Upon arrival at Paro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and driver. After a scenic drive through lush landscapes filled with red rice fields, you will reach Thimphu, Bhutan’s bustling capital. If you arrive in the morning, enjoy lunch followed by a visit to the renowned Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory and the vibrant Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre. If you arrive in the afternoon, meet your group in the evening for a welcome meeting and dinner, and take a stroll through the charming streets of Thimphu, unique for being the only capital city in the world without traffic lights.
Start your day with a serene walk through picturesque valleys, leading to the Cheri Dorji Dhen Monastery, built in 1620. In Thimphu, you will visit the iconic Buddha Dordenma statue, the National Memorial Chorten, and Simply Bhutan, a living museum that showcases Bhutanese culture. Optionally, you can try archery, Bhutan’s national sport. Your day also includes a visit to the National Textile Museum and the National Handicrafts Emporium, offering high-quality traditional crafts for those interested in shopping.
Today, drive to Punakha, the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop at Dochula Pass, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas, including the magnificent Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak. Afterward, visit the Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple, a symbol of fertility built in 1499. Arrive in Punakha and unwind at your hotel, ready for more exploration the next day.
After breakfast, embark on a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery, an elaborately decorated chorten designed to bring peace and harmony. Enjoy stunning views of the Punakha Dzong, the second-largest dzong in Bhutan, before visiting the serene Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Take in the tranquility of the area before returning to your hotel for the night.
Travel back over Dochula Pass and return to Thimphu. Take this time to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. After lunch, continue your journey into the Paro Valley, where you can explore the town at your leisure before resting for the evening.
Rise early for a day of adventure as you hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery), perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. Enjoy a lunch break at a teahouse with panoramic views of the monastery. For those feeling adventurous, a further hike will bring you closer to the temple. After returning to Paro, enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal at a local farmhouse, with the option of experiencing a rejuvenating hot stone bath, known for its therapeutic benefits.
On your final day, savor breakfast at your hotel before a departure transfer to Paro Airport for your onward journey, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Bhutan’s majestic landscapes and rich culture.