Arrival at Paro International Airport / Transfer to Thimphu (2334m)

National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་། - Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, a guide and driver will warmly welcome you and accompany you to the National Museum of Bhutan. Following this visit, you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital city.

The National Museum of Bhutan, situated in Paro above the Rinpung Dzong (the administrative center of Paro district), was founded in 1968. It is housed in the historic Paro Ta Dzong, a watchtower fortress built in 1649. The museum showcases a vast collection of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks, including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted tools used in daily life. This collection offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan.

Buddha Dordenma - Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is located 55km from Paro town. The drive takes less than 2 hours, including stops along the way. Thimphu, with a population of around 115,000, is the bustling hub of commerce, religion, and government in Bhutan. Upon arrival, you will visit the largest sitting Buddha statue.

The impressive 169-foot bronze statue of Lord Buddha is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley, offering a stunning view of the city. It was constructed to commemorate the 60th birthday of the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and to promote world peace. The statue houses over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues. Construction began in 2006 and concluded in 2015, taking nearly a decade.

Hike to Tango Monastery & Sightseeing in Thimphu

Tango Buddhist Institute - Embark on a hike to Tango Monastery, located on a mountainside north of Thimphu. Nearby is Cheri Monastery. The hike to Tango is relatively easy, with most of the path paved and a gentle ascent. It is approximately 14km from Thimphu town. The trail through the forest takes about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. Tango Monastery was established in 1222 by Tibetan saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who introduced the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism to Bhutan, which later became the state religion. The current monastery structure was built in 1689 by Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th Temporal ruler of Bhutan. After visiting and offering prayers, you will return to the base and drive back to Thimphu.

A traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant or a similar venue.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum - Located near the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (meaning 13 Traditional Arts & Crafts) was established to promote and preserve Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts and to provide Bhutanese youth with opportunities to learn these skills. With modern technology threatening these traditions, the government is committed to training young people to keep them alive. The thirteen arts and crafts include Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (wood turning), Gar Zo (blacksmithing), Troe Zo (ornament making), Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery, and applique), and Thag Zo (weaving).

Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground - Pass by the Changlimithang Archery Range and watch a game of archery if a match is underway. Archers celebrate each successful hit from a distance of 145m with dance and song. Archery is Bhutan’s national sport.

Enjoy leisure time exploring Thimphu town.

Thimphu / Transfer to Punakha Valley (1200m)

Dochula Pass - After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha Valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass. En route, visit Chimi Lhakhang, known as the ‘Temple of Fertility,’ and the architectural masterpiece, Punakha Dzong.

Dochu La Pass – 3,150m/10,335ft above sea level: A 45-minute drive from Thimphu towards Punakha brings you to this mountain pass, offering views of some of Bhutan’s highest peaks on clear days. Before the construction of the 108 Druk Wangyal Choetens (stupas) in 2004, this pass was a sacred site blessed by Tibetan Buddhist saint Lam Drukpa Kunley in the late 15th century.

From Dochu La Pass, continue driving towards Punakha, passing through villages. The elevation gradually decreases, and the road winds through pine forests, transitioning from 3,150m to a warmer subtropical valley at 1,200m.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - Chimi Lhakhang is situated on a gentle hilltop near Sopsokha village, a 20-30 minute walk through terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses. The temple’s history is linked to 15th-century Tibetan Lama Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Divine Madman” for his unconventional methods of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoism. A phallus relic at Chimi Lhakhang is considered sacred, especially for couples struggling to conceive, as it is believed to bring fertility. This belief has earned it the nickname “Temple of Fertility.”

Punakha Dzong - After lunch, visit the historic Punakha Dzong, originally called Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang, meaning the “Palace of Great Bliss.” Built in 1637 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (a Tibetan Buddhist master who arrived in Bhutan in 1616 and founded the nation-state), Punakha Dzong is Bhutan’s second oldest and second-largest Dzong. The sacred wall paintings, main artifacts, intricate woodwork, and architectural design exemplify Bhutanese art and craftsmanship, influencing Bhutanese architecture to this day.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - From Punakha Dzong, walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, spanning the Phochu River. Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial-fed rivers, Phochu (male) and Mochu (female).

Drive to Namgay Zam Homestay in Yusakha village for an overnight stay. Staying at a village homestay offers a unique opportunity to experience the life of a typical Bhutanese family. Participate in preparing dinner and learn to cook popular Bhutanese dishes. If interested, enjoy a traditional hot stone bath, believed to have therapeutic and revitalizing effects. If this homestay is unavailable, accommodations will be at Meri Puensum Resort.

Sightseeing in Punakha / Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (3000m)

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - After breakfast, drive to the nearest roadhead and hike to the scenic Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. After lunch, transfer to Phobjikha Valley in Gangtey.

Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten: This beautiful Buddhist structure, located on a ridge overlooking Punakha Valley, exemplifies Bhutanese architecture in temples, monasteries, and Zangdogpelri (copper-colored mountains).

From the nearest roadhead, cross a suspension bridge over the Punakha Mochu River (female river) and follow the trail through paddy fields and a short climb to reach the peaceful chorten. The hike takes under an hour to reach this serene site. The view below is breathtaking, with the glacial-fed Mochu River winding through the fertile Punakha Valley.

After lunch, transfer to Phobjikha Valley.

Gangtey Nature Trail - Upon arrival in Phobjikha Valley, enjoy tea and snacks before embarking on an exhilarating nature hike. The 5km trail takes approximately 3 hours through woods, meadows, traditional village houses, farmlands, and streams. This short nature trail offers a great sense of the valley and insight into the local lifestyle. There are plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos! If nature hikes aren’t your preference, visit the Black-necked Crane Information Center to learn about the valley’s role in conserving these majestic birds.

If time is limited, the hike can be done the following morning.

Phobjikha Valley / Transfer back to Paro (2200m)

Gangtey Monastery - After breakfast, visit Gangtey Monastery, one of Bhutan’s largest monasteries, before driving back to Paro Valley.

Gangtey Monastery or Gangtey Goempa: This renowned landmark is one of Bhutan’s largest monasteries, known as Gangtey Goenpa (“gonpa” means “high remote place” and is usually of religious significance), founded in 1613. The name Gangtey comes from the monastery’s location on a hillock peak (Tey).

Lunch will be served en route. If the journey starts early, lunch will be at Dochula Cafeteria, offering a stunning view of some of Bhutan’s highest mountains.

Kyichu Lhakhang སྐྱིད་ཆུ་ལྷ་ཁང་། - Upon reaching Paro, visit Paro Kyichu Lhakhang. Just a short drive from Paro town, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries. It is believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet as part of his effort to construct 108 temples across the Himalayas to subdue a demoness hindering Buddhism’s spread. Legend says it was built in a single night.

Hike to the famed Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)

Paro Taktsang - After an early breakfast, hike to the renowned 17th-century Taktsang Monastery, known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” and later visit a charming farmhouse for a home-cooked local meal.

Originally constructed in 1692, the iconic Taktsang is perched on an 800-meter cliff above the valley floor. The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors. An early start is recommended to avoid the stronger sun. One-way horse rides are available for about USD20 up to the midpoint (Taktsang Cafeteria). Horse riding downhill is not advised.

Taktsang’s history is linked to Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding a tigress. After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, descend back to the base and drive to Paro town.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure

Paro International Airport - After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist with all exit formalities before check-in.

• Twin-sharing accommodations at 3-star hotels certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan.
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and light snacks.
• Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide.
• Entry fees to National Museum.
• All ground transportation including round trip airport transfers.
• Medical treatment at a hospital in Bhutan for injuries sustained while in Bhutan.
• Visa Fee & Processing with e-Visa delivery in 4-5 business days.
• All internal taxes for the included services.

• Travel insurance is highly recommended.
• International flights. Let us know if you need help with arranging flights to and from Bhutan.
• Gratuity to guide and driver
• Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
• Any other expenses of personal nature
• Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee
• Emergency evacuation

This 6 Nights 7 Days cultural tour is one of the most popular tours in Bhutan filled with gentle nature hikes through the pristine forests and secluded hills dotted with ornate ancient temples and majestic fortresses (Dzongs). Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the only carbon negative country in the world with 70% of its land under forest cover and the constitution mandates that 60% of the land must remain under forest cover at all times.

Guided by the development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), it embraces modernization and globalization with utmost care balancing economic development with spiritual and social wellbeing, environmental sustainability and cultural preservation all within the framework of good governance.

• This tour can be customized and run on a private basis just for you and your group.
• We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to a week before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
• After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address
• After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. Actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address
• Participants below the age of 18 years old MUST be accompanied by at least one full-paying adult.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.