6 Day Bhutan Cultural Escape | Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha & Paro

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival at Paro Airport - Thimphu
8 stops
1
Paro International Airport
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.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
4
Clock Tower Square
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
5
National Folk Heritage Museum
The Folk Heritage Museum is one of Thimphu's most fascinating cultural attractions, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese rural life. Established in 2001, the museum is housed in a beautifully restored three-storey traditional Bhutanese farmhouse that is over 150 years old.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
6
Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
7
Centenary Farmers Market
The Centenary Farmers Market (Now Kaja Throm) is a vibrant and dynamic space, offering a diverse range of products and experiences.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
8
Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
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.
50 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Thimphu - Phobjikha
5 stops
9
Buddha Dordenma
Begin the day with the visit to the Buddha Dordenma Statue, also known as the “Buddha Point,” a massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
10
Motithang Takin Preserve
Royal Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin – Bhutan’s national animal.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
11
Dochula Pass
Depart to Phobjikha (3-4 hrs). The highlight of the drive is crossing the breathtaking Dochula Pass (3,100 meters), one of Bhutan's most spectacular mountain passes. On a clear day, enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Eastern Himalayas. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyel Chorten – 108 stupas.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
12
Wangdue Dzong
Continue your descent through lush forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron as the landscape gradually transforms into the fertile and subtropical Punakha Valley. Continue further and Phobjikha, pausing briefly for photography of Wangduephodrang Dzong at the Bridge. Our journey then takes us over the scenic Lawa La Pass as we make our way to Gangtey.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
13
On arrival in Gangtey, set out on the Gangtey Nature Trail, which is one and a half hours, one of the most scenic walks in the region. The trail begins from Gangtey Monastery and meanders through pine forests, flower-dotted meadows, and stretches of open valley.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Phobjikha - Punakha
7 stops
14
Black Necked Crane Center
After breakfast visit the Crane Information Center where you get information about the valley.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
15
Gangtey Monastery
And Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century, perched atop a small hill that overlooks almost the entire Phobjikha Valley, the spectacular Gangtey Monastery is surrounded by a large village. A must-visit when in Gangtey.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
16
Punakha
Then drive to Punakha (2 hrs). Along the way, pass traditional villages, terraced rice fields, and beautiful river valleys that showcase Bhutan's rural charm.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
17
Punakha Dzong
In Punakha visit Punakha Dzong in local attire (can be optionally, depending on the price), one of the majestic fortresses that sits at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Female) and Pho Chhu (Male) rivers. To access the dzong, you’ll need to cross the Bazam Bridge, originally a bridge built in the 17th century.. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan.
50 minutes • Admission ticket included
18
Punakha Suspension Bridge
And take a short walk to the iconic Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding valley.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
19
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
20
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Punakha - Paro
7 stops
21
Chimi Lhakhang Temple
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.
50 minutes • Admission ticket included
22
Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts. Famous as Paro Dzong, it was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. This dzong has been used on various occasions to protect Paro from the invasion of Tibet. Below the dzong is a traditional wooden bridge called Nyamai Zam, which was reconstructed when the original one got washed away in a flood in 1969.
50 minutes • Admission ticket free
23
Paro town
Take a leisurely stroll through Paro’s charming downtown, where you can explore quaint shops, browse local handicrafts, and pick up unique souvenirs. Pause at a cozy café to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere and the vibrant rhythms of daily life in this picturesque Bhutanese town.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
24
Paro
Start the journey to Paro (3-4 hrs).
4 hours • Admission ticket free
25
Rinpung Dzong
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".
50 minutes • Admission ticket free
26
Chencho Handicrafts
Chencho Weaving Center in Paro Town, a locally-run weaving center showcases the intricate art of traditional Bhutanese weaving, offering visitors a chance to witness skilled artisans at work.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
27
Paro town
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
50 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Paro Taktsang
3 stops
28
Paro Taktsang
Taktsang Monastery: The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew 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. From the road, the hike toward Taktsang follows an uphill route and returning back takes approximately 5-6 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
29
Namgay Artisanal Brewery
Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro, Namgay artisanal brewery is at Dumsibu, Paro Bhutan with six types of beer and Apple cider in their brewery. hey brew many styles of beers, considering the different drinking palates for taste, making sure that all beer-lovers are satisfied.
50 minutes • Admission ticket included
30
Tshering Farmhouse
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.
50 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Departure
1 stop
31
Paro International Airport
Drive to Airport for departure for your onward destination
20 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The total duration per day is more than 7 hours; this includes travel time.

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