Duration: 7 Days 6 Nights
Location: Thimphu, Paro valley, Punakha and Phobjika Valley
We tailor each tour itinerary to align seamlessly with our guests’ arrival plans—whether by flight, train, or road—and customize every detail to suit their unique preferences and needs.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 01: ARRIVAL (DRIVE TO THIMPHU)
Day 02: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
Day 03: ED SHEERAN CONCERT AND SIGHTSEEING IF TIME PERMITS IN THE MORNING
Day 04: FROM THIMPHU DRIVE TO PUNAKHA Enroute Dochula
Day 05: PUNAKHA TO PARO VALLEY and PARO Sightseeing
Day 06: PARO TIGER NEST HIKE
Day 07: DEPARTURE
DETAILED TOUR PROGRAM
Day 01: Arrive Paro/Phuntsholing, Transfer to Thimphu and see the Night life and view
You will be received by the representative of Dragon Path Voyages (Bhutan tour operator) who will be your Bhutan travel guide throughout your tour at the airport exit. After meeting with the guide and driver then drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
Elevation: 2334 m;
Driving time: 1 hour
Tashi Choo Dzong (Night View)
Thimphu Town and Night life (city without traffic lights)
Day 02: Thimphu sight-seeing
Overnight in Thimphu resort. (Minimum best 3 Star Resort)
Simply Bhutan is a living museum in Thimphu, Bhutan, designed to preserve and showcase Bhutanese culture, traditions, and architecture. It offers visitors a chance to experience the country’s heritage through interactive displays, traditional food, cultural performances, and hands-on activities like archery, butter lamp making, and trying on Bhutanese attire. The museum is a great way to immerse oneself in Bhutan’s rich history and way of life.
Changangkha Lhakhang is a historic and spiritual Buddhist temple located on a hilltop overlooking the town of Thimphu, Bhutan. It is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the capital, dating back to the 12th century, and holds significant cultural and religious importance for the people of Bhutan.
The Motithang Takin Reserve, located in Thimphu, Bhutan, is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to preserving the takin, Bhutan’s national animal. The takin is a rare and unique species resembling a cross between a goat and an ox, and it holds a special place in Bhutanese folklore and cultural heritage.
The Institute of Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts, is a prestigious institute in Thimphu, Bhutan. It was established to preserve and promote the country’s rich heritage of traditional arts and crafts, collectively known as Zorig Chusum (the Thirteen Arts and Crafts).
The Buddha Dordenma Statue is a magnificent landmark located in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, overlooking Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, standing 54 meters (177 feet) tall and made of bronze with a gilded gold finish. The statue houses over 125,000 smaller Buddha statues inside, each intricately crafted.
The Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Thimphu, Bhutan. This whitewashed stupa with golden spires and intricate details is a revered religious site and a place of prayer and meditation.Bhutan, known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” stands out not just for its stunning landscapes and unique culture but also for its absence of traffic lights. This is one of the many things that make Bhutan unique and charming to travellers.
The Centenary Farmers’ Market in Thimphu is Bhutan’s largest and most vibrant vegetable market. Located near the Wangchu River, it is a bustling hub where farmers from across the country gather to sell their produce, offering a glimpse into Bhutanese agriculture and daily life.
The Craft Bazaar in Thimphu is a popular marketplace where visitors can find a wide variety of traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. It is an excellent place to explore Bhutanese craftsmanship and purchase unique items that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Day 03: ED SHEERAN CONCERT AND TIME PERMITS SIGHT SEEING IN THIMPHU
Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha via Dochula Pass
Elevation: 1300 m;
Driving time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
After breakfast, travel to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3,088m/10,130ft). If you have a clear sky, the view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges is spectacular and you can even see the Gasa Dzong as a white dot in the horizon.
Visit the beautiful 108 stupas built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo for the security and wellbeing of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Travel onto Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan and pres-ently the winter residence of the central monk body. Visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho – Chu (male) river and the Mochu (female) river.
Places to visit:
108 stupa, Dochula Pass (Beautiful mountain pass with Himalayan mountain scenery)
Chimi Lhakhang (World famous fertility temple)
Punakha Dzong (One of its most majestic structures in Bhutan)
Suspension bridge (Longest suspension)
River Rafting (optional)
Dochula Pass is a scenic mountain pass located about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Thimphu, Bhutan, on the road to Punakha. It is renowned for its stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas and the 108 chortens (stupas) built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers who died in a military conflict in 2003.
Chimi Lhakhang is a famous Buddhist monastery located in the Punakha Valley of Bhutan, known for its spiritual significance and unique connection to fertility. The monastery is set in a peaceful rural area and is a popular pilgrimage site for both locals and tourists alike.
Punakha Dzong is one of the most iconic and historically significant dzongs (fortresses) in Bhutan. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in the Punakha Valley, it is often regarded as the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan due to its stunning architecture and picturesque setting.
The Punakha Suspension Bridge is one of the longest and oldest suspension bridges in Bhutan, offering visitors a thrilling experience with stunning views of the Punakha Valley and the Pho Chhu River. It is a must-see attraction for those visiting Punakha, blending both adventure and scenic beauty.
Rafting in Punakha is a popular adventure activity that allows visitors to experience the thrill of navigating through the stunning rivers of Bhutan. The Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, which flow through the Punakha Valley, offer excellent opportunities for white-water rafting, with varying levels of rapids to suit both beginners and more experienced rafters.
Day 05: Phunakha -Paro sight seeing
Altitude: 2,280 meters
Distance: 190 km
Estimated driving time: 5 hrs, 30 min
Today after well rest we will drive to Paro.
Visit the Tachog Temple. This 600 year old bridge crosses the Paro Chhu (Paro River) and was traditionally restored in 2005 after being washed away during a 1969 flood. The bridge was originally built by the legendary Tibetan architect, physician, blacksmith and civil engineer Thangtong Gyalpo who is an important figure in Bhutanese and Tibetan history.
Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, is one of Bhutan’s most stunning and historically significant dzongs (fortresses). Located in Paro, this majestic structure is an emblem of Bhutanese culture, history, and spirituality
Ta Dzong, located above Rinpung Dzong in Paro, Bhutan, is a remarkable watchtower that has been transformed into the National Museum of Bhutan. It is an iconic structure showcasing Bhutan’s rich history, culture, and art.
Day 06: A Day Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Elevation: 3120 m
Hike time: 5 hours (up and down)
After breakfast, drive up to the base camp of Taktsang and then hike up to the most famous Monastery in the entire kingdom of Bhutan perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley.
The hike to the viewpoint will take about an hour and it will take 2 hours to the monastery. Till view point, you can experience horse ride (optional) but if you prefer hike, then it is great Lunch at Taktshang Café just above view point or you can have picnic lunch.
After completing the hike, you will be visiting one of the farm houses in Paro to experience Bhutanese life-Style and the organic Bhutanese dinner.
Benefits of Hot stone bath: It is a good remedy for skin diseases, joint pains, body aches and to relax after a hard day’s work. No scientific study has been done but it’s believed that the herbs and the chemical in the stones are a good source of medicine. Families in olden days would soak after their seasonal farm work in winter. The long, healing bath relaxed their tired bodies and helped cure backaches and joint pains.
Key Features:
Place to visit
Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Hot stone bath in Farm house (optional)
Organic cuisine at Farm House (Vegetables from the gardens)
Experience archery at Farm House (optional)
Day 07: Departure from Bhutan
After the breakfast, our representatives will escort you to the International Airport accordingly with the departure time. You have to reach there at the airport 2 hours prior to the departure time.