8 Day Enchanting Bhutan | Culture, Nature & Authentic Experiences

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive at Paro - Thimphu
7 stops
1
Paro
Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our English speaking guide and drive to Thimphu, the capital city. It is one and half hour drive. On the way stop at Tamchog Lhakhang which is around 30 minutes drive from Paro.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge
On the way visit Tamchogang, which is located on the ridge with beautiful view. and then drive to Thimphu which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
The National Memorial was built in 1974 by Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho in the memorial of the third King. The national Memorial Chorten is located in the center of the capital city, and the interior of the Chorten has a large number of paintings of Tantric deities, in explicit sexual poses that sometimes can be a little disconcerting to visitors. 15 minutes drive from the hotel
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
4
Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory: The Jungshi factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper, made using an age old method instead of the modern way. Visitors to the paper factory are given a demonstration of the paper making process. One of the most popular things to do in Thimphu, you can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
5
Centenary Farmers Market
The Centenary Farmers' Market, is one of the most vibrant and bustling marketplaces in Bhutan's capital city, Thimphu. Located in the heart of the city, this market is a hub of activity and commerce, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of Bhutanese people and the country's rich agricultural heritage. The market is renowned for its wide array of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. You'll find colorful stalls brimming with seasonal produce, including Bhutanese staples like red rice, potatoes, chilies, and various organic vegetables.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
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.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
7
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 Sightseeing
5 stops
8
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
9
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
10
Pangri Zampa Monastery
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.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
11
Choki Traditional Art School
visit Choki Traditional Art School in Thimphu (30 minutes north), Bhutan, is a remarkable institution dedicated to preserving Bhutan's traditional arts and crafts.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
12
Dodedrak Buddhist Monastery
After lunch begin your hike to Dodeydra Monastery that takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and rest stops. Moderate uphill walk through pine & rhododendron forest. At the monastery visit the main temple and join the monks for evening prayers and meditation sessions.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Thimphu - Phobjikha
4 stops
13
Join early morning prayers (optional but highly recommended). Experience chanting, rituals, and meditation. After breakfast, observe monks studying and chanting sessions. Interact with the Lama (head Monk) and learn about monk education (Shedra life) and after breakfast trek back to Thimphu.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
14
Dochula Pass
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. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
15
Wangdue Dzong
We continue our drive toward Phobjikha (3 hrs), 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
16
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
Day 4
Phobjikha - Punakha
4 stops
17
Black Necked Crane Center
After breakfast visit the Crane Information Center where you get information about the valley.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
18
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
19
Wangdue Phodrang
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
20
Spend your evening at the Wangdue Dzong View Farm House in Wangdue, an ideal vantage point to experience genuine Bhutanese hospitality. Walk through surrounding villages, rice fields, and engage with farmers and local communities. Join the host family in preparing Bhutan’s signature dishes such as Ema Datshi (chili and cheese), Kewa Datshi (potato and cheese), and Suja (butter tea).
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Punakha
5 stops
21
After lunch, drive to Talo village and take a walk into the village. Talo Village is a picturesque settlement located in the Punakha District of Bhutan. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) above sea level, Talo is known for its stunning natural beauty, traditional Bhutanese architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
22
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery
n The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery is perched on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Punakha valley and Wangduephodrang valley.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
23
Punakha Dzong
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
24
Picnic Lunch by the River with a View of Punakha Dzong is a unique and serene way to enjoy Bhutan’s natural beauty and cultural charm. These experiences provide an intimate connection with the breathtaking landscapes of the country.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
25
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 6
Punakha - Paro
5 stops
26
Rinpung Dzong
Paro Rinpung Dzong is a striking fortress and monastery located in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. Paro Rinpung Dzong is situated on the banks of the Paro River. The dzong, originally built in the 15th century, has a rich history deeply intertwined with Bhutanese culture and politics. It was established by the Tibetan Buddhist master, Ngawang Chogyel, to defend the Paro Valley against Tibetan invasions. Paro Rinpung Dzong is host to several annual religious festivals, including the famous Paro Tsechu. During these festivals, monks perform sacred masked dances and rituals, attracting thousands of pilgrims and spectators from all over Bhutan.
50 minutes • Admission ticket free
27
Paro District
After lunch a short hike to Zuri Dzong, a rewarding trek that offers stunning panoramic views of the Paro Valley.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
28
Chencho Handicrafts
visit 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 and stroll around Paro downtown for shopping or a cup of coffee.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
29
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
30
Namgay Artisanal Brewery
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Paro Taktsang
3 stops
31
Paro Taktsang
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. The monastery was built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgaye who is said to be one of the reincarnations of Guru Rinpoche. From the road, the hike toward Taktshang follows an uphill route and takes approximately 2-3 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day. From hotel it is around 30 minutes drive before we start the hike. In total it will take 5-6 hours depending your pace.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
32
Paro
Explore Paro town
1 hour • Admission ticket free
33
Tshering Farmhouse
Tshering Farmhouse is a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse located in Paro, Bhutan. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience rural Bhutanese life and hospitality firsthand.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Departure
1 stop
34
Paro
In the morning drive to the Airport for flight to your onward destination.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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