| # | Itinerary | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival, drive to Thimphu | Arrival by plane to Paro airport and drive to Thimphu or, in case of arrival by land, crossing the border from India in Phuntsholing/Jaigon with a full-day drive to Thimphu. ➜ Stop at Tachog Lhakhang to see a traditional bridge made using ancient iron chains. ➜ Depending on arrival time, visit Tashicho Dzong, the castle serving as the seat of the king and government. ➜ If time permits, visit other sights. |
| 2 | Thimphu – Wangdue / Punakha | Early morning visit to Buddha Dordenma, the gigantic statue overlooking the valley, and a walk to a city viewpoint. ➜ Visit the Memorial Chorten, always busy with devotees. ➜ Walk through Norzin Lam street and see traffic police signaling in junctions. Thimphu is the only capital without traffic lights. ➜ Finish the walk at the handicraft market with Bhutanese souvenirs at reasonable prices. ➜ Drive to Changlimithang Stadium to see an archery match (if ongoing). ➜ From Friday to Sunday, visit Centenary Market where locals shop for food supplies and handicrafts. ➜ Alternatively, enjoy free time exploring the town. ➜ In the afternoon, transfer to Wangdue or Punakha over Dochu-La pass (3010m) with a stop to admire the scenery and 108 Chorten stupas. |
| 3 | Wangdue / Punakha – Trongsa | Visit Punakha Dzong, the most intricately decorated castle in Bhutan. ➜ Take a short walk to Chhimmy Lhakhang temple, devoted to Drukpa Kunley, the “Divine Madman.” ➜ If time permits, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery, featuring Bhutanese and Nepali-style stupas with stunning valley views. ➜ Drive to Trongsa over Pele-La pass (3550m) with a stop at Chendebji Stupa, built in the style of Kathmandu’s Boudhanath Stupa. ➜ Reach the hotel by evening. |
| 4 | Trongsa – Jakar | Visit Trongsa Dzong, the castle from which Bhutan’s royal dynasty originates. ➜ Explore the museum at Ta Dzong, featuring artifacts related to the royal family, Bhutanese history, and religious statues. ➜ Drive to Jakar over Yotong-La pass (3550m). ➜ If time permits, visit Red Panda Brewery or other sights. |
| 5 | Jakar | Visit Jakar Dzong and the ancient Jambay Lhakhang temple, which pins down the leg of a giant demoness. ➜ Walk to Kurjey Lhakhang temple complex and enjoy a picnic lunch by the riverside. ➜ Continue to Tamshing Gompa, allegedly built and painted by the 15th-century saint Pema Lingpa with the help of angels. ➜ Explore the town with its curio shops and welcoming restaurants. |
| 6 | Jakar – Paro (by flight) | Take a domestic flight to Paro, offering extraordinary views of the Himalayas, including Gangkhar Puensum, the world’s highest unconquered peak. ➜ Visit the National Museum and Paro Dzong, where the film “Little Buddha” was shot. ➜ Explore the lively small town of Paro. |
| 7 | Paro | Drive to the castle ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, with views of the sacred Jomolhari mountain. ➜ Explore Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple said to pin down a demoness's body. ➜ Hike to Taktsang Gompa (Tiger’s Nest), the highlight of the tour. The climb is rewarding, but those preferring a shorter hike can stop at the viewpoint cafeteria. Plan the hike based on weather, fitness, and preferences. |
| 8 | Departure | If time permits, visit Dzongdrakha Gompa, a temple built below a rocky cliff, considered one of Bhutan’s most beautiful sites. ➜ Depart from Paro by flight or take a six-hour drive to the land border at Phuntsholing. |
Tour variants, extensions and combinations:
- Include pristine Phobjikha valley (+1 day): Add one more day to stop in pristine Phobjikha valley in between Trongsa and Wangdue.
- Reach to Tang valley in Bumthang (+2 days): Visit Phobjikha as above and also spend more time in beautiful Bumthang and visit Tang with interesting museum in old aristocratic palace. See details in Historical Heart of Bhutan II, 10 days program.