Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Paro International Airport where our guide and driver will welcome you. Begin your trip with a visit to the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the historic Paro Ta Dzong, showcasing hundreds of Bhutanese artifacts and artworks. Depending on your flight schedule, lunch will be served in Paro or Thimphu. Then drive 1.5 hours to the capital, Thimphu (altitude 2,334m), where you will visit the towering 169-feet bronze Buddha statue, a symbol of peace built for the Fourth King’s 60th birthday. Next, explore the Weaving Center to see traditional Bhutanese textile crafts, and if time permits, pass by the Changlimithang Archery Range to witness Bhutan’s national sport in action. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.

Day 2: After breakfast, hike 2-3 hours to the historic Tango Monastery, founded in 1222 by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, the originator of Bhutan’s Drukpa Kagyu Buddhism. Return to Thimphu for lunch, then visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum to learn about Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Nearby is the National Library, preserving Bhutan’s rich literary and religious heritage with manuscripts and ancient printing blocks. Later, stroll through the Craft Bazaar on Thimphu’s main street to browse authentic Bhutanese handicrafts. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.

Day 3: After breakfast, drive three hours via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,150m) with stunning Himalayan views to Punakha Valley (1,200m). Visit the 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang, known as the “Temple of Fertility,” set among terraced rice fields and colorful phallus paintings. After lunch, explore the magnificent 17th-century Punakha Dzong, famed for its intricate woodwork and sacred murals, located at the confluence of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge over the Phochu River, then continue to Namgay Zam Homestay for an authentic village experience. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.

Day 4: Begin with a 2-3 hour hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a sacred hilltop shrine overlooking Punakha Valley. Return to Punakha town for lunch before transferring three hours to the Phobjikha Valley (3,000m), a U-shaped glacial valley and winter home to endangered Black-necked Cranes. Visit the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery, an important religious site and monastic college, which hosts the annual Gangtey Tshechu festival featuring sacred mask and folk dances. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.

Day 5: After breakfast, enjoy a 5 km nature hike through the scenic Phobjikha Valley with its meadows, forests, and traditional villages, offering beautiful photo opportunities and insights into local livelihoods. Post-lunch, drive five hours back to Paro Valley (2,200m) for a restful evening. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.

Day 6: Start early with a 30-minute drive to Paro Sangchoekhor Buddhist College, then trek 4-5 hours uphill through forests and rhododendron blooms to Bumdrak Campsite at 3,860m. Lunch will be served mid-trek near colorful prayer flags. Bumdrak temple, perched on a cliff near the camp, contains a sacred cave blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Those with energy can hike an additional 45 minutes to the summit for panoramic mountain views. Full-service outdoor camping is provided at Bumdrak Meadow.

Day 7: Early risers may enjoy the sunrise and watch Himalayan Monal pheasants near camp. After breakfast, descend via Taktsang Monastery, stopping at Yoeselgang and Ugyen Tsemo monasteries. Visit the famous Taktsang Monastery perched dramatically on a cliff, where Guru Rimpoche meditated. Lunch is served at the vegetarian Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria out of respect for the sacred site. After descending, meet your driver for transfer to Paro town and some leisure time. In the late afternoon, visit a farmhouse for authentic home-cooked Bhutanese dinner; optional traditional hot stone bath available for an extra fee. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.

Day 8: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Your guide will assist with exit formalities and bid you farewell, wishing you a safe and pleasant journey ahead.