6 Days Best of Bhutan | Thimphu, Punakha & Paro

Day 1 · Day 01: Arrival at Paro Airport - Thimphu

1. 1

   Stop 1

   20 min

   Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative (Guide) and then drive to Thimphu (50km) which takes approximately an hour.

2. 2

   Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge

   30 min

   Tachogang Iron Chain Bridge, located along Paro-Thimphu highway, before Chhuzom. It is just a 10 minutes walk from the highway. It is a great spot for photography with a stunning view and peaceful ambience.

3. 3

   Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)

   30 min Admission included

   National Memorial Chorten; Probably one of the most popular Thimphu points of interest, this chorten features as a daily place of worship in many natives’ lives.

4. 4

   Clock Tower Square

   30 min

   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.

5. 5

   Motithang Takin Preserve

   30 min Admission included

   Royal Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin – Bhutan’s national animal.

6. 6

   Centenary Farmers Market

   30 min

   The Centenary Farmers Market (Now Kaja Throm) is a vibrant and dynamic space, offering a diverse range of products and experiences.

3-star Accommodation

Day 2 · Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing

1. 1

   Chagri Dorjeden Monastery

   2 hours

   After breakfast, drive north of Thimphu (approx. 30 minutes) to the trailhead of Chari Monastery. Begin a scenic hike through pine and oak forests, crossing a traditional cantilever bridge over the Wang Chhu River. The hike takes about 1–1.5 hours uphill.

2. 2

   Choki Traditional Art School

   40 min Admission 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.

3. 3

   Pangri Zampa Monastery

   40 min

   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. 4

   Stop 4

   30 min

   Handmade Paper Factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper. You can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.

5. 5

   Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)

   50 min Admission 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.

3-star Accommodation

Day 3 · Day 03: Thimphu - Punakha

1. 1

   Buddha Dordenma

   30 min

   he Buddha Dordenma, also known as the “Buddha Point,” is a massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park overlooking the capital city of Thimphu.

2. 2

   Dochula Pass

   40 min

   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.

   One of the most notable features of Dochula Pass is the Dochula Pass Druk Wangyal Chortens, also known as the Dochula Pass Stupas.

3. 3

   Punakha Dzong

   50 min Admission included

   Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong, is one of the most beautiful and important dzongs in Bhutan. One of the most iconic dzongs in Bhutan is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male) and Mo Chhu (Female) rivers.

4. 4

   Punakha Suspension Bridge

   40 min

   Spanning 160m over the Phochu River, and connects the Punakha Dzong (fortress) with the nearby villages and agricultural lands. The bridge gently sways in the wind offering an extra touch of thrill to your journey.

   The bridge is located just a short walk from the iconic Punakha Dzong and it treats you to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, river, and the Punakha Dzong itself, making it a favorite spot for visitors to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   one hour

   Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch by the riverside in Punakha, with breathtaking views of the majestic Punakha Dzong, beautifully situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It is the perfect setting to relax and soak in the serene natural surroundings.

6. 6

   Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

   2 hours

   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.

Lobesa Resort or similar

Day 4 · Day 04: Punakha - Paro

1. 1

   Chimi Lhakhang Temple

   50 min Admission included

   After breakfast, walk across farmhouses in Sopsokha village to reach Chimi Lhakhang, A 15th-century fertility temple, blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing.

2. 2

   Paro

   4 hours

   Start the journey to Paro (4 hrs).

3. 3

   Rinpung Dzong

   50 min

   In Paro, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, is one of Bhutan's most iconic fortresses, located in the scenic Paro Valley. Its full name, Rinpung Dzong, translates to "Fortress of the Heap of Jewels".

4. 4

   Stop 4

   50 min

   Later enjoy some free time to explore the charming Paro downtown. Stroll along the main street lined with colorful traditional Bhutanese architecture. You may also explore the local market area or simply relax at a cozy café

3-star Accommodation

Day 5 · Day 05: Paro Taktsang

1. 1

   Paro Taktsang

   6 hours Admission included

   breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery, the wooded structure stands bravely on a cliff in the upper Paro Valley. The walk of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours one way. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche have flown 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.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   50 min Admission included

   Picturesque farm houses dotted the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We welcome you to visit Bhutanese homes for dinner with them and experience their hospitality. A visit gives you an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of Bhutan.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   50 min

   Namgay Artisanal Brewery: Did you know Bhutan has some of the most reputed and highly enjoyed brews? 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.

3-star Accommodation

Day 6 · Day 06: Departure

1. 1

   Stop 1

   20 min

   In the morning drive to the Airport for flight to your onward destination.