Upon arrival in Bhutan, you will land at Paro, the country's only international airport. Upon exiting the airport, your guide will meet you and drive you to your hotel in Thimphu. Your hotel is approximately an hour's drive from Paro Airport. Thimphu is the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan and is a stronghold of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture, and culture. With over 100,000 residents, including the nation's Royal Family, it is 2,320 meters (7,656 feet) above sea level. A crucible for urbanization—this is where you will see modern-day Bhutan infused with more traditional aspects of living. It is interesting to note that Thimphu is the only capital city without traffic lights in the entire world.

Just before reaching Chuzom, you will pass Tachog Lhakhang, a temple constructed by Thangtong Gyalpo. He pioneered suspension bridge construction in Tibet and Bhutan, many of which are still in use today. The present bridge to Tamchog Lhakhang was restored in 2005 in a traditional style with iron chains, and crossing this iron bridge is a wonderful experience (approximately a 50-minute roundtrip walk).

Drive onward to your hotel in Thimphu to check in and stay overnight.

After breakfast, embark on a nature walk to Cheri Monastery, an important center for meditational retreats. It was established in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal as the home for the first monk body in Bhutan. An elaborately decorated silver chorten inside the upper monastery enshrines the ashes of Zhabdrung's father. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave above the monastery when he came to Bhutan in the 8th century.

To reach Cheri Monastery, take a 14-kilometer drive (9 miles, approx. 30 minutes) towards the northern end of Thimphu Valley up to Dodena (2600m/ 8,530ft), from where the hike starts. The trail commences by crossing a nicely covered traditional wooden bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhu (river) and then heads up steadily to the monastery. The steep nature trail is serene and a chance to breathe through the cool, fresh area under the magnificent wooded area, while the view from the top is stunning. Cheri has several hermitages and small temples on its slopes, where the Zhabdrung meditated for many years. The area also offers stunning views.

Hiking Info
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Max Elevation: 2650 meters (8,694 feet)
Elevation Gain: 330 meters (1,083 feet)
Walking Distance: 6.5 km (4 miles, round trip)
Walking Time: Approx. 2.5 hour (round trip) 

After lunch, you can visit the Textile Museum, which, established under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden, has elevated Bhutanese textiles to new heights as one of the most prominent and unique art forms. The museum has exhibitions on six major themes: warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, the role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles made from indigenous fibers, and the Royal Collection.

If you're interested in learning about the traditional crafts of Bhutan, consider visiting the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. The institute was established in 1971 and aims to preserve and promote thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The institute is sometimes referred to as the Arts & Crafts School or Painting School and offers 4-to-6-year courses in these thirteen traditional arts and crafts.

Take a short drive to the north of town to Buddha Dordenma, located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D. discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (the Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is believed to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni is 51.5 meters (169 ft) tall, gilded in gold, and made of bronze, making it one of Bhutan's largest statues. The Buddha Dordenma statue has 125,000 smaller Buddha statues inside of it, all of which have been cast in bronze and gilded. At Buddha Point, you can meditate in a designated area.

Visit the fortress of the glorious religion, Trashichhoedzong, to round off your sightseeing day. It is home to the monarch's throne room, the seat of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot, and the hub of religion and government. Constructed in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the monastery was rebuilt in the 1960s using traditional methods without architectural blueprints or nails.

Before returning to the hotel, explore the Centenary Farmers Market (closed on Tuesdays). Popularly known as the Weekend Market, this bustling, colorful market center is the biggest place where farmers from different parts of the country gather to sell their farm products. The Farmer's Market is a popular destination for many due to its diverse range of products, which includes handicrafts, and its picturesque and colorful setting.

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la Pass (3,088m/ 10,130ft), stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags that decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass: Masagang (7,158m/ 23,484ft), Tsendagang (6,960m/ 22,835ft), Terigang (7,060m/ 23,163ft), Jejegangphugang (7,158m/ 23,484ft), Kangphugang (7,170m/ 23,524ft), Zongphugang (7,060m/ 23,163ft), a Table Mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,570m (24,836ft).

The first Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, constructed 108 chortens, or stupas, at Dochula Pass. These are known as Druk Wangyal Chortens. These chortens are built in three layers, with the main chorten at the center of the first layer (lowest level) having forty-five chortens, the second layer having thirty-six, and the top layer having twenty-seven.

Drive to Gangtey (approximately 5 hours of driving), passing through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees.

The Gangtey Valley is among the most stunning and pristine locations. This is a rare experience in Bhutan, where most valleys are enclosed. Finding a wide, flat valley devoid of trees after a strenuous climb through dense forests is surprising. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor, lies the village of Phobjikha. In the evening, take a stroll, discovering the enchanting Phobjikha valley.

Visit the monastic school early in the morning to observe the prayer ceremony. After breakfast, visit Gangtey Goempa Monastery. Situated atop a small hill rising from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the largest and only Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan and the only one on the western side of the Black Mountains. Surrounding the monastery is a sizable village, mainly home to the 140 Gomchen families who maintain the monastery. Pema Trinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa, founded Gangtey Monastery in 1613. The monastery continues to teach the religious practices of Pema Lingpa.

Start your walking tour at the Gangtey Nature Trail. This pleasurable walk will give you a nice feel for Phobjikha Valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village, through beautiful forests, and into the open valley. The trail ends at a local community school after passing a chorten and Khewa Lhakhang. (approx. 5.5km/3.5 miles, 2 hours walk).

After lunch, explore the fascinating Phobjikha Valley. This place is the winter home of black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass the winter in milder and lower climates. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Blackwater) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-White Water).

Make sure to check out the Black Neck Crane Information Center. Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha Valley, the black-necked crane information center has an observation room equipped with a high-power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The center also offers display information that outlines the natural and cultural history of the area.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha for approximately 3 hours. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955, and it is still the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with a temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from the Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the fertile Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. Punakha, a well-liked year-round destination, has mild winters due to its elevation of 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) above sea level.

Before entering Punakha town, visit Wangduephodrang Dzong. It was founded in 1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and offers a stunning view of the valley below. It is situated on a high ridge between the Punak Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu rivers. Wangdue Dzong holds a special place in Bhutan’s history. The strategic location of the Dzong provided Penlop (the governor) of Wangduephodrang with a chance to protect the routes to Trongsa, Punakha, Dagana, and Thimphu, making him the third most powerful ruler after the governors of Paro and Trongsa. The Dzong was rebuilt to its former grandeur and splendor in 2022, following damage from a fire in 2012.

After lunch, explore Punakha Dzong, a magnificent structure constructed in 1637 at the confluence of the Phochu and Mochu rivers, also known as the Palace of Great Happiness, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This dzong, spanning approximately 182.88 meters by 73.15 meters (600 by 240 feet) with a six-story gold-domed tower, once functioned as a religious and administrative hub in Bhutan. Within its walls, discover courtyards and religious statuaries reflecting a rich history and spiritual tradition. Your guide will provide insights into the exotic culture with a longstanding presence in the region.

A quick trip to Chimi Lhakhang follows. Known as the temple of fertility, the Chimi Lhakhang is situated on a hillock in the middle of the valley. Praying at this temple is believed to bring children to childless couples. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning 'field. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, a beautiful hike leads to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten (approximately a 2-hour round-trip walk), which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability, and harmony in a changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the riverside, with fascinating views all around.

After lunch, take an excursion to Talo village, which is scattered along the hill slopes and known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages. Talo is the seat of the mind incarnations of the Zhabdrung. Talo Sangnacholing Dzong sits atop a plateau, offering a majestic view of the surrounding villages. Spend time at Nobgang and Talo villages, visiting farmhouses, meeting families, and experiencing Bhutanese rural life.

Along the way, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking the valleys of Punakha and Wangdue, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup temple houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara and Guru Padmasambhava, Gautam Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras, and Tsepamay (Buddha of Longevity). The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation center for nuns, where, apart from religious training, it provides life skills training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making, and Thangkha painting.

After breakfast, take a 4-hour drive to Paro along the scenic highway. Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel. The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty, and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, the National Museum, and the country’s only international airport. At the northern end of the valley, Mount Chomolhari stands tall and proud at 7,314 meters (23,996 ft), covered in a pristine layer of white snow. Its glacial waters plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa Chhu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing the bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

After lunch, visit the Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

After visiting the Ta Dzong, take a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels." It has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore.

Later in the afternoon, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the evening, stroll in the charming Paro city center, exploring petite shops on both sides of Paro's main street.

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, take a fascinating 5-hour round-trip walk to Tiger's Nest, also known as Taktshang Monastery. Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters (2,952 feet) above the Paro Valley floor, it is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche arrived at this monastery on the back of a tigress and meditated, hence its name, Tiger's Nest. After being visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, it is considered sacred by Bhutanese people.

In the afternoon, you will visit a typical farmhouse. Bhutanese farmhouses are traditionally constructed without nails and are incredibly colorful and ornamental. Most people in Bhutan still reside in small, remote villages and farms surrounded by terraced rice, maize, and buckwheat fields, just as they have for centuries. In addition, you can practice archery, the national sport of Bhutan, and then enjoy traditional tea and snacks with local families.

After breakfast, transfer to the international airport on time to board your flight back home.