7 Days Bhutan Tour

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, our representative will warmly greet you and escort you on a scenic one-hour drive to Thimphu. You’ll get your first glimpse of Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes as you journey alongside the Paro Chu and Thimphu Chu rivers. If anything along the way catches your eye and you wish to stop for a photograph, we’ll gladly accommodate; otherwise, we’ll head straight to your hotel in Thimphu.

On the way, we’ll visit Tachog Lhakhang, a private monastery maintained by the descendants of Thangtong Gyalpo. This serene temple is situated just 10 minutes off the Paro-Thimphu highway, accessed by crossing a remarkable 900-year-old iron chain bridge. The tranquil surroundings and picturesque views make this visit truly memorable.

Upon reaching Thimphu, we’ll begin our exploration with a visit to the Bhutan Postal Museum. This fascinating museum features five galleries showcasing the history of Bhutan’s postal services and communication advancements. You’ll also find an array of Bhutanese stamps and can even create personalized stamps as a unique souvenir.

Next, we’ll visit the iconic Buddha Dordenma Statue, a 51-meter-tall golden statue perched atop a hill. This architectural marvel offers a blend of cultural significance, spiritual insight, and stunning panoramic views of the region. Following this, we’ll explore the National Memorial Chorten, a monument built to honor the third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, known as the father of modern Bhutan.

In the evening, your guide will provide an overview of the next day’s itinerary, offer tips on necessary items to bring, and share important information regarding restricted areas.

Overnight at Thimpu.

Today, we will explore most of Thimphu’s top attractions, including Takin Sanctuary and Folk Heritage Museum. We will visit the Zilukha Nunnery early in the morning, also known as Drubthob Goemba, on the hill above Trashichhoo Dzong. This nunnery housed about 70 nuns and more. We will attend the meditation and prayer session and return to our hotel for breakfast.

After enjoying breakfast, our journey begins with a visit to the Takin Sanctuary, also referred to as the Motithang Takin Preserve. This sanctuary is home to Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, a unique species seldom found beyond its boundaries. A short walk from the sanctuary rewards us with stunning panoramic views of Thimpu Valley. Following this, we’ll head to the Folk Heritage Museum, where you’ll get a fascinating glimpse into the rich living traditions of Bhutanese culture.

Our sightseeing continues with a visit to the School of Arts and Crafts, where we’ll admire the intricate and traditional Thangka paintings. Next, we’ll explore the Trashichhoe Dzong, often called Thimpu Dzong, a historic monastery and fortress dating back to the Middle Ages. This iconic structure houses the King’s Throne Room and key government offices and serves as the residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

Overnight at Thimpu.

Next, we will proceed towards Punakha, stopping at the picturesque Dochula Pass (3,100m). This vantage point offers awe-inspiring views of the Bhutanese Himalayan ranges, including the towering Mount Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m) and Mount Masang Kang (7,194m). The pass is also home to 108 chortens, constructed by the Queen of Bhutan as a tribute of remembrance.

After soaking in the stunning vistas at Dochula Pass, we will begin our descent, eventually arriving in the serene valley of Punakha. We will go directly to the hotel and freshen up. Then, we will drive towards Wangduephodrang Dzong. The dzong dates back to the 17^th century. It is the largest wooden-roofed dzong, with a monastic school and about 200 monks.

Later, we head back to Punakha.

Overnight at Punakha.

After breakfast, we’ll explore Punakha, a valley renowned for its natural splendor. As we traverse the region, you’ll witness verdant farmlands and the serene confluence of the Mo Chu and Po Chu rivers.

Our day starts with a scenic one-hour hike to the Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, an exquisite structure built by Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck to ward off negative energies and promote peace. Inside the chorten, the striking 15-foot statue of Vajrakilaya, one of the eight Kagyé deities, takes center stage. The golden spire and intricate labyrinth patterns reflect the depth of Bhutanese artistic heritage.

Next, we’ll visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, famously known as “The Palace of Bliss and Happiness.” Built-in 1637, it is the second oldest and largest dzong in Bhutan. It is strategically situated at the junction of the Mo Chu and Po Chu rivers. Its vibrant murals and intricately carved woodwork create a mesmerizing visual experience.

We’ll conclude our day at Chimi Lhakhang, a temple famed for its blessings of fertility. Along the way, you’ll encounter fascinating phallus-themed murals and statues, an intriguing and symbolic element of fertility and Bhutanese culture.

Overnight at Punakha.

After breakfast, we will leave Punakha for Paro. Once we enter Paro, we will directly go to the oldest and most fantastic fortress, Dobji Dzong. Dobji Dzong, located in the Haa Valley, was built in 1531 by Ngawang Chogya (brother of Drukpa Kuenley). This Dzong was used as a central jail (1976-1997), and because of this dark history, we will witness fewer devotees there.

Later, we will visit Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (the founder of modern Bhutan) to defend the valley. Currently, it is used as an administration and monk’s school.

Then, we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, Bhutan’s oldest and most revered monastery, with many hidden cultural treasures. Inside the monastery, you will witness the statue of Jowo Jamba, and on the outside, there is the statute of Chenrezig, which has 1000 arms and 11 heads.

Overnight at Paro.

Today, we will explore the renowned Tiger’s Nest Monastery, or Paro Taktsang, perched dramatically on a cliff 800 meters above the Paro Valley. This sacred site is linked to Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, the second Buddha, who meditated in a nearby cave. According to legend, a disciple transformed into a tigress and carried Guru Rinpoche on her back from Tibet to this location, giving the monastery its name. The hike to reach the monastery takes approximately three hours, where you’ll experience Bhutan’s rich traditions, the monastery’s spiritual aura, and captivating natural views.

After returning, we’ll head to the Ta Dzong National Museum, originally constructed as a watchtower in 1967. It now houses an impressive display of Bhutanese postal stamps, thangka paintings, ancient relics, and artistic treasures.

Later in the evening, we’ll wander through the local settlements, enjoying the ambiance and sampling authentic Bhutanese dishes.

Overnight at Paro.

We will have a decent morning breakfast and drive you to the airport, from where you will depart to your onward destination.