Thimphu, Punakha And Paro

Route

Kathmandu - Paro - Thimphu -Dochula Pass - Punakha

Complete Tour Itinerary

Day 01 : Kathmandu / Paro / Thimphu

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Paro, Bhutan via Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. The flight offers breathtaking panoramic views of high Himalayan peaks and lush valley landscapes. Upon arrival at the airport and after completing visa formalities, our representative will meet, assist, and drive you to Thimphu (2,320 m / 7,656 ft; 65 km / approximately 1.5 to 2 hours).

Thimphu is the capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion, and commerce. It is a unique city featuring an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions, maintaining a strong national character in its architectural style. Home to civil servants, expatriates, and the central monk body, Thimphu remains a lively and fitting capital.

After checking in at your hotel, proceed for a tour of Thimphu’s iconic sights:

National Memorial Chorten: Built in 1974 to honor the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), this prominent landmark features striking golden spires and bells. It underwent extensive renovation in 2008 and is widely regarded as the most visible religious landmark in the city.

Tashichho Dzong: Known as the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” this grand monastery and fortress was initially constructed in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. It was rebuilt in its current magnificent form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1965. The Dzong houses the main Secretariat Building, the Throne Room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, and government ministries. During the warm summer months, the central monk body, led by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, makes its home here.

Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point): Home to one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, standing at 169 feet (51.5 meters). This colossal Shakyamuni Buddha statue is crafted from bronze and gilded in gold, overlooking the southern approach to the capital. Visitors can pay obeisance, offer prayers, and walk around the base to enjoy a commanding view of the Thimphu Valley.

Overnight at the hotel on a Full Board basis.

Day 02 : Thimphu (FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a comprehensive, full-day tour of Thimphu’s cultural, spiritual, and artistic landmarks:

Changangkha Lhakhang: This popular, fortress-like temple perched on a ridge above central Thimphu regularly hums with pilgrim activity. It was built in the 12th century by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who arrived from Ralung in Tibet. Local parents traditionally come here to obtain auspicious names for their newborns or blessings for their young children from the protector deity, Tamdrin.

Motithang Takin Preservation Centre: Located in the upper reaches of Motithang, this sanctuary protects Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. Declared the national animal on November 25, 1985, the rare Takin is deeply rooted in Bhutanese religious history and mythology. Legend states that the great saint Lama Drukpa Kuenley (1455–1529) joined a goat’s head onto the skeleton of a cow, bringing this unique creature to life.

Drubthob Goemba (Zilukha Nunnery): Perched on a promontory overlooking the picturesque Tashichho Dzong and the nearby golf course, this is the only nunnery in the capital. It belongs to the lineage of the 15th-century polymath Thangtong Gyalpo, often called the “Leonardo da Vinci of the Great Himalayas” for his skills in engineering, medicine, and bridge-building. Visitors may interact briefly with the active community of nuns here.

National Library: A major scriptural repository and research facility dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Bhutan’s rich literary, cultural, and religious heritage. The extensive collection of ancient scriptures and archives is a national treasure and a fundamental source for studying Himalayan history, medicine, and arts.

National Institute of Traditional Medicine (Indigenous Hospital): Established in 1988, this facility still practices the traditional Himalayan art of healing. It features a large laboratory and production facility that processes plants, minerals, animal parts, and precious stones into remedies entirely directed toward the healthcare needs of the Bhutanese public. Visitors can view a small museum and purchase Tsheringma, a popular safflower-based herbal tea produced on-site.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Thirteen Arts and Crafts School): Established by the government in 1971 to preserve and promote traditional artistic disciplines in contemporary Bhutan. Students undergo four to six years of rigorous training in thirteen distinct skills originally introduced by the 15th-century treasure-discoverer Pema Lingpa. These crafts reflect hundreds of years of knowledge passed down through generations, utilizing rich symbolism to communicate spiritual values.

Textile Museum & Handicrafts Shops: Established in 2001 under the National Commission for Cultural Affairs, the museum has garnered international attention for its substantial collection of antique Bhutanese textiles. It promotes the achievements of local weavers and serves as a center for textile research. Afterward, browse a wide assortment of colorful, hand-woven garments at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and neighboring craft shops.

Zangthopelri Lhakhang: Built in 1960 on a historic former battleground, this temple was constructed specifically to pacify negative energies. While contemporary compared to older monasteries, it possesses magnificent murals and impressive art treasures well worth seeing.

Overnight at the hotel on a Full Board basis.

Day 03 : Thimphu / Dochula Pass / Punaha

Following breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic drive to Punakha. The route takes you across the magnificent Dochula Pass, situated at an altitude of 3,050 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level. On clear days, this pass offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks of the high Himalayas. The pass is beautifully adorned with colorful prayer flags and features the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (monuments) built by the eldest Queen Mother. You will stop here for a refreshing tea and restroom break.

Continuing down from the pass, you will experience an incredible shift in altitude and vegetation as you descend nearly 1,800 meters into the sub-tropical climate of the Punakha Valley (1,200 m above sea level), marked by beautiful chir pine forests. Along the way, enjoy a short walk through the lush Royal Botanical Garden, a beautiful setting perfect for your lunch break. The total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

Upon entering the Punakha Valley, proceed to explore its legendary monuments:

Punakha Dzong: Strategically built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father) and Mo Chhu (Mother) rivers, this is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. It is arguably the country’s most majestic and architecturally stunning fortress. The dzong houses priceless sacred relics of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Rangjung Kharsapani and the sacred remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Pema Lingpa.

Chimi Lhakhang: Originally established in 1499 by Drukchen Ngawang Chogyal, this site is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, famously known in the West as the “Divine Madman.” Renowned across the world as the “Temple of Fertility,” couples travel from across the globe to this beautiful hill-perched shrine to receive traditional fertility blessings.

Overnight at the hotel on a Full Board basis.

Day 04 : Punakha / Paro

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out for your drive back to Paro. En route, make a historic stop just outside Thimphu:

Simtokha Dzong: Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this elegant fortress is the oldest surviving building of its kind in Bhutan and today serves as a premier Buddhist university. Its name is derived from simmo (demon) and do (stone), marking the exact rocky outcrop where a troublesome demon was legendarily subdued. Strategically positioned, it historically guarded the Thimphu Valley and the eastern routes leading up toward Dochula Pass.

Upon arrival in Paro, check in at your hotel and spend the afternoon touring the valley’s premier historic sights:

Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels” houses the monastic body of Paro alongside the district’s administrative and judicial offices. The approach to the Dzong leads across a traditional covered cantilever bridge called Nemi Zam, where a walk over stone-inlaid paths offers a perfect look at traditional Bhutanese woodwork. It is also the annual venue for the vibrant Paro Tshechu festival.

Kyichu Lhakhang: One of the oldest and most sacred shrines in the Kingdom, dating back to the 7th century. The complex is composed of two twin temples: the first was built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in a single day, while the second was built in 1968 by H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, mirroring the original architecture. It is an incredibly popular site for travelers seeking traditional wedding blessings.

Overnight at the hotel on a Full Board basis.

Day 05 : Paro (TIGER’S NEST HIKE)

Following an early breakfast at the hotel, embark on a memorable day hike to the world-renowned Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest).

The uphill hike takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours one way, winding through beautiful, serene pine forests draped in Spanish moss. The monastery clings dramatically to a sheer granite cliff 900 meters above the floor of the Paro Valley.

Legend states that Guru Rinpoche (Saint Padmasambhava) flew to this mountain in the 8th century on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave for three months, introducing Buddhism to the valley. It is considered a sacred duty for Bhutanese to visit it at least once in their lifetime.

Hike Note: Guests can opt to hire ponies (payable directly) for the uphill climb to the primary viewing ridge. For those who prefer a shorter walk, reaching the wooden cafeteria located at the halfway point still provides an exceptionally fulfilling view of the monastery.

Descend back to the valley and return to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for leisure, resting, or shopping for handicrafts in Paro town.

Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel on a Full Board basis.

Day 06 : Paro / Kathmandu / Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Your morning is free for leisure or final exploration until you are transferred to Paro International Airport to board your onward flight.