Tour in Bhutan
06 NIGHTS / 07 DAYS BHUTAN TOUR THIMPHU, PUNAKHA & PARO
- 7 Days
- People: 4
- Bhutan
Nestled in the folds of the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan remained in self-imposed isolation for centuries. The population lived in close harmony with nature, evolving a unique identity derived largely from a rich religious and cultural heritage. Bhutan, roughly the size of Switzerland, is the world’s only Mahayana Buddhist country. The Buddhist respect for all sentient beings has helped Bhutan protect its pristine ecology and wildlife.
This self-sufficient population was never colonized and had limited contact with the outside world. Buddhism was established in the 8th century by the Indian saint Padmasambhava, known in the Tantric tradition as Guru Rinpoche. Bhutan was unified in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the great leader of the Drukpa school of Mahayana Buddhism. In 1907, Bhutan established a hereditary monarchy, and in 2008, it transitioned to a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy.
Facts and Figures:
Land area: 38,394 sq. km
Forest area: 72.5%
- Altitude: 240m – 7541m above sea level
- Inhabitants: 700,000
- Language: Dzongkha (official), English widely spoken
- Religion: Vajrayana Buddhism
- Currency: Ngultrum (equal to Indian Rupee)
- Capital: Thimphu
- National Symbols: Cypress (Tree), Raven (Bird), Blue Poppy (Flower), Archery (Sport), Takin (Animal)
- Local Time: GMT +6 hours; IST +30 minutes
Day 1: Arrive in Paro & transfer to Thimphu
Day 2: Explore heritage and culture in Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Day 4: Journey to Paro from Punakha
Day 5: Gangtey Excursion and return to Punakha
Day 6: Trek to Taktshang Monastery
Day 7: Depart Paro
Please feel free to contact us for detailed itinerary or customized itinerary.
Day 1. Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu
As your flight gracefully descends into the picturesque Paro Valley, the panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks welcome you to Bhutan. The landing at Paro Airport, surrounded by majestic mountains, offers a breathtaking introduction to the beauty that awaits.
Upon arrival, your knowledgeable guide warmly receives you, setting the tone for a memorable journey to Thimphu, the capital city. The drive to Thimphu, approximately 55 kilometers from Paro, takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the way, you may stop at Tachog Lhakhang, known for its iconic iron bridge, and take a moment to capture the serene confluence of rivers at Chunzom.
Upon reaching Thimphu, you check into your hotel and freshen up. The afternoon presents an opportunity to visit the Memorial Chorten, a sacred stupa dedicated to Bhutan’s third king. If time allows, you can take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Thimphu, exploring local shops and cafes. The evening concludes with a delightful dinner and a restful night at your hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2. Exploring Heritage and Culture in Thimphu
After a wholesome breakfast, your day begins with a visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), where a towering statue of Buddha overlooks the valley, offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere. Located just 6 kilometers from the city center, the drive takes about 20 minutes.
Next, you immerse yourself in Bhutanese heritage with visits to the Simply Bhutan Museum, the National Library, the Textile Museum, and the Bhutan Postal Museum. These sites, located within close proximity to each other, provide a deep dive into the country’s rich culture and history. The visit to the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory allows you to witness the traditional art of papermaking.
For lunch, you enjoy authentic Bhutanese dishes at a local restaurant in Thimphu.
The afternoon takes you to Tashichhoedzong, an architectural marvel that serves as the seat of the Bhutanese government and the monastic body. Situated just 2 kilometers from the city center, the drive to Tashichhoedzong takes about 10 minutes.
After a day filled with cultural exploration, you return to your hotel in Thimphu for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
After breakfast, you’ll check out from the hotel and embark on a journey to Punakha. The drive takes you through the scenic Dochula Pass, located at an altitude of 3,080 meters (10,100 feet). The pass, marked by a large Bhutanese chorten and prayer flags, offers the most spectacular view of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.
The journey from Thimphu to Punakha spans approximately 75 kilometers and takes about 2.5 hours.
Upon arrival in Punakha, your first stop will be at Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, which is known for its blessings and unique legends.
Continuing your journey, you’ll visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Father River) and Mo Chu (Mother River). Known as the “Palace of Great Happiness” or “Bliss,” this architectural marvel was constructed in 1637 by Bhutan’s founder, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It served as the administrative center and is now the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) of the Central Monastic Body.
After visiting Punakha Dzong, you’ll cross the nearby Suspension Bridge, offering thrilling views of the Punakha Valley. As the day concludes, reflect on the cultural richness and historical significance witnessed during your Punakha expedition. Overnight, relish a delightful dinner and unwind at your hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: Journey to Paro from Punakha
Begin your morning with a delightful breakfast at the Punakha hotel. Bidding farewell to this charming town, you’ll embark on a journey to Paro, covering about 130 kilometers (81 miles) over 4 hours.
On the way, make a meaningful stop at Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest fortress, built in 1627. Today, it houses the School for Buddhist Studies, embodying centuries of wisdom and spiritual heritage.
Upon arrival in Paro, check into your chosen hotel and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Your afternoon exploration begins with a visit to Ta Dzong, now the National Museum. This museum offers an extensive collection of Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, armor, and more—a journey through Bhutanese art and history. A short walk down the trail leads you to Rinpung Dzong, a fortress adorned with wall paintings that vividly illustrate Buddhist lore.
As evening approaches, relax and rest at your hotel in Paro. The night holds the promise of dreams woven with the charm of the town and the discoveries made throughout the day.
Day 5: Punakha/Wangdue to Gangtey Excursion and Back
As the first rays of the Bhutanese sun paint the landscape with a golden hue, your day begins with the promise of exploration. Today’s adventure takes you on a full-day excursion to the enchanting Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley, a journey of both natural splendor and cultural discovery.
Set out early on the 85-kilometer scenic drive, which takes 3 to 3½ hours. Upon arrival in Gangtey, embark on a delightful hike through the Gangtey Nature Trail, surrounded by pristine landscapes and the call of nature. Visit the enchanting Gangtey Goenba, a monastery nestled in the valley, radiating peace and spirituality, and the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, where you can learn about these endangered avian wonders.
Lunch: Relish a traditional Bhutanese meal at a local farmhouse in Gangtey, enjoying fresh, organic dishes.
As the day wanes, return to Punakha. The changing hues of the sky create a magical atmosphere over the Bhutanese countryside.
Overnight: The hotel in Punakha awaits, providing a cozy haven for the night.
Day 6. Trek to Taktshang Monastery
After a hearty breakfast, you embark on an excursion to the iconic Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The journey begins with a 12-kilometer drive north of Paro town, taking about 30 minutes to reach the base. From there, a 5-hour round-trip hike awaits, leading you to the monastery perched on the side of a cliff, 900 meters above the valley floor.
Along the trail, you stop for lunch at a cafeteria halfway up the mountain, taking in the breathtaking views.
After descending from the monastery, you return to Paro and take a leisurely walk around the Main Street and market area, soaking in the vibrant local atmosphere. The day concludes with a delightful dinner and a cozy night’s rest at your hotel in Paro.
Day 7. Farewell from Paro
As the sun begins its ascent, you savor an early breakfast at your hotel, preparing for your departure. A short 6-kilometer drive to Paro Airport, taking approximately 20 minutes, marks the end of your Bhutanese adventure. Your dedicated guide assists with exit formalities and bids you a heartfelt farewell, as you embark on your onward journey, cherishing the memories of your time in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
BHUTAN VISA
In order to process a Bhutan visa, we require a clear readable color copy of the passport (page containing passport no and face picture in JPEG or PDF format) at least 30 days prior to the date of entry into Bhutan. The remaining validity of the passport should be minimum of 6 months from the date of entry into Bhutan (excluding the traveling month).
* Guests are required to have multiple entry visas for India if they are traveling to Bhutan from India and again re-entering India from Bhutan. Please also check if your Indian visa has a ‘2 months re-entry restriction’. If a restriction has been stamped on your Indian visa, then you will have to get it endorsed by the Indian embassy in Thimphu for a nominal charge. For this, however, you will need to be in Thimphu on working days, Mon – Fri during office hours excluding Govt holidays. You will be asked to provide you’re traveling documents like passports, Air tickets, etc.). Our Bhutan Office will assist the clients.
Monument Closing Days:
- Paro National Museum (Ta Dzong): Closed on Government Holidays
- National Library (Thimphu): Closed on Saturdays, Sundays & Government Holidays
- Textile Museum (Thimphu): Closed on Government Holidays & Sundays (Open on Saturdays from 9 AM – 4 PM)
- Institute of Zorig Chusum (Thimphu): Closed on Sundays & Government Holidays; Winter closure (Dec – early March)
- Simply Bhutan (Thimphu): Closed on Sundays & Government Holidays
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro): Closed on all Tuesdays
- Folk Heritage Museum: Closed on Sundays & Government Holidays