Arrival at Paro International Airport - Paro Excursion (2200m)

National Museum - Upon arrival at Paro, Bhutan’s sole International Airport, the guide and driver will welcome you and take you to the National Museum. In the afternoon, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang and the 15th-century Druk Choedhing Lhakhang.

The National Museum of Bhutan: Situated in Paro above the Rinpung Dzong (Paro district’s administrative headquarters), the museum is housed in the historic Paro Ta Dzong, a watchtower fortress built in 1649. It showcases numerous ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks, including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted daily life implements. The museum’s collection offers a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Kyichu Lhakhang - Located a short drive from Paro’s main town, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries, believed to have been constructed in 659 A.D. by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Legend has it that a giant demoness’s spirit lay across Tibet and Bhutan, hindering Buddhism’s spread. To subdue her, King Songtsen Gampo built 108 temples across the region. Kyichu Lhakhang, built to pin down the demoness’s left foot, is one of two temples in Bhutan. The other, Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang, was built to pin down her left knee. Both temples are said to have been constructed overnight.

Druk Choeding - The 16th-century Druk Choedhing Temple is located in Tshongdu, Paro’s main town. Built by Tibetan scholar Ngawang Chogyel in 1529, the temple features sacred frescos and murals still visible today. Its main relic is the statue of Jowo Jampa (future Buddha), alongside statues of the founder Ngawang Chogyel, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Bhutan’s nation-state founder), the three Buddhas, and Avalokiteshvara.

Enjoy leisure time exploring Paro town.

Transfer to Trashigang, Eastern Bhutan by Domestic Flight / Drive to Trashiyangtse (1800m)

Trashiyangtse / Transfer back to Trashigang (1100m)

Trashigang / Transfer to Merak (3500m)

Full Day Exploring the Merak Village (3500m)

Merak / Transfer to Mongar via Trashigang (1600m)

Mongar / Transfer to Lhuentse (1640m)

Lhuentse / Transfer to Yongkola for overnight (1855m)

Yongkola / Transfer to Tang Valley, Bumthang (2715m)

Tang Valley / Transfer to Bumthang (2700m)

Tamshing Lhakhang Temple - Visit Tamshing Lhakhang or Lhuendup Choling Lhakhang: Built by Bhutan’s great treasure discoverer, Terton Pema Lingpa, in 1501 AD, Tamshing Lhakhang remains the seat of his successive reincarnations. Among the treasures and religious artifacts crafted by Terton Pema Lingpa, an armory has endured five centuries without rust or deterioration. It is believed that carrying this armory and circumambulating the inner sanctum three times cleanses past sins. A small statue of Guru Rinpoche and inner offerings of some statues are thought to be treasures discovered by Pema Lingpa from the Mebar Tso (Burning Lake) in Tang Chhu River.

Bumthang / Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (3000m)

Phobjikha Valley / Transfer to Punakha Valley (1200m)

Gangtey Monastery - Transfer to Punakha valley, stopping first at Gangtey Monastery or Gangtey Goenpa. This prominent landmark, one of Bhutan’s largest monasteries, was founded in 1613. “Gangtey” refers to the Goenpa’s location on a hillock peak. The current abbot is the ninth Gangtey Trulku, His Holiness Kunzang Rigzin Pema Namgyal. The monastery also houses a Buddhist college where hundreds of monks study for nine years. The annual Gangtey Tshechu festival, held in autumn post-harvest, features sacred mask dances and Bhutanese folk dances.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - About 12km before reaching Punakha town, visit the renowned Chime Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), a 30-minute walk from the nearest road through scenic rice fields and farmhouses. Built in 1499 by Lama Ngawang Chogyal on a site blessed by his brother, Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the ‘Divine Madman’ for his unconventional methods of spreading Buddhism. A phallus relic at Chime Lhakhang is considered sacred, especially for women seeking fertility. Many couples visit the temple for blessings, with numerous stories of successful conceptions following their visit.

Punakha Dzong - The 17th-century Punakha Dzong is renowned as Bhutan’s most beautiful and elaborate fortress, showcasing exquisite Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship that continue to influence Bhutanese architecture. Spend time admiring the intricate woodwork and sacred wall paintings.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - After visiting Punakha Dzong, walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge and enjoy its scenic beauty.

Total driving time: 3 hours

Punakha Valley / Transfer to Capital City, Thimphu (2334m)

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - After an early breakfast, drive to the nearest roadhead and hike to Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten, located on a tranquil hilltop overlooking Punakha valley. The hike through beautiful rice fields and traditional houses takes about 2-2.5 hours round trip. After the hike, return to the road-head and drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.

Dochula Pass - Briefly stop at Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at 3150m, to enjoy a stunning view of Bhutan’s highest mountains on a clear day. Continue driving towards Thimphu, descending to Thimphu valley in about 45 minutes.

Thimphu - Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, is home to approximately 115,000 residents, including the Royal family. This vibrant city is the country’s main hub for commerce, religion, and government. Thimphu is unique as the only capital city worldwide without traffic lights or commercial billboards.

Buddha Dordenma - Upon arrival in Thimphu, visit the Buddha Dordenma statue: This impressive 169ft/51.5m bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on Kuensel Phodrang hilltop, overlooking Thimphu valley. It offers a splendid view of the city. Built to commemorate the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s 60th birthday and as a monument for world peace, the statue houses over 100,000 8-inch-tall Buddha statues. Construction began in 2006 and concluded in 2015 after nearly a decade.

Enjoy a leisurely evening in Thimphu town.

Thimphu / Transfer to Paro (2200m)

Bhutan Postal Museum - Visit popular Thimphu sites before transferring to Paro for an overnight stay.

The Bhutan Post Office, located in the city center within the Bhutan National Bank building, launched its postal service in 1962 with a post office in Phuentsholing, a southern town bordering India. For philatelic enthusiasts, the museum offers a rich collection of stamps, First Day Covers, and stamp albums.

The museum highlights Bhutan’s postal service progress and communication systems, showcasing rare and unique stamps, pre-postal communication modes, and legendary messenger stories. Relevant artifacts are displayed to effectively tell these stories.

Visitors can have personalized stamps printed with their photo.

Centenary Farmers Market - Situated below the main town near the Thimchu River, Thimphu’s weekend market is Bhutan’s largest domestic market for farmers. Farmers from across the country sell their produce here. With its wide variety of fresh organic products, the market is a favorite spot for tourists and a recreational venue for locals.

Exploring this market provides insight into Bhutanese food preferences and culture.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum - Located near the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Institute of Zorig Chusum promotes and preserves Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts, offering Bhutanese youth increased access to learning these skills.

The thirteen arts and crafts include:
Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (wood turning), Gar Zo (blacksmith), Troe Zo (ornament making)
Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery, and applique) & Thag Zo (weaving).

These arts are integral to Bhutan’s cultural heritage, practiced since ancient times and formally categorized during Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay’s reign, Bhutan’s fourth temporal ruler, in the 17th century.

Open on weekdays.

National Library and Archives of Bhutan - Considered a national treasure, this library is a primary source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts, and culture. Open on weekdays and Saturdays from 10 am to noon.

Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground - After lunch, visit Changlimithang Archery Range to watch an archery match if in progress. Witness archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from 145m away. Archery is Bhutan’s national sport.

Afterward, transfer to Paro. Enjoy leisure time in Paro.

Total driving time: 2 hours

Hike to the famous Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest (3120m)

Paro Taktsang - After an early breakfast, embark on a 4-5 hour round-trip hike to the renowned Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest, perched on an 800-meter rocky cliff in Paro. Taktsang’s history is linked to Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. Legend says Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding a tigress. It is not only a sacred pilgrimage site but also a “must-visit” for tourists. After visiting Taktsang monastery and enjoying lunch at Taktsang cafeteria, return to the road head where the driver awaits.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure

Paro - After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.

• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and light snacks
• All ground transportation including round trip airport transfers
• Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide
• Twin-sharing accommodations at 3-star hotels certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan
• One-way domestic flight from Paro to Yonphula in Trashignag, eastern Bhutan on Day 2
• Entry fees to National Museum and permit for eastern Bhutan
• National costumes (Gho for men & Kira for Women) provided
• Medical treatment at a hospital in Bhutan for injuries sustained within Bhutan
• Visa Fee & Processing with e-Visa delivery within 4-5 business days
• All internal taxes for the services listed

• Travel insurance is highly recommended.
• International flights. Let us know in advance if you need help with arranging Bhutan.
• Tips to Guide and Driver
• Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
• Any other expenses of personal nature
• Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee.
• Emergency evacuation
• All Entry fees except for National Museum

Explore deep inside Bhutan from the remotest alpine village in the east to the capital city in the west giving you insights into the food, cultural and linguistic diversity of a small Kingdom of less than 800,000 population. There are around 20 languages spoken across the country and on this trip, you will come across communities speaking 7 different languages, enjoy stunning landscapes dotted with secluded ornate temples and pristine environment rich in countless flora and fauna.

You’ll travel through hearts of 4 eastern districts - Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Mongar & Lhuentse; 2 central districts - Bumthang & Trongsa; and 4 western districts - Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha, Thimphu & Paro. In Trashigang, you’ll visit a remote village of Merak and spend 2 nights with the local community to understand their unique customs and culture, explore the pristine village. Merak and its neighboring village Sakteng was opened to tourism only in 2010 with great caution to safeguard its uniqueness.

• This tour can be customized and run on a private basis just for you and your group.
• We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
• There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
• After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. Actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address.
• Youth between the ages of 13-18 MUST send us a copy of their valid Student Photo ID Card/Document to keep the discounted price. Without a copy of valid Student Photo ID Card/document, the full adult price will apply. Youth MUST also be accompanied by at least one full-paying adult.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.