Highlights Bhutan

The scenery during the flight to Paro is spectacular, and landing on the airstrip at Paro Airport is an even more thrilling experience. Here, you will be met by your guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout your entire journey in Bhutan. The drive to Thimphu—Bhutan's modern capital—takes approximately one hour. Along the way, you will be treated to magnificent views of snow-capped mountain peaks. With a population of just 100,000, Thimphu ranks as one of the smallest capital cities in the world. The city center features three main thoroughfares where you can find a variety of restaurants and shops. If time permits, you may visit the National Memorial Chorten in the afternoon. This Chorten was built in memory of the country's third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is a sacred site where many Bhutanese people gather daily to offer prayers, circumambulate the structure, and spin the large prayer wheels. You will check in at the magnificent Druk City Hotel, one of Thimphu's renowned establishments.

Note: It is important to know that you can easily customize your daily itinerary in consultation with your guide. Depending on your personal preferences, weather conditions, or spontaneous encounters along the way, it is possible to add new visits, extend your time at specific sites, or swap them for alternative excursions. This ensures that you fully enjoy your trip and that the itinerary is tailored to your individual desires. Your guide possesses extensive knowledge of the country and will be happy to assist you in making choices that suit your tastes throughout your journey.

Today, a tour of Thimphu city is on the itinerary. This city is situated on the banks of the Wang Chhu River at an average elevation of 2,400 meters. After breakfast, you will visit the colossal Golden Buddha statue perched on the hills overlooking Thimphu. Inside the statue, there is a temple that you are welcome to explore. Additionally, today you will visit the Changangkha Lhakhang (monastery), the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (which houses a museum), the School of Arts and Crafts, the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum, a nunnery, and a local market where various handicrafts are available for purchase. With guidance from your tour guide, you may decide for yourself how much time you wish to spend at each of these various locations. You will conclude your city tour with a visit to Tashichho Dzong. A Dzong can be described as a monastic fortress. These magnificent structures serve both political-administrative and religious functions, and often constitute the very heart of the city. To this day, both government offices and temples are housed within these premises. In the late afternoon, you will observe government employees leaving the Dzong after their workday, at which point the building is opened to visitors. As you exit the Dzong, look to your left; there stands the (relatively modest) Royal Palace—the residence of the current and fifth King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Tip: The daily flag-lowering ceremony is conducted with great pomp and ritual. It is a spectacle well worth witnessing.

Today, you will set off towards the east. The drive will take you over the Dochula Pass, from where—on a clear day—you can behold a panoramic view of a vast section of the Himalayas. During the drive, as you approach the semi-tropical region of Punakha, you will notice a distinct change in the vegetation. Upon arrival, you will visit Punakha Dzong, beautifully situated at the confluence of two rivers. This magnificent monastery, dating back to 1637, serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo and his monks, as the climate in the Punakha Valley remains mild during the winter months. The Je Khenpo is Bhutan's spiritual leader and the head of the Buddhist monastic community—a highly influential and deeply revered figure. After your tour, you may spend the remainder of the evening at your leisure. You will spend the night at a modern boutique hotel nestled in the hills above Punakha.

This morning, your first stop will be Chimi Lhakhang—the Temple of Fertility. There, you may be amused by the life story of the beloved saint Drukpa Kunley (also known as the "Divine Madman"), whose colorful exploits are depicted on the temple walls. We won't give too much away, but it is certainly an experience not to be missed! The drive then takes you back over the Dochula Pass (3050m), where 108 stupas stand atop the ridge. Consulting with your guide and driver, you may make several stops along the way to enjoy the crisp mountain air and breathtaking panoramic views. If time permits, you may choose to visit a few sights in Paro this evening; alternatively, you can save them for tomorrow. You will spend the next few days staying at the former residence of the Governor of Paro—a truly unique building where no two rooms are alike. It is a place brimming with historical charm!

Note: It is also possible to undertake the Lungchutse hike today. This trek leads you from the Dochula Pass, through a forest of rhododendrons, to a monastery perched atop a mountain peak. The hike takes approximately three hours to complete.

The Paro Valley is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful valleys in all of Bhutan. Along the roadsides, numerous willow trees grow—their branches swaying gently in the breeze—and you will also spot many apple orchards. The farmhouses are substantial structures, featuring white-washed walls and beautifully carved woodwork. While fields stretch across the valley floor, you will also observe terraced fields and forests covering the slopes. Today, accompanied by your guide and driver, you will explore this valley. You can consult with them to decide how much of the journey you wish to cover by car and how much on foot; this itinerary can be arranged flexibly, offering opportunities for some delightful walks. For instance, you can visit the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, Ta Dzong (a watchtower that now houses a museum), Rinpung Dzong Fortress, the beautiful 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, and the Dumtse Lhakhang temple, which features magnificent murals. Additionally, there will be time to observe the fields and interact with the local people. Nowadays, school instruction is conducted in English, so you are sure to encounter members of the younger generation who are proficient in the language.

Today, you will visit one of Bhutan's most famous sites. You will drive to Taktsang, the starting point for your trek to the Tiger's Nest. Perched on a cliff 800 meters up, this site is not only the most famous but also one of the most spectacular in the country. It was built on the very spot where Guru Rinpoche landed in the 8th century after flying in on the back of a pregnant tigress. Guru Rinpoche—also known as Padmasambhava—is considered an incarnation of the Buddha and the figure who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. He is said to have defeated numerous demons there and meditated in a cave for three months. The current temple is built around this very cave. You will visit several religious sites before descending to the cafeteria for lunch. Afterward, it will take you approximately one hour to reach the meeting point where your driver will be waiting for you. This afternoon, you may visit one of Bhutan's oldest temples—Kyichu Lhakhang—or other sites you did not have time to see yesterday.

After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport. There, you will bid farewell to your Bhutanese guide and driver, then check in for your return flight.