9 Days 8 Nights
Bhutan
Attributes
3150 Feet
Moderate to Warm
9 Days Cultural Tour
This comprehensive 9-day tour of Bhutan begins at Paro International Airport (2,200m) and covers major cities including Thimphu, Phobjikha, and Punakha. The first three days are spent exploring Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, featuring visits to significant religious and cultural sites such as the National Memorial Chorten, the massive Buddha Dordenma statue, and Tashichho Dzong (the King’s throne room). The journey then continues to Phobjikha via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,150m), known for its cluster stupas and Himalayan views, before proceeding to Punakha, home to the historic Punakha Dzong situated at the confluence of two rivers.
The latter part of the tour returns to Paro for several notable experiences, including visits to Kyichu Lhakhang (one of the oldest temples in Bhutan) and the National Museum. The highlight of the tour is the hike to Tiger’s Nest (3,150m), a monastery dramatically perched on a cliff that takes about 2.5 hours to reach. Throughout the journey, visitors experience Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage through various dzongs (fortress-monasteries), traditional arts and crafts, and natural landscapes, with opportunities for hiking and shopping in between major sightseeing destinations. The tour offers optional activities and flexibility around flight schedules on the first and last days.
Itinerary
Itinerary Expand All
Day 1 - Arrival at Paro international airport
Day 1: Arrival at Paro international airport
Elevation of 2,200 meters.
Drive for 1.5 hours to Thimphu. Birding or relaxing depending on your flight schedule. Thimphu is situated at an elevation of 2,200 meters.Day 2 - Thimphu Exploration
Day 2: Thimphu Exploration
Visit: National Memorial Chorten, is a prominent religious structure and It was built in 1974 in memory of the late third king of Bhutan
Explore: Buddha Dordenma, a massive golden Buddha statue 51.5 meters tall, it is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Situated on a hill overlooking Thimphu city.Visit: Takins preserve, Takin is a national animal, unique mammal with a goat-like appearance and is revered in Bhutanese culture and folklore.
Visit: Handmade paper factory, established to preserve the ancient’s Bhutanese tradition of paper making
Visit: Tashichho Dzong, Trashichho Dzong houses the throne room of the King of Bhutan and serves as the summer residence of central monastic body and administrative center.Optional places to visit and day hike around Thimphu:
Hiking: Day hike to Phajoding-Pumola from Thimphu offers a rewarding experience with stunning natural beauty. Phajoding is a sacred site located above Thimphu Valley, and its monasteries were built in the 17th century. The loop hike typically takes around 7-8 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level.
Hiking: Day hike 2.5 hours from Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) to Changangkha along the biking trail offers a scenic and enjoyable view of Thimphu city.
Hiking: Day hike to Chari and Tango Monastery, which is about 45 minutes hike from road head, The monasteries are situated at an elevation of about 2,600m.
Visit: Zilukha Nunnery, also known as Zilukha Anim Dratshang, home to Buddhist nuns who follow the Drukpa Kagyu tradition. It was established to provide a place for women to practice Buddhism.
Visit: National Textile Museum. The Textile Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Bhutanese textile arts and heritage.
Visit: Institute of Traditional Medicine. Traditional medicine plays a significant role in healthcare and preserve the cultural heritage.Day 3 - Thimphu sightseen
Day 3: Thimphu sightseen
Visit: Thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, collectively known as Zorig Chusum, which have been practiced for centuries and are highly valued for Bhutanese cultural significance.
Visit: Folk Heritage Museum to learn about Bhutanese culture. The Fork Heritage Museum is established to preserve and showcase the history of the local community.
Visit: Simtokha Dzong. Simtokha Dzong, founded in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, is considered the country's first dzong (fortress-monastery). Strategically situated on a ridge overlooking the Thimphu Valley.
Explore the weekend market and shopping in town. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 4 - Thimphu to Phobjikha
Day 4: Thimphu to Phobjikha
Drive for 5 hours to Phobjikha via the scenic beauty of Dochula Pass at the elevation of 3,150 meters, offers stunning view of cluster stupas and Himalayan snowcapped mountains on a clear day.
Visit: Black-Necked Crane Information Centre in Phobjikha
Optional:
Visit: Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, it was built in 1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan. The dzong was tragically destroyed by fire in 2012, but reconstruction was completed in 2023. It is the third oldest dzong in Bhutan. Overnight stay in Phobjikha.
Day 5 - Phobjikha to Punakha
Day 5: Phobjikha to Punakha
Visit: Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangtey Gonpa, offers a glimpse into Bhutan's rich cultural and religious heritage. The monastery founded in the 17th century by Gyalse Pema Thinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa, the monastery belongs to the Nyingma, the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Gangtey Tshechu, a religious festival that typically takes place in autumn, showcasing vibrant masked dances and religious rituals.
Hike: Short hike from Gangtey to the Phobjikha valley the largest marshland in the country which takes around 1.5 hours. This valley is also the winter home for over 600 vulnerable, Black-necked Cranes. The Black-necked Crane Festival is held on 12 November, coinciding with the birth anniversary of the Great Fourth King of Bhutan. Local communities organize this festival to welcome the heavenly birds to their wintering grounds, then drive to Punakha. Overnight stay in Punakha
Day 6 - Punakha to Paro
Day 6: Punakha to Paro
Visit: Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness), was founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. It serves as the winter residence for the central monastic body and houses the district administrative offices. The annual Punakha Tshechu, held in its courtyard, festival that attracts both locals and tourists. The dzong is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) at elevation of 1,200 meters.
Visit: Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, situated on a hilltop in Punakha. This monastery is well-known as a fertility temple, where couples come to seek blessings for fertility and chilbirth. The monastery was founded in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel to honor the teachings of Drukpa Kunley, who is also known as the Divine Madman. Then drive to Paro for an overnight stay.
Optional places to visit and hiking:
Visit: Wolakha Nunery center, located half an hour drive from Punakha, situated on the hilltop and overlooking the Wangdue Phodrang and Punakha Valley.
Hike: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, located in Punakha, is a beautiful temple that offers visitors a glimpse into Bhutanese spiritual and architectural traditions.Top of FormBottom of Form
Drive: An hour drive to Talo Sanga Choling Monastery, situated an hour's drive from Punakha, is a significant religious site that hosts annual festivals known as Talo Tsechus depending on Bhutanese lunar calendar. These vibrant events bring together locals and international visitors to witness traditional masked dances, drive to Paro for an overnight stay.
Day 7 - Day 7: Thimphu to Paro
Day 7: Thimphu to Paro
Visit: National Museum, also known as the Ta-dzong (Watchtower). It is a prominent cultural institution that showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of Bhutan. The museum displays a wide array of artifacts, artworks, textiles and household items that highlight Bhutanese history, religion, and culture.
Visit: Kyichu Lhakhang located in the Paro valley, it is the oldest temple in the country. King Songtsen Gampo built 108 temples in the 7th century to subdue powerful demoness. In Bhutan, there are two temples built by the king Sontsen Gampo, Jambay Lhakhang in central Bhutan, Bumthang and Kyichu Lhakhang in western Bhutan, Paro. Both Jambay Lhakhang and Kyichu Lhakhang are not only revered as sacred sites but also serve as significant cultural and historical landmarks in Bhutan, attracting visitors from around the world. Explore Paro town and its traditional architecture, shopping.
Optional places to visit:
Visit: Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress originally built in 1649 by Tenzin Drugdra under the order of Zhamdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 and remained in ruins until it was rebuilt in 2016.
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Visit: Paro Rimpong Dzong, Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, is a historic fortress-monastery built in 1646 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan. It was constructed by Tenzin Drukdra, who served as the Paro Penlop (District Governor). Today, it serves as the residence for the monastic body and the administrative center of the Paro district. Overnight stay Paro
Day 8 - Paro to Tiger’s nest
Day 8: Paro to Tiger’s nest
Hike: approximately 2.5 hours uphill to Tiger’s Nest. Tiger’s Nest is one of Bhutan’s iconic landmarks, perched on a cliff. The cave was discovered by Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who flew from Tibet riding on a tigress, believed to be his consort appearing in the form of a tigress. Guru Rinpoche meditated in the cave for three years. The temples were built in the 17th century by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. An elevation of 3,150 meters.
Explore: Paro town and its traditional architecture and shopping. Overnight Stay in Paro.
Day 9 - Depart from Paro international airport
Day 9: Departure from Paro international airport.
You may have some free time in Paro for last-minute sightseeing or shopping depending on your flight schedule.
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