8 Day Enchanting Bhutan | Culture, Nature & Authentic Experiences

Day 1: Arrive at Paro - Thimphu

1. Paro
   2h
   Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our English speaking guide and drive to Thimphu, the capital city. It is one and half hour drive. On the way stop at Tamchog Lhakhang which is around 30 minutes drive from Paro.
2. Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge
   45m
   On the way visit Tamchogang, which is located on the ridge with beautiful view. and then drive to Thimphu which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes
3. Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
   45m · Admission ticket included
   The National Memorial was built in 1974 by Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho in the memorial of the third King. The national Memorial Chorten is located in the center of the capital city, and the interior of the Chorten has a large number of paintings of Tantric deities, in explicit sexual poses that sometimes can be a little disconcerting to visitors.
   15 minutes drive from the hotel
4. 30m
   Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory: The Jungshi factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper, made using an age old method instead of the modern way. Visitors to the paper factory are given a demonstration of the paper making process. One of the most popular things to do in Thimphu, you can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.
5. Centenary Farmers Market
   30m
   The Centenary Farmers' Market, is one of the most vibrant and bustling marketplaces in Bhutan's capital city, Thimphu. Located in the heart of the city, this market is a hub of activity and commerce, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of Bhutanese people and the country's rich agricultural heritage.
   The market is renowned for its wide array of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. You'll find colorful stalls brimming with seasonal produce, including Bhutanese staples like red rice, potatoes, chilies, and various organic vegetables.
6. Clock Tower Square
   45m
   Walk through Bhutan's capital city exploring Clock Tower Square, a prominent landmark adorned with intricate Bhutanese motifs and stroll towards Thimphu’s iconic traffic junction, famously known as the main traffic circle as it has no traffic lights. Instead, you’ll witness a white-gloved traffic officer gracefully directing vehicles in a choreographed style that has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
7. Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
   50m · Admission ticket included
   Tashichho Dzong, the magnificent fortress-monastery that houses the offices of the King and the central monastic body. The fortress opens to visitors between 05:00PM to 06:30PM during weekdays and 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing

1. Buddha Dordenma
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Begin the day with the visit to the Buddha Dordenma Statue, also known as the “Buddha Point,” a massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
2. Motithang Takin Preserve
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Royal Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin – Bhutan’s national animal.
3. Pangri Zampa Monastery
   40m
   Pangri Zampa - Astrology College and seek and find out your astrology birth chart. Here, you will have a personal consultation with an astrologer, who will interpret your astrological chart and offer insights rooted in ancient Bhutanese wisdom. This enlightening session provides a deeper understanding of your life path through the lens of Buddhist cosmology.
4. Choki Traditional Art School
   40m · Admission ticket included
   visit Choki Traditional Art School in Thimphu (30 minutes north), Bhutan, is a remarkable institution dedicated to preserving Bhutan's traditional arts and crafts.
5. 2h
   After lunch begin your hike to Dodeydra Monastery that takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and rest stops. Moderate uphill walk through pine & rhododendron forest. At the monastery visit the main temple and join the monks for evening prayers and meditation sessions.

Day 3: Thimphu - Phobjikha

1. 2h
   Join early morning prayers (optional but highly recommended). Experience chanting, rituals, and meditation.
   After breakfast, observe monks studying and chanting sessions. Interact with the Lama (head Monk) and learn about monk education (Shedra life) and after breakfast trek back to Thimphu.
2. Dochula Pass
   40m
   Dochula Pass is a mountain pass located in the Kingdom of Bhutan, a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas. It sits at an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. The pass is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the majestic peaks of the snow-capped Himalayas. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.
3. Wangdue Dzong
   10m
   We continue our drive toward Phobjikha (3 hrs), pausing briefly for photography of Wangduephodrang Dzong at the Bridge. Our journey then takes us over the scenic Lawa La Pass as we make our way to Gangtey.
4. Gangtey Monastery
   30m · Admission ticket included
   And Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century, perched atop a small hill that overlooks almost the entire Phobjikha Valley, the spectacular Gangtey Monastery is surrounded by a large village. A must-visit when in Gangtey.

Day 4: Phobjikha - Punakha

1. Black Necked Crane Center
   30m · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast visit the Crane Information Center where you get information about the valley.
2. 1h
   set out on the Gangtey Nature Trail, which is one and a half hours, one of the most scenic walks in the region. The trail begins from Gangtey Monastery and meanders through pine forests, flower-dotted meadows, and stretches of open valley.
3. 2h
   Then drive to Punakha (2 hrs). Along the way, pass traditional villages, terraced rice fields, and beautiful river valleys that showcase Bhutan's rural charm.
4. 30m
   Spend your evening at the Wangdue Dzong View Farm House in Wangdue, an ideal vantage point to experience genuine Bhutanese hospitality. Walk through surrounding villages, rice fields, and engage with farmers and local communities. Join the host family in preparing Bhutan’s signature dishes such as Ema Datshi (chili and cheese), Kewa Datshi (potato and cheese), and Suja (butter tea).

Day 5: Punakha

1. 45m
   After lunch, drive to Talo village and take a walk into the village. Talo Village is a picturesque settlement located in the Punakha District of Bhutan. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) above sea level, Talo is known for its stunning natural beauty, traditional Bhutanese architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage.
2. Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery
   30m · Admission ticket included
   n The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery is perched on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Punakha valley and Wangduephodrang valley.
3. Punakha Dzong
   50m · Admission ticket included
   Punakha Dzong in local attire (can be optionally, depending on the price), one of the majestic fortresses that sits at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Female) and Pho Chhu (Male) rivers. To access the dzong, you’ll need to cross the Bazam Bridge, originally a bridge built in the 17th century.. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan.
4. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Picnic Lunch by the River with a View of Punakha Dzong is a unique and serene way to enjoy Bhutan’s natural beauty and cultural charm. These experiences provide an intimate connection with the breathtaking landscapes of the country.
5. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
   2h
   Later, 45 minutes hike (one way) to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Khasum Yulley Namgyal is a beautiful chorten located on a ridge at Kabesa Gewog in Punakha overlooking several villages.

Day 6: Punakha - Paro

1. Rinpung Dzong
   50m
   Paro Rinpung Dzong is a striking fortress and monastery located in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. Paro Rinpung Dzong is situated on the banks of the Paro River. The dzong, originally built in the 15th century, has a rich history deeply intertwined with Bhutanese culture and politics. It was established by the Tibetan Buddhist master, Ngawang Chogyel, to defend the Paro Valley against Tibetan invasions. Paro Rinpung Dzong is host to several annual religious festivals, including the famous Paro Tsechu. During these festivals, monks perform sacred masked dances and rituals, attracting thousands of pilgrims and spectators from all over Bhutan.
2. Paro District
   1h
   After lunch a short hike to Zuri Dzong, a rewarding trek that offers stunning panoramic views of the Paro Valley.
3. Chencho Handicrafts
   30m
   visit Chencho Weaving Center in Paro Town, a locally-run weaving center showcases the intricate art of traditional Bhutanese weaving, offering visitors a chance to witness skilled artisans at work and stroll around Paro downtown for shopping or a cup of coffee.
4. 1h
   Take a leisurely stroll through Paro’s charming downtown, where you can explore quaint shops, browse local handicrafts, and pick up unique souvenirs. Pause at a cozy café to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere and the vibrant rhythms of daily life in this picturesque Bhutanese town.
5. 1h
   Well, if you are a beer lover and want to taste some of the finest brews, you must visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro Valley.

Day 7: Paro Taktsang

1. Paro Taktsang
   6h · Admission ticket included
   The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. The monastery was built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgaye who is said to be one of the reincarnations of Guru Rinpoche. From the road, the hike toward Taktshang follows an uphill route and takes approximately 2-3 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.
   From hotel it is around 30 minutes drive before we start the hike.
   In total it will take 5-6 hours depending your pace.
2. Paro
   1h
   Explore Paro town
3. 30m · Admission ticket included
   Tshering Farmhouse is a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse located in Paro, Bhutan. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience rural Bhutanese life and hospitality firsthand.

Day 8: Departure

1. Paro
   30m
   In the morning drive to the Airport for flight to your onward destination.

Pickup details

Once you arrive at Paro airport our guide will meet you and pick you up.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels