Upon your arrival visit the following places at Paro:

Paro National Museum: The museum provides an excellent overview of Bhutanese history and culture. Shaped like a conch shell, it was completed in 1656. The museum holds the largest collection of artifacts, textiles, and antiques in Bhutan.

Paro Dzong: standing high over the Paro Valley, this fortress is a landmark in Bhutan. In1644 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal initiated construction of this massive temple-fortress on the foundation of a monastery earlier built by Guru Rinpoche. 

Paro Dungtse Lhakhang: Dungtse Lhakhang, the little three storied chorten-shaped temple, was built in 1421 by Thangtong Gyelpo to subdue the ogress on the top of whose head it is said to be built. It was restored in 1841 by the 25th Head Abbot of Bhutan, Sherab Gyeltshen and the names of the Paro donors can still be seen written on the wooden pillars of the ground floor. It is said that on the day of construction, the founder himself appeared in the form of five vultures, and circled the temple showering his blessings before taking flight to Tibet. One can also see the central tower (utse), the pinnacle of the temple, chained from four directions to the roof of the temple. It is believed that while the consecration was being performed the central tower moved, attempting to fly to Tibet. Thus to stop it from its flight the central tower was chained down.This temple is unique in Bhutan as its paintings show the progressive stages of Tantric Buddhist philosophy as well as the most important deities and figures of the Drukpa Kagyudpa School. 

Overnight hotel at Thimphu.

After breakfast you will visit the Kichu Lhakhang and Drukgyel Dzong.

Kichu Lhakhang: This temple was built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body covers Bhutan and most of Eastern Tibet. This temple is one of the most spiritual places in Bhutan.

Drukgyel Dzong: The ruins of Drukgyel Dzong are 15km from Paro town. This dzong was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to defend against Tibetan invasions. The dzong’s name, “Druk” (Bhutan) “Gyel” (victory), commemorates the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, you will get a spectacular view of Mount Jumolhari from here.

Drugyel Dzong reconstruction project started in 2016. The Dzong completed its reconstruction in 2022. You can now visit the Dzong and see the glory restored.

In the evening you can explore Paro town.

Overnight in Paro.

After leisurely breakfast, the group will travel to Thimphu.

In the evening you can explore Thimphu town.

Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast you can choose to visit from the following places:

• Changgangkha Monastery

• Dechen Phodrang monastery

• Bhutan post (see unique stamps)

• Weaving center in Changzamtok

• Simtokha Dzong & Thimphu Dzong

Overnight in Thimphu.

Today you have the options to visit the following places:

Folk Heritage Museum, Buddha Dordenma, Jungshi paper factory, and the weekend market. The Folk Heritage Museum provides you a glimpse of the lifestyle, items, and artifacts of Bhutanese villages and rural households. The museum is a restored three-story traditional rammed mud and timber house that resembles the average rural household in the Wang area during the mid-19th century, complete with typical household objects, domestic tools, and equipment that was used by rural families of that period.

Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Great Buddha Dordenma itself, will be made of bronze and gilded in gold. The Great Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Construction begun in 2006 and was planned to finish in October 2010, however construction did not conclude until 25 September 2015. The completed work is one of the largest Buddha rupas in the world, at 169 feet (52 m) and contains 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas.

If you prefer, spend some quiet moment and pray for the wellbeing of the entire sentient beings.

Jungshi Paper Factory: The Jungshi paper factory uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as deh-sho. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the daphne tree and the dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Deh-sho paper was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and manuscript books and also for writing prayer books. The Jungshi paper factory continues to preserve and promote this age-old Bhutanese tradition. It also produces various other products, such as stationery and greeting cards.

After lunch you can walk to the weekend market from your hotel. The market is located below the main town near the Wangchhu river. Thimphu’s weekend market is by far the largest domestic market for the farmers in Bhutan. With its wide assortment of fresh, organic produce, the farmer’s market has become a favorite spot for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life.

Nearby you can cross a cantilever footbridge to the west bank, where there’s a collection of stalls selling clothing, textiles, and handicrafts.

Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast you will drive to Punakha. The drive takes you across the Dochula Pass (10,230 ft), which is marked by a large Bhutanese chorten (Buddhist monument) and prayer flags.

At the Dochula you will visit Druk Wangyal Chorten. It consists of 108 stupas built by the Queen Mother to honor His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyelpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuk.

You will continue the drive to Punakha. The road to Punakha winds down from the pass, meandering through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests, giving you a glimpse of some of the most picturesque countryside in Bhutan.

Late afternoon is free to explore Khuruthang town and visit Zangdopelri Lhakhang.

Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast you will do sightseeing in Punakha as follows:

Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and is the second oldest dzong in Bhutan. Until the mid-1950s, it served as the seat of the government. At present, Punakha Dzong is used as the winter residence of the monk body (more than 400 monks) for 6 months, and it is one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan.

Chimi Lhakhang (about a 30-minute walk from the road) is the Temple of the Divine Madman, who is popularly known as Drukpa Kuenley. He inherited the Divine Madman title when he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling, and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is believed to be a symbol of fertility, and most childless couples go to his temple for a blessing.

Rinchengang village. The village is famous for having its houses built close to each other and indeed the space between houses was at times barely enough to walk through. People in this village will welcome you to their ancient village.

Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast you will hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions and the only one of its kind in the world. Built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, this temple is dedicated to the well being of the kingdom and the benefit of all sentient beings.

A 30-minute drive from the Punakha Dzong will bring you to the base of the hill on which this temple is built. From the car park, you have to cross a suspension bridge and walk-through rice fields before you start climbing a moderately inclined trail surrounded by pine trees. It takes about 1 hour from the car park to hike up to the temple, and 30 minutes to hike down.

Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast you will drive to Thimphu. You can spend the afternoon exploring and shopping in Thimphu.

Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast you will drive about 14km north of Thimphu to hike to Tango monastery. The monastery was founded in the 13th century. The word “tango” in the Bhutanese language means “horse head.” This name conforms to the main deity Hayagriva (local name Tandin) deified in the monastery.

Tango Monastery is a Buddhist college, and it’s the residence of the Desi Tenzin Rabgye, who is the reincarnation of the 16th-century monk. After the hike to Tango, if you are interested, you can hike to Cheri monastery. The hike is about one hour one way.

Overnight in Thimphu.

In the morning you can visit the National Textile Museum: The Textile Museum in Thimphu displays various Bhutanese textiles that are extensive and rich in traditional culture. It also exhibits colorful and rare Kira’s and Ghos (traditional Bhutanese dress–Kira for women and Gho for men). In the afternoon you will drive to Paro. You are free in the afternoon. Overnight in Paro.

On the way to Paro – If the group prefers – Visit Shechen Monastery

Overnight at Paro.

After breakfast you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. The monastery is located about 10 kilometers to the north of Paro. The monastery hangs on the edge of a cliff at 10,240 ft above sea level and about 3,000 ft above the Paro valley, on the right side of the Paro Chu. The rock slopes are very steep, and the monastery buildings are built into the rock face. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion.

Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast you will drive to Sang Choekhor Monastery. Afternoon free time exploring shops in Paro town and buying last-minute gifts.

Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast drive to Taktsang base. Taktsang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 hundred meters above the Paro Valley. It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rimpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled to meditate in it.

Taktsang Lhakhang is located approximately 10 km north of Paro town at an altitude of 3,120 meters. In order to arrive at the temple visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours through beautiful, shady pine forests. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site.

Upon return from Taktsang, visit Paro Kichu Lhakhang: 

Kichu Lhakhang: This temple was built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body covers Bhutan and most of Eastern Tibet. This temple is one of the most spiritual places in Bhutan.

In the evening you can explore Paro town.

Overnight at Paro.

All that starts well must end well. In the morning your guide will accompany you to the Paro International Airport to see you off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (Goodbye and Good luck).