Classic Bhutan

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our guide who will accompany you on your journey through Bhutan. You will immediately set off on a drive through the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, located at 7,610 feet.

En route, stop to admire the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the ancestral worship site for Bhutan’s renowned iron bridge builder. In the late afternoon, take a leisurely stroll around Thimphu to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, explore busy shops, and see locals dressed in traditional attire.

After breakfast, embark on a full day of sightseeing in Thimphu. There is a lot to see here and the schedule can be mapped out locally with your guide, but a typical day includes visits to the weekly market, the revered Memorial Chorten, and the massive Buddha Dordenma statue that offers a commanding view of the Thimphu valley. The statue houses several chapels and 125,000 smaller Buddha statues.

On the way back, visit Changangkha Temple, perched on a hill overlooking the town, where devotees come to turn prayer wheels and admire beautiful wall paintings and religious scriptures. Next, visit the Takin Reserve to see Bhutan’s unique national animal, the Takin. In the afternoon, explore the School of Traditional Arts, the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Library, and the National Textile Museum, which features a striking collection of intricate textiles. For Bhutanese handicrafts, stroll through the Craft Bazaar, where stalls offer exclusively homemade items.

After breakfast, depart for Punakha, a picturesque valley known for its stunning landscapes and historical sites. En route, stop at the Dochu la Pass, located at an elevation of 10,000ft, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. You will then drop down into the Punakha Valley below, descending into a verdant landscape of green rice fields and rolling hills.

On arrival, take a pleasant walk through the terraced fields of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the “Divine Madman.”

Finish the day with a visit to Punakha Dzong – the “Palace of Great Happiness,” built in 1637 at the confluence of the Po Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Punakha Dzong is one of the most historically significant and arguably the most beautiful in Bhutan.

After breakfast, set out to explore more of Punakha’s natural and cultural attractions. Take a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning temple perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the valley. Start from the suspension bridge below the chorten and hike gently for about 10 minutes through paddy fields, then continue for 40-50 minutes up to the temple. While mostly gentle, the hike includes some steeper sections. Enjoy stunning views of the valley and surrounding villages from the top. The 100-foot-tall temple is dedicated to the fifth king. Descend for about 30 minutes to the suspension bridge, where your car will pick you up.

The afternoon is then free to relax at the hotel, or discuss further exploration with your guide. Options include a leisurely rafting trip along the Mo Chhu River, further countryside walks, or visits to local homes and markets.

After breakfast, you will be returned by road to Paro, a drive of about four hours.

In the afternoon, visit the National Museum in the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower built to protect the Paro Valley. The museum features an extensive collection of Bhutanese artifacts, including costumes, religious paintings, weapons, textiles, and stamps. Next, visit Rinpung Dzong, a majestic fortress-monastery that stands as a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. Take a leisurely walk across the traditional cantilever bridge, capturing stunning views of the dzong and the surrounding landscapes as you go. If time permits, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s most sacred shrines.

After an early breakfast, set out to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It clings to a cliff 2,950 feet above the valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a tigress and meditated there for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s holiest sites, attracting pilgrims from Bhutan and neighboring Buddhist countries.

This sacred site is perched on a cliffside, and the hike to reach it offers forest walks interspersed with breathtaking views. The hike to Tiger’s Nest is challenging but rewarding, and it is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. Enjoy lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria with a spectacular view of the monastery.

Most visitors return from the hike in the early afternoon. After that, you can spend your last few hours in Bhutan relaxing at your hotel or ask your guide to suggest some further sightseeing or shopping opportunities.

Sadly it is time to say ‘Tashi Delek’ (goodbye and good luck). At the appropriate time today your guide and driver will drop you back at Paro International Airport for your onward journey.