a magnificent statue towering above the valley, offering sweeping views of Thimphu and its surroundings. Other highlights of the day include a visit to the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of Bhutan’s beloved 3rd King, and a stop at the Archery Ground to witness locals practicing Bhutan’s national sport.

Next, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the weekend market, where farmers and artisans from across the region gather to sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and local products. In the evening, visit Trashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress that serves as the summer residence of the central monastic body and houses important government offices.End your day with a relaxing stroll through the craft market, where you can browse traditional Bhutanese textiles and souvenirs. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Altitude: 2,300 m | Drive: 40 min | Distance: 10 km

After breakfast, depart from Thimphu and head towards Punakha, making a scenic stop at Dochula Pass. This iconic pass, perched at 3,100 meters, is adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, built in honor of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King, to commemorate the stability and progress he brought to Bhutan. The site not only holds deep spiritual significance but also offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas on clear days.

As you descend from the pass, you’ll notice a striking change in vegetation. The higher-altitude forests gradually give way to the lush, semi-tropical valleys of Punakha and Wangdue, where cacti, banana plants, poinsettias, and other exotic flora thrive in the warmer climate.

Upon arrival in Punakha, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most stunning and historically significant fortresses. Built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River), this architectural masterpiece serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monastic body, housing over 350 monks during the colder months.

Next, enjoy a short scenic drive followed by a pleasant hike across a suspension bridge to reach Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten. This beautifully crafted temple was constructed under the patronage of the Royal Family to bring peace and harmony to the kingdom, and it offers commanding views over the Punakha Valley.On your return, stop in Lobesa village for a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, affectionately known as the “Temple of Fertility” or “No Dogs Temple.” Dedicated to the eccentric yet revered saint, Lama Drukpa Kuenley—also known as the "Divine Madman"—this temple is a place of pilgrimage for couples seeking blessings for fertility. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Altitude: 1,200 m | Drive: 2 hours |  Distance: 80 km

After breakfast, depart for the serene Phobjikha Valley. En route, stop to visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, originally constructed in 1638. Though the dzong was tragically destroyed by fire in 2012, it has been meticulously reconstructed between 2014 and 2022. Today, it serves as the administrative center of Wangdue district and is home to a monastic community of around 200 monks.

Continue your journey through the village of Nobding, following a scenic route that winds through the lush greenery of the Sha Valley and ascends into the Black Mountains, Bhutan’s longest mountain range. The drive offers breathtaking vistas and a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich biodiversity.

Upon reaching Phobjikha, visit the charming village of Gangtey and its revered Gangtey Gompa, the largest Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. This 17th-century monastery is an important spiritual center and offers magnificent views of the valley below.In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely hike down into the Phobjikha Valley, celebrated for its pristine beauty and as the winter home of the rare and graceful black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet. The valley’s wide, glacial basin and tranquil landscapes make it one of Bhutan’s most picturesque destinations. Overnight at the hotel in Phobjikha.

Altitude: 2,900 m | Drive: 2 hours |  Distance: 80 km

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Paro, retracing your route across the scenic Dochula Pass. Along the way, stop at Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This historic dzong, though smaller in scale, holds great significance as the first structure of its kind, blending military, religious, and administrative functions.

Upon arrival in Paro, visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and one of the country’s most important fortresses. Perched on a hill overlooking the Paro Valley, the dzong serves as the administrative center of the district and houses a thriving monastic community. After exploring its intricate courtyards and sacred halls, enjoy a pleasant walk down to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge, offering a closer look at Bhutan’s distinctive architectural craftsmanship.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Paro town, where you can browse local shops, visit quaint cafés, and absorb the charm of this serene Himalayan valley. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Altitude: 2,300 m |  Drive: 5 hours |  Distance: 210 km

After breakfast, drive for 15 minutes to the starting point of the hike to Takshang Monastery, famously known as the "Tiger's Nest." This site, visited and sanctified by Guru Rimpoche, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayas, attracting many great Buddhist masters over the years. The monastery was built in 1692 AD by the fourth temporal ruler of Bhutan, over the cave where Guru Rimpoche and his consort, Khandro Yeshi Tshogyal, meditated. Perched on a rocky cliff that towers 800 meters above the valley, the monastic complex stands at an elevation of 2950 meters above sea level.

On your return, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. In the evening, visit a local farmhouse for dinner and to try hot stone bath. Overnight at the hotel.

Altitude at the temple: 3150m | Drive: 15min | Distance from parking and back: 7km

 Transfer to airport for departure