Culture and Nature in Bhutan

Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights
Location: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha

Day 01: Arrival in Paro by Druk Air
The flight to Paro with Druk Air is one of the most spectacular mountain flights. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills, every flight is a fascinating spectacle, offering an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our representative and then transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan’s modern capital.

Day 02: Thimphu
After breakfast, visit Thimphu. Explore the Trashichhoedzong, a beautiful medieval fortress/monastery that houses most of the government offices and the King’s Throne Room. It is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Supreme Monk. Then, visit the National Library, which holds an extensive collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts.
Next, head to the School of Arts and Crafts, famous for its traditional thangka paintings. Here, you can observe students working on intricate designs on fabric.
After lunch, visit the Craft Emporium, which showcases a wide range of beautifully woven and handcrafted products. Then, visit the Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, who is popularly known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu / Punakha (75 km, 3 hours)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha with a brief stop at Dochula Pass (3,080 m), where you can admire the view and the chorten, mantra wall, and prayer flags that decorate the highest point of the road. If the weather is clear, the following peaks are visible from here (from left to right): Masagang (7,158 m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Terigang (7,060 m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), Zongphugang (7,060 m), a tabletop mountain dominating the remote region of Lunana, and finally Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak at 7,497 m.
Later, visit Punakha Dzong, strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637, it serves as a religious and administrative center for the region. Despite suffering damage from four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been fully restored.
Then, drive to Wangduephodrang to visit the Dzong and the local market. Wangduephodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate carvings, and stonework.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha – Paro (125 km, 4 hours)
After breakfast, drive to Paro, visiting Simtokha Dzong en route. Built in 1627, Simtokha is the oldest fortress in Bhutan and now houses the School of Religious Studies.
In the afternoon, visit the Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan. Originally built as a watchtower, it has served as the national museum since 1967 and houses a fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangka paintings, and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.
Then, take a walk up a hillside path to visit Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Bhutan’s first spiritual and temporal ruler, the dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head), and the Thrimpon (judge) of the Paro district.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

Day 05: Paro
After breakfast, drive north of the Paro Valley to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. From this fortress, the Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies.
Nearby, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse for a good insight into the lifestyle of the local inhabitants.
Next, take a hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest.” It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here riding a tiger and meditated in this monastery, which is why it is called “Tiger’s Nest.” The hike to the monastery takes around 5 hours round trip.
On the return to Paro town, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang en route, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in the Kingdom.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

Day 06: Departure from Paro
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to your next destination.