Tour Plan
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Day 01: Arrival at Paro International airport – Thimphu (Elevation 2334M)
Fly into Paro, one of the world’s most scenic flights with stunning Himalayan views.
Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed with a traditional ceremonial scarf (khaddar).
Your itinerary is designed to be flexible and can be customized with your guide along the
journey.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, followed by lunch in Paro
Town. Then drive 1.5 hours to Thimphu, stopping en route at Tamcho Lhakhang, a
temple dedicated to the 13th-century iron bridge builder Thangthong Gyalpo.
After settling into your hotel in Thimphu, enjoy an optional Wangditse hike offering
scenic views of the capital.
End the day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the seat of government and home to
Bhutan’s most important offices, showcasing impressive traditional architecture.
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu
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Day 02: Thimphu Valley Excursion.
Explore Thimphu – The Capital of Bhutan
Nestled in a steep valley at an altitude of 2,334 meters, Thimphu is Bhutan’s vibrant capital, rich in culture, history, and natural beauty.
Morning: After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck—known as the father of modern Bhutan—the stupa stands tall amidst the city’s modern surroundings.
Next, drive to Kuenselphodrang Park, home to the towering 52-meter-tall Buddha Dordenma statue. Perched on a hilltop, it offers sweeping views of Thimphu and its southern approach.
For those who enjoy nature walks, there’s an optional hike from Buddha Point to Changangkha Lhakhang. This serene trail winds through a forest of pine, birch, and rhododendron, lined with thousands of prayer flags, and offers stunning views of the Thimphu valley. The hike ends at the beautifully situated Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the city’s oldest temples.
Visit the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre, where you can witness traditional Bhutanese weaving in action—a living reflection of the country’s rich textile heritage.
Optional Alternative
Alternatively, take a scenic drive north of the city to Cheri Monastery, a revered spiritual retreat. The hike to the monastery takes 45 minutes to an hour, ascending from 2,500 to 2,875 meters. Along the way, spin prayer wheels and learn about monastic life and meditation from resident monks in retreat.
Evening
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Thimphu town and its colorful organic vegetable market.
On the way back to your hotel after dinner, pause to admire the illuminated Tashichho Dzong, glowing majestically under the night sky
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Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (Elevation of Punakha, 1310m)
Our day in Bhutan starts with a drive towards Punakha, the kingdom's ancient capital and repository of national treasures. We'll pause at Dochula Pass (3100m) to stroll among the 108 stupas, soak in potential Himalayan panoramas, and enjoy Himalayan coffee. A highlight will be a leisurely 2-hour hike from Dochula to Lungchutse Lhakhang (3100m - 3569m), immersing us in the natural beauty of tall trees, possibly spotting unique wildlife, and enjoying vast mountain views. We'll then continue to Chimi Lhakhang for lunch with picturesque terrace and farmhouse scenery. The afternoon concludes with an easy 1-1.5 hour round trip walk to the renowned fertility temple, a charming path through paddy fields and traditional architecture.
Overnight at hotel in Punakha
Or,
We'll start with an easy 40-minute downhill trek (from 3100m) along an ancient path towards Lamperi. This trail meanders through a thick forest, notable for its potential to showcase up to 28 different rhododendron species out of the 46 found in Bhutan. After this refreshing walk, we'll drive to Chimi Lhakhang for lunch, enjoying the picturesque scenery of terraced fields and farmhouses. Our afternoon activity is an easy 1-1.5 hour round trip hike to the famous fertility temple, a charming walk-through paddy fields and traditional Bhutanese homes.
Overnight at hotel in Punakha
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Day 04: Punakha Exploration
This morning, rise early to witness a breathtaking sunrise from your veranda, overlooking the stunning mountains, green pastures, and the deep river valley. After breakfast, we'll enjoy a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal. The trail to this unique stupa-like temple winds through beautiful terraced fields. Its intricate design took a decade to complete and it stands beautifully on a hilltop. After our descent, for those interested (at an additional cost), we'll experience an adventurous white river rafting excursion. We'll then enjoy a private picnic lunch. In the afternoon, we'll visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, followed by an adventurous walk across one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges.
Overnight at hotel in Punakha.
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Day 05: Punakha Valley Exploration Day and Transfer to Paro(6hrs/198km)
After breakfast in Punakha, we have a choice: either visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong followed by an adventurous walk across one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges, OR, for the more adventurous (at an extra cost), experience exhilarating white river rafting. Following our morning activity, we'll journey to Paro, stopping en route at Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's oldest fortress built in 1627.
In Paro, we'll explore Ta Dzong, the former watchtower now the National Museum, showcasing Bhutanese art, artifacts, and natural history. Our next stop is Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), built in 1646 and overlooking the valley, serving as the religious and administrative center.
We'll then check into our hotel. After refreshing, we'll head to a farmhouse for hands-on experiences like archery (Bhutan's national sport), vegetable harvesting, and learning to cook Ema Datshi (chilli and cheese), followed by a delicious 100% organic farmhouse meal.
Overnight at hotel
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Day 06: Bumdra Trek.
We have an early start today for a trek to Bumdra (7 km, 4 hours). Beginning at Sang Choekor Buddhist College (2800 meters), the initial two hours involve a fairly steep climb, which then levels out, rewarding us with magnificent views of the mountains and the Paro Valley. We'll reach our luxurious fixed camp located beneath the Bumdrak Monastery. This 17th-century monastery, also called the Cave of a Hundred Thousand Dakinis, is renowned for its beauty, second only to Tiger's Nest. If accessible, we will explore the temples. For those who wish to, an optional 2-3 hour round trip hike to a 4000-meter peak offers even better panoramic vistas.
Dinner and Overnight at the campsite
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Day 7: Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Elevation 3100m)
Following a delightful outdoor breakfast at the campsite, our trek back to Paro will take us via the incredible Taktshang Monastery, the famed Tiger's Nest, a jewel of the Himalayan Buddhist landscape. After reaching the base, we'll transfer to our hotel, offering you the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate for the remainder of the evening.
After the hike, unwind with a traditional hot stone bath—a soothing way to relax your muscles and rejuvenate your body. (Available at an additional cost.)
Overnight at hotel in Paro.
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Day 08: Departure Day
After breakfast, you’ll begin your departure. (For early flights, a packed breakfast can be arranged in advance through your guide.)
Our representative will assist you with the exit formalities and offer a warm farewell as you leave Bhutan.