Bhutan at a Glance

Morning: Arrival in Paro

• Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you’ll be warmly greeted by your guide.
• Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu (approx. 1.5 hours). En route, stop at Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built by the famous bridge-builder Thangtong Gyalpo.

Afternoon: Thimphu Sightseeing

• National Memorial Chorten: A revered stupa where locals gather to pray and make offerings. A spiritual start to your Bhutan experience.
• Buddha Dordenma: Visit the gigantic Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu, offering panoramic views of the city.
• Tashichho Dzong: Explore this beautiful fortress-monastery, which serves as the seat of the Bhutanese government and the summer residence of the monastic body.

Evening

• Stroll through Thimphu’s bustling streets, visiting handicraft shops and local cafes.
• Overnight in Thimphu.

Morning

• Changangkha Lhakhang: One of Thimphu’s oldest temples, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
• Institute for Zorig Chusum: Visit Bhutan’s school of traditional arts and crafts, where you can observe students practicing painting, carving, and other traditional arts.
• National Textile Museum: Discover Bhutan’s rich textile heritage, showcasing intricate weaving and traditional garments like the kira and gho.

Afternoon

• Folk Heritage Museum: Explore traditional Bhutanese village life at this museum, which preserves the rural way of life.
• Takin Preserve: Visit Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, at this sanctuary. The takin has a unique appearance and is deeply rooted in Bhutanese mythology.

Evening

• Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner in a local restaurant.
• Overnight in Thimphu.

Morning

• After breakfast, drive back to Paro (approx. 1.5 hours), passing through beautiful river valleys and lush landscapes.
• Rinpung Dzong: Visit this magnificent dzong, also known as the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.” It now serves as a monastic and administrative center.

Afternoon

• Ta Dzong (National Museum): Explore Bhutan’s National Museum, housed in an ancient watchtower. The museum exhibits a collection of Bhutanese art, relics, and natural history.
• Paro Town: Stroll through the charming streets of Paro town, visiting handicraft shops and experiencing the local culture.

Evening

• Relax at your hotel, preparing for the next day’s adventure.
• Overnight in Paro.

Morning

• Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang): Embark on a pilgrimage hike to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliffside 900 meters above the Paro valley. The hike takes around 4-5 hours round trip and offers stunning views of the valley below. Stop for tea at a cafeteria halfway through the hike.

Afternoon

• After descending from Tiger’s Nest, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built in the 7th century.

Evening

• Explore Paro’s local markets, picking up traditional Bhutanese crafts and souvenirs.
• Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure, taking with you the memories of Bhutan’s rich culture and serene landscapes.