7 Days: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha

Tour overview:

Rated as the happiest country in the world, this hidden treasure of the Himalayas, known as the Dragon Kingdom, is home to an ancient and simple lifestyle. Explore Paro, the majestic mountain retreat of Bhutan, followed by its capital Thimphu where you stroll to a monastery and also get the opportunity to appreciate a local market.

Day 1 - Paro – Arrive Paro / Thimphu

Arrive at Paro International Airport where you will be picked up by your local guide. Drive to Thimphu. If time permits, stop at Tamchog Monastery on the way to Thimphu. Built in the 15th century by the renowned Buddhist saint, Thangtong Gyalpo. He has built many iron chain suspension bridges across Bhutan and Tibet. In Thimphu, visit the Buddha Dordema statue, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses both the central monastic body and the administrative seat of the Bhutanese government. Rest of the day, explore Thimphu town for shopping and photography. Overnight in Thimphu. Hotel Osel or similar.

Day 2 - Thimphu Sightseeing

Explore the Painting school and the Textile Museum to learn about Bhutanese traditional arts and crafts. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Takin reserve and take on a short hike, Wangdi Tse after that. It is a relatively short and easy hike that leads to Wangditse temple that overlooks the capital city of Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu. Hotel Osel or similar.

Day 3 - Thimphu – Punakha Excursion

- Take a 2 hour drive to Punakha.

- Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the "Temple of Fertility," dedicated to the Divine Madman. 

- Visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most beautiful fortresses, located at the confluence of two rivers.

- In the evening, walk across the longest Suspension Bridge in Bhutan (160 meters) across Pho Chu River. 

Overnight in Thimphu. Hotel Osel or similar.

Day 4 - Thimphu – Paro

- After breakfast, take a beautiful, scenic hike to the Buddha Point from Changangkha Lhakhang (starting point). The trail is relatively easy and takes about 2.5 – 3 hours offering beautiful views the valley along the way.

- After lunch drive to Paro.

- Rest of the day free to walk around the small Paro town. 

Overnight in Tenzingling Resort or similar.

Day 5 - Paro Sightseeing

 Visit the Drukgyal Dzong built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. On a clear day you can get a magnificent view of the Mount Chomolhari, alt. 7314 m / 23,990 ft. 

- Drive south to Satsam Chorten, built in memory of the late Dilgo Khentse Rinpochey.

- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in seventh century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo. 

- After lunch visit the National Museum of Bhutan. The museum offers an insight into Bhutanese history, culture, tradition and art. 

- Visit Rinpung Dzong, a beautiful fortress-monastery with stunning architecture.

Overnight in Paro. Tenzinling Resort or similar. 

Day 6 - Tiger’s Nest Excursion

After early breakfast, hike to visit the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang) perched on a cliff. End the day and the trip with a hot stone bath and dinner at a local farmhouse if preferred. Overnight in Paro. Tenzinling Resort or similar.

Day 7 - Depart Paro

You will meet and transferred to the Paro airport for your flight back to home.