Day 1: Arrival in Paro.

Welcome to Bhutan! Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, our representative will greet you. You will then be driven to Thimphu, where you will spend the night.

Day 2: Thimphu Local Sightseeing.

Lord Buddha Statue: The Buddha Dordenma statue stands amid the ruins of Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth desi Druk. This statue overlooks the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Once completed, it will be one of the world’s most giant statues, standing at 169 feet (51.5 meters). The statue’s interior will accommodate 100,000 8-inch tall and 25,000 12-inch tall gilded Buddhas. The statue is surrounded by the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, which comprises 943 acres of forest area.

National Memorial Chorten: The third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, envisaged the building of this landmark as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Trashichhoe Dzong: This impressive fortress/monastery serves as the Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King, and various government offices. It also functions as the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body.

Handicraft Emporium: The National Handicraft Emporium, operated by the National Woman’s Association of Bhutan, is a non-government organisation under the royal supervision of Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Choden Wangchuck. The emporium showcases the finest handicrafts, including locally manufactured handwoven fabrics, wooden masks, cane and bamboo products, traditional wooden utensils, handmade paper, and prayer wheels.

School of Art And Craft: The National Institute for Zorig Chusum’s School of Art and Craft is at Pedzoe Lam. Here, you can observe students undertaking courses spanning four to six years. The courses provide instruction in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts. Additionally, the Choki Traditional Art School is located in the village of Kabesa. Students at this institution specialise in painting, woodcarving, and statue making.

The Motithang Takin Preserve: The Motithang Takin Preserve is a must-visit attraction for animal lovers in Thimphu. Initially built as a small zoo, it was later converted into an animal preserve centre. The national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, can be found living in this beautiful preserved area.

Painting School: Students at the Institute for Zorig Chusum learn traditional drawing, painting, and carving to develop skills in arts and crafts.

The Clock Tower – Clock Tower Square is an architectural masterpiece that is a must-visit in Bhutan. It is a tower with four clock faces, which sets it apart from any other regional structure. The evening is the perfect time to visit, as it is when the beautiful paintings and carvings come to life and captivate visitors. The square is surrounded by many restaurants and souvenir shops, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the town.

Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha.

Dochu-la Pass: At an altitude of 3,088m/10,130 ft, the Dochu-la Pass offers a breathtaking view. You can admire the chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags at the highest point on the road. If the skies are clear, you can also see several peaks from this pass, including Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongphugang (7,060m), and Gangkar Puensum (7,497m), the highest peak in Bhutan.

Punakha Dzong: The Punakha Dzong is located at the confluence of two rivers, Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female), in Punakha. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture and a sacred site with a rich history. Visitors can explore the beautiful interiors and learn more about Bhutan’s unique culture.

Punakha Suspension Bridge: Built by the Buddhist Monk Thangtong Gyalpo, the Punakha Suspension Bridge is one of the world’s oldest and most picturesque suspension bridges. This ancient bridge is adorned with prayer flags and provides the perfect spot for bird-watching and nature photography. Visitors can also learn about the bridge’s history, significance, and role in Bhutanese culture.

Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha – Paro.

After breakfast, it is recommended that you visit the Chimi Lhakhang Temple, located in the fertile Lobesa village of Punakha Valley. This temple is dedicated to the divine Saint Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine Madman,” and is famous for being the Temple of Fertility.

To reach the temple, you must walk from the nearby village of Sosokha or take the road that branches out to Wangdue and Punakha. It’s a 20-25-minute walk, during which you’ll gradually hike through the paddy fields to Lobesa Village before arriving at the temple.

The temple is associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a highly accomplished Buddhist master who lived in Bhutan around the 1500s. Despite his humorous approach and sexual overtones in his teachings, he was known for his wisdom. According to legend, he subdued a demoness who was terrorising the valley residents and marked the site for the temple to be built later by his cousin.

It’s a general belief that if a childless couple visits the temple and wishes for fertility, Lama Drukpa Kuenley will bless them and allow them to bear children. Nobody knows precisely how and when the tradition of seeking fertility blessings started in Chimi Lhakhang, but today, the temple is famous as the Temple of Fertility.

Ritsha Village: Ritsha Village is a place in Bhutan that got its name from its location “at the base of the hill”. This village is well-known for its red and white rice production and is considered a model rice-growing village in western Bhutan. The town is on the Phochu and Mochu rivers’ banks, providing rich alluvial soil perfect for growing rice. Ritsha Village produces the majority of Bhutan’s rice. Houses in this village are made of pounded mud with stone foundations, and the gardens are usually filled with fruit-bearing plants like oranges and papayas, along with organic vegetables.

Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 5: Paro and local sightseeing.

Chele la Pass: Chele la Pass, located at an elevation of 3,988 meters, is one of the most memorable passes in Bhutan. It can be reached after an hour’s drive along a thickly forested road, a botanical paradise. The pass offers stunning views of the sacred mountains Jomolhari and Jichu Drake and is adorned by hundreds of prayer flags that flutter in the wind. Visitors can witness cascades of wild roses, purple and yellow primulas, and swathes of deep blue iris covering the forest floor. The top of the pass is painted with rhododendrons in various colours, including pale pink, deep pink, burnt orange, mauve, white, and scarlet.

National Museum of Bhutan (Ta-Dzong): The National Museum of Bhutan, also known as Ta-Dzong, is an ancient watchtower that houses hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artefacts and artworks. The collections on display include traditional costumes, armour, weaponry, and handcrafted implements used in daily life, representing Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. The Ta Dzong watchtower was built in 1649 to protect Rinpung Dzong during the war. In 1968, it was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum.

Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the country’s oldest and most sacred shrines, was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo.

Drukgyal Dzong: Drukgyal Dzong was a Buddhist monastery used as a fortress to ward off Tibetan invaders. It is now considered one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and well-known archaeological sites.

Paro Airport View: This is one of the world’s most stunning airports and the country’s first and only international airport. With a breathtaking view, it has become a must-visit place in Paro.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

Day 6: Paro – Taktsang Monastery.

Hike to Taktsang Monastery: The Taktsang Monastery is one of Bhutan’s most famous and impressive monasteries, located on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley floor. It is considered a place of pilgrimage and is visited by many Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave for three months. This is how the site got its name, “Tiger’s Nest”. The place has been a sacred site for a long time and was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. The main Lhakhang of the current monastic complex dates back to 1692. Unfortunately, the main structure suffered severe damage due to a fire in 1998. However, after many years of meticulous renovation, the complex has been fully restored to its former glory. Please note that there is an additional fee of Rs.1000 per person for entry to the site.

Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 7: Departure from Paro.

After enjoying breakfast, bid farewell to the stunning country of Bhutan and depart with cherished memories.