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

National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་། - Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, the guide and driver will warmly welcome and accompany you to the National Museum before heading to Thimphu, the capital city. The journey covers 55km and takes approximately 1.5 hours.

The National Museum of Bhutan is situated in Paro, just above the Rinpung Dzong, the administrative headquarters of the Paro district. It is housed in an ancient watchtower known as Paro Ta Dzong, built in 1649. The museum showcases a vast collection of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks, including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted tools for daily life. The collection at the National Museum offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the country. After the museum visit, the journey continues to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.

Thimphu - Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, is home to around 115,000 residents. This vibrant city is the main hub for commerce, religion, and government in the country. It is unique as the only capital city in the world without traffic lights or commercial billboards.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum - The National Institute of Zorig Chusum was established to promote and preserve the thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, providing Bhutanese youth with increased access to learning these skills. 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 (woodturning), 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). Lunch will be arranged in either Paro or Thimphu, depending on the flight arrival time.

Sightseeing in Thimphu / Transfer to Punakha Valley (1200m)

Buddha Dordenma - After breakfast, visit the tallest sitting statue of Buddha and then transfer to Punakha Valley via Dochula Pass.
The impressive 169-foot-tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop, Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the Thimphu valley. From here, you can enjoy a splendid view of Thimphu city. It was constructed to commemorate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and to promote peace worldwide. The giant Buddha statue houses over 100,000 8-inch-tall Buddha statues of the same type. Construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2015, taking nearly 10 years.

Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground - At the Changlimithang Archery Range, if an archery game is in progress, you can stop by to observe how Bhutanese people enjoy their leisure time. Witness archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from an impressive distance of 145m. Archery is Bhutan’s national sport. The journey then continues to Punakha Valley, covering a distance of 74km and taking about 2.5 hours.

Dochula Pass - Approximately a 45-minute drive from Thimphu towards Punakha is a mountain pass at an altitude of 3,150 meters above sea level, offering views of some of Bhutan’s highest peaks on a clear day. This sacred mountain pass provides excellent opportunities for capturing beautiful photos of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and grand vistas. Before the construction of the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupas) in 2004, this mountain pass was solely a sacred site blessed by the famous Buddhist saint, Lam Drukpa Kunley, in the late 15th century. From Dochula Pass, the drive continues through villages, with the elevation gradually decreasing and the road winding through pine forests. The change in altitude is noticeable, from 3,150m to a warmer subtropical valley at 1,200m. Lunch will be arranged either at Dochula Pass or upon arrival in Punakha.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - About 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the renowned Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the “Temple of Fertility.” Chimi Lhakhang is situated on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha. To reach the temple, a 20-30 minute walk through beautiful terraced paddy fields and traditional farmhouses is required. The history of Chimi Lhakhang is linked to the 15th-century Lama Drukpa Kunley, affectionately known as the “Divine Madman” for his unconventional methods of teaching Buddhism and liberating people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession. One of the relics of Chimi Lhakhang is a phallus, and its blessing is considered sacred, particularly for couples unable to have children, as it is believed to bring fertility. Due to this belief, Chimi Lhakhang is often referred to as the “Temple of Fertility.”

Punakha Dzong - Originally known as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang, meaning the “Palace of Great Bliss,” Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 A.D. by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, a Tibetan Buddhist master who came to Bhutan in 1616 and founded the nation-state of Bhutan. It is located on a small stretch of land where the Phochu and Mochu rivers converge. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second-largest Dzong in Bhutan. The sacred wall paintings, main artifacts, intricate woodworks, and architectural structure of the dzong are fine examples of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship, continuing to influence Bhutanese architecture today. From here, a walk to the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan follows.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - This suspension bridge is the longest in Bhutan, spanning 160m over the Phochu River (male). Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial-fed rivers, Phochu (male) and Mochu (female). The journey then continues to Namgay Zam Homestay in the village of Yusakha for an overnight stay. Staying at the village homestay offers a perfect opportunity to experience the life of an ordinary Bhutanese family. Guests can participate in preparing dinner and learn how to cook some popular Bhutanese dishes. If interested, a traditional hot stone bath, believed to have therapeutic and revitalizing effects, is available. If this homestay is unavailable, accommodation will be at Meri Puensum Resort.

Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten / Transfer back to Paro Valley (2200m)

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - After an early breakfast, embark on a 2.5-hour round trip hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. Located on a mountain ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, this magnificent Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples and monasteries. It was constructed over nearly 10 years under the command of Her Majesty Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, one of Bhutan’s Grand Queen Mothers, and was consecrated in 1999.

From the nearest road point, cross the suspension bridge over the Punakha Mochu River, and the trail leads through beautiful terraced rice fields and a short climb before reaching the serene site of the marvelous Chorten (meaning ‘stupa’). The view below is breathtaking, with the glacial-fed Mochu river winding through the fertile Punakha valley. After visiting and taking in the stunning views, retrace the steps back to the road head.

Kyichu Lhakhang - After lunch, drive back to Paro valley. The journey covers 115km and takes about 3.5 hours. Upon arrival in Paro, and if time permits, visit one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, located just a few minutes’ drive from Paro’s main town. It is believed to have been built overnight in 659 A.D. by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue the spirit of a giant demoness hindering the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. To subdue this demoness, King Songtsen Gampo was required to build 108 temples across the affected region. Bhutan is blessed with four of these 108 temples, including Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang district in central Bhutan and Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo in Haa valley.

Hike to the famed Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) & later visit Farmhouse for a homecooked local cuisine

Paro Taktsang - Originally built in 1692, the iconic sacred site Taktsang is perched on an 800-meter rock cliff above the valley floor. The round trip hike takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors. It is recommended to start early before the sun becomes too strong. One-way horse riding is available for about USD20 up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria). The history of Taktsang is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the 8th century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress. It is not only considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Bhutan but also a “must-visit” place for tourists. After lunch at the Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria, retrace the steps back to the base where the driver will be waiting.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure

Paro Airport Bird’s Eye View Point - After breakfast, and depending on the flight departure time, transfer to Paro International Airport for the onward journey.

• All internal taxes for the services listed above
• Medical treatment at a hospital in Bhutan if you sustain injuries while in Bhutan
• All ground transportation including round trip airport transfers
• Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
• Entry fee to national museum
• Twin-sharing accommodations at 3-star hotels certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan
• Visa Fee & Processing. You’ll receive your e-Visa within 4-5 business days

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

This journey of five days and four nights will offer you a real taste of Bhutan, allowing you to comprehend how a small Buddhist Kingdom has risen to become a unique place for tourists worldwide. The expedition will traverse through the core of three western districts of Bhutan – Paro, the capital city Thimphu and the fertile Punakha valley - all flaunting the resilience and robustness of a nation renowned for safeguarding its age-old Buddhist culture and coexisting with its untouched natural surroundings.

You’ll explore prominent historical and religious spots, including a four-five hour round-trip hike to Paro Taktsang, the most awe-inspiring tourist site established in 1692 on a sheer 800-meter rock edifice. Then, there’s a 2 hour march through the captivating valley in Punakha. On the way to Punakha, pause at the sacred Dochu La mountain pass (at 3,150m/10,335ft altitude), from where, weather permitting, you would be greeted with a breathtaking panoramic sight of some of the highest snow-capped peaks in Bhutan.

• 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.
• There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
• After you book the tour, kindly send us clear copies of passports passport-size photos 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.
• Participants below the age of 18 years old MUST be accompanied by at least one 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.