Day 1: Arrival in Paro & Drive to Thimphu
- Arrival at Paro Airport:
- Fly into Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s only international gateway. Paro is a beautiful town surrounded by mountains and rich in cultural heritage.
- Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to the capital city, Thimphu (1.5 hours drive).
- Sightseeing in Thimphu:
- Tashichho Dzong: The seat of Bhutan’s government, this majestic fortress is also a monastery and the summer residence of the monastic body.
- Buddha Dordenma Statue: This giant golden statue of Buddha is one of the largest in the world and offers stunning views over Thimphu valley.
- Memorial Chorten: A stupa built in memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
- Overnight: Stay in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing & Drive to Punakha
- Morning: After breakfast, continue your exploration of Thimphu.
- Folk Heritage Museum: A great place to understand Bhutanese culture and history.
- National Library: Home to ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts.
- Changangkha Lhakhang: A peaceful temple with panoramic views of Thimphu.
- Afternoon: Drive to Punakha (2.5-3 hours).
- Chimi Lhakhang: On the way to Punakha, visit this temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman,” Lama Drukpa Kunley. It is famous for its fertility blessings.
- Evening: Arrive in Punakha.
- Punakha Dzong: One of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers.
- Overnight: Stay in Punakha.
Day 3: Punakha & Drive to Paro
- Morning:
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: A lovely 45-minute hike to a hilltop temple that offers great views of the Punakha Valley.
- Afternoon: Drive back to Paro (4-5 hours). En route, you will pass through beautiful valleys and small villages.
- Evening: Arrive in Paro, the picturesque town where you can relax after the long journey.
- Overnight: Stay in Paro.
Day 4: Paro – Tiger’s Nest Monastery & Local Sightseeing
- Morning: Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
- This iconic monastery is perched on the edge of a cliff, 900 meters above the Paro valley. The hike takes around 4-5 hours round trip, but the breathtaking views and spiritual significance make it an unforgettable experience.
- Afternoon:
- Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong): A beautiful dzong with a fascinating history, situated on the banks of the Paro Chhu River.
- National Museum of Bhutan: Located in the Ta Dzong building, it showcases Bhutan’s culture, art, and history.
- Evening: Stroll around Paro town, visit local shops, and enjoy traditional Bhutanese cuisine.
- Overnight: Stay in Paro.
Day 5: Departure from Paro
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you can visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan.
- Transfer to Paro Airport for your departure.
This 5-day itinerary provides a great balance of culture, history, nature, and adventure. You’ll get a glimpse into Bhutan’s unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty while visiting its most famous landmarks.