Day 1: Paro to Thimphu (1-hour drive)
We warmly welcome you to the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Our guide and driver will greet you with traditional Bhutanese hospitality at Paro International Airport and accompany you on a scenic journey to Thimphu, our capital city.
En route, we invite you to pause at Tamchog Monastery, a serene place of worship that offers a peaceful introduction to Bhutan's spiritual heritage.
Afternoon explorations (depending on your flight arrival):
- Memorial Chorten, a place of daily devotion for many Bhutanese
- Buddha Dordenma, the majestic statue radiating compassion
- Sangaygang Viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas
- Dupthop Nunnery, home to devoted nuns in meditation
Overnight in Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha
Buddha Dordenma Statue
Located 5 kilometers from Thimphu at 2,600 meters elevation, this magnificent 51-meter statue embodies compassion and enlightenment. The name Dordenma recalls Bodhgaya, the sacred site of Buddha's awakening. Initiated by the venerable Lam Tshering Wangdi and benefactor Peter Tee in 2005, this monument was consecrated on September 25, 2015, honoring the 60th birth anniversary of our beloved Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
Takin Sanctuary / Royal Takin Preserve
Here you may observe the takin, Bhutan's unique national animal, blessed by the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley, in the 15th century. According to cherished legend, this remarkable saint manifested the creature through his spiritual powers, creating a being that embodies the mystery and wonder of our mountain kingdom. It resembles a cow from back, a goat from the front, and it continues to befuddle taxonomists, who cannot quite relate the takin to another animal.
Tashichho Dzong Viewpoint
Tashichho Dzong, the "Fortress of Auspicious Doctrine," has served as the spiritual and administrative heart of Bhutan since 1216. Gracefully renovated by His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1950s using traditional methods, without nails or written plans. Presently it houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Other government departments are housed in buildings nearby.
National Institute for Zorig Chusum
The National Institute for Zorig Chusum Pedzoe (School of Arts and Crafts) is commonly known as "the painting school." It operates under the National Technical Training Institute and offers a six-year course that provides instruction in Bhutan's traditional arts and crafts called Zorig Chuksum, meaning 13 crafts. It follows the regular school schedule (9am-5pm Mon-Fri and 9-1pm on Sat) with exceptions of holidays and breaks. Tourists are allowed to visit the school and take a peek at the classes the children attend. There is also a small shop at the school that sells the students' work.
Afternoon journey to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass (3,100 meters)
This sacred mountain pass, 22 kilometers from Thimphu, graces the landscape with 108 chortens built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. These stupas honor our Fourth King and the eleven brave souls who gave their lives protecting our kingdom in December 2003. The site radiates peace and remembrance.
Overnight in Punakha
Day 3: Punakha to Paro
Punakha Dzong
Known as the "Palace of Great Happiness," this magnificent dzong rests at the sacred confluence of the Pho Chu (Father River) and Mo Chu (Mother River). Built by the great Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal in 1637, it serves as the winter residence of our Central Monastic Body and houses our most precious religious treasures. This blessed site witnessed the coronation of our First King in 1907 and the royal wedding of our Fifth King in 2011.
Following your visit, we invite you for a gentle walk to the famous suspension bridge spanning the river—a moment of tranquility and connection with nature.
Overnight in Paro
Day 4: Paro Valley
Morning pilgrimage to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
Today we offer you the opportunity for a transformative journey to Taktsang Monastery, one of Buddhism's most sacred sites. Taktshang monastery is one of wonders of the world and located at the top of a sheer cliff in Paro. The path is 5km in length and takes approximately one to three hours to reach the spectacular monastery on foot from the nearest road point Ramthangkha.
Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is widely regarded is one of the most important in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. Perched on a cliff 800 meters above the valley floor, this holy monastery marks where Guru Padmasambhava meditated for three months. The ascent allows time for reflection and appreciation of the natural beauty surrounding you including a beautiful waterfall and breathtaking valley views. Each step is a small pilgrimage, bringing you closer to this wonder of devotion and faith.
Afternoon at leisure
Your guide will be honored to accompany you to:
- Paro town for souvenir shopping at local handicraft markets
- Kaja Throm, our organic vegetable market
- Optional: Traditional hot-stone bath (Dotsho) to restore your body and spirit after the day's journey—a healing practice passed down through generations
We also welcome you to visit the National Museum if time and energy permit.
Overnight in Paro
Day 5: Departure
As you prepare to depart the Kingdom of Bhutan, we will ensure your comfortable transfer to Paro International Airport.
May the blessings of your journey remain with you always. We are deeply grateful for your visit to our precious kingdom and hope the peace and beauty you have experienced will stay in your heart.
Tashi Delek (Good Fortune to You)