Arrive Paro International Airport - Excursion in Paro (2200m)

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

The National Museum of Bhutan: Situated in Paro, just above the Rinpung Dzong (the administrative headquarters of Paro district), the National Museum is housed in an ancient watchtower known as Paro Ta Dzong, built in 1649. The museum showcases hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks, including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted daily life implements. The collection offers a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of Bhutan.

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

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

Druk Choeding - This 16th-century temple, located in Tshongdu, the main town of Paro, was built by Tibetan scholar Ngawang Chogyel in 1529. During his sixth and final visit to Bhutan, he completed the temple, including the sacred frescos and murals that can still be seen today. The temple’s main relic is a statue of Jowo Jampa (the future Buddha), along with statues of the founder Ngawang Chogyel, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the founder of Bhutan), the three Buddhas, and Avalokiteshvara.

Leisure time to explore 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)

Bumthang / Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (3000m)

Phobjikha Valley / Transfer to Punakha Valley (1200m)

Gangtey Monastery - Today, you will be transferred to Punakha valley. Before starting the 2.5-hour journey, you’ll visit Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangtey Goenpa. Founded in 1613, this is one of Bhutan’s largest monasteries. The name Gangtey comes from its location on a peak (Tey) of a hillock (Gang). 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, featuring sacred mask dances and Bhutanese folk dances, is held here in autumn.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - About 12km before reaching Punakha town, you’ll stop to visit Chime Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility. A 30-minute walk through terraced rice fields and farmhouses leads to this temple, built in 1499 by Lama Ngawang Chogyal on a site blessed by his brother, Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the ‘Divine Madman’ for his unorthodox methods of spreading Buddhism. The temple houses a phallus relic, believed to bless women with fertility. Many couples visit seeking blessings to conceive a child.

Punakha Dzong - This 17th-century fortress is considered Bhutan’s most beautiful and elaborate. It showcases exquisite Bhutanese art and craftsmanship, influencing Bhutanese architecture to this day. You’ll have time to admire the intricate woodwork and sacred wall paintings.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - After visiting Punakha Dzong, you’ll 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 serene hilltop overlooking the fertile Punakha valley. The hike takes you through beautiful terraced rice fields and traditional houses, taking about 2-2.5 hours round trip. After the hike, return to the roadhead and drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.

Dochula Pass - En route, stop briefly at Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at 3150m elevation, to enjoy a grand view of some of Bhutan’s highest mountains on a clear day. Then continue driving towards Thimphu, gradually descending into the valley within 45 minutes.

Thimphu - Home to approximately 115,000 people, including the Royal family, Thimphu is Bhutan’s bustling capital and the main center of commerce, religion, and government. It’s the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and commercial billboards.

Buddha Dordenma - Upon arrival in Thimphu, visit the 169ft/51.5m tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha at Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the Thimphu valley. Built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and as a monument for world peace, the statue houses over 100,000 8-inch-tall Buddha statues. Construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2015.

Leisure evening in Thimphu town.

Thimphu / Transfer to Paro (2200m)

Bhutan Postal Museum - Today, you’ll visit some popular sites in Thimphu before transferring to Paro for the night.

Located in the same building as Bhutan National Bank, Bhutan Post Office was established in 1962 with the opening of a post office in Phuentsholing, a town bordering India. The museum showcases the progress of postal services and communication in Bhutan, featuring rare and unique stamps, First Day Covers, and stamp albums. It also displays artifacts related to postal services and communication. Visitors can even have their own stamps printed with their photo.

Centenary Farmers Market - Located near the Thimchu River, Thimphu’s weekend market is the largest domestic market for Bhutanese farmers. Farmers from across the country sell their produce here. The market’s wide assortment of fresh organic produce makes it a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike. Visiting the market offers insight into Bhutanese food preferences and culture.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum - This institute, located near the Folk Heritage Museum, was established to promote and preserve Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts, known as Zorig Chusum. These arts include woodwork, stonework, carving, painting, sculpting, casting, wood turning, blacksmithing, ornament making, bamboo work, paper making, tailoring, embroidery, applique, and weaving. These arts have been practiced for centuries and were formally categorized during the reign of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay in the 17th century. The institute is open on weekdays.

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

Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground - After lunch, visit Changlimithang Archery Range to witness a game of archery if a match is in progress. Archers dance and sing each time the target is hit from a distance of 145m. Archery is Bhutan’s national sport.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Paro. 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 famed Taktsang, or Tiger’s Nest, located on an 800-meter cliff in Paro. The history of Taktsang is linked to Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Legend says he flew into the cave on a tigress from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan. Taktsang is one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites and a must-visit for tourists. After visiting the monastery and enjoying lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria, return to the roadhead where your driver will be waiting.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure

Paro - After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred 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.