Bhutan Exploration

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, a tour representative will welcome you and escort you to your transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. En route, we will stop at Chuzom, where the Thimphu and Paro rivers meet. Just before reaching Chuzom, you will notice Tschogang Lhakhang, known as the ‘temple of the excellent horse’, on your left. Once in Thimphu, you will check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Thimphu’s Main Street and market area. You may wish to visit the Local Crafts Bazaar, where you can browse traditional Bhutanese arts such as hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, and jewellery made from local materials. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we begin a full-day tour of the Thimphu valley. Our first stop is the National Library, home to a valuable collection of Buddhist manuscripts. Next, we visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, also known as the Painting School, where students train for six years in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. We then explore the Textile Museum, which offers insight into one of Bhutan’s most distinctive art forms, followed by a visit to Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio showcasing Bhutanese cultural heritage. After lunch, we take a short 15-kilometre drive to Pangri Zampa, one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and a monastic school where monks study Lamaism and astrology rooted in Buddhist philosophy. Afterwards, we visit Buddha Point (Kensal Phodrang) for panoramic views over Thimphu. We then stop at the Memorial Chorten, a prominent landmark dedicated to world peace and prosperity, where locals often gather to circumambulate, chant mantras, and spin prayer wheels. Our final visit is to Trashichhoedzong, one of Bhutan’s most important dzongs, before returning to the hotel. In the evening, you have free time to explore Thimphu city centre, browse shops, and visit the local market. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we drive to Punakha, crossing the scenic Dochula Pass at 3,080 metres. On a clear day, this vantage point offers stunning views of the eastern Himalayan peaks. We then take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, known as the temple of fertility. Situated on a hillock in the valley, it is believed to bless childless couples who pray here. The walk passes through paddy fields and local villages, providing a glimpse into rural life and takes around 1.5 hours round trip. After arriving in Punakha and checking into the hotel, we visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, a fortress built at the confluence of two rivers. The evening is free to explore Punakha village, which lies along the riverbank. Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Paro, stopping en route to visit Simtokha Dzong. This historic fortress houses sacred shrines that provide a tranquil and reflective atmosphere. Upon arrival in Paro and after checking into your hotel, we visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower and now home to the National Museum. Its extensive collection features antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, armour, household items, and a diverse range of natural and historical artefacts. Later, we explore Rinpung Dzong, known as the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels. This impressive structure is renowned for its wooden galleries and intricate wall paintings depicting Buddhist stories such as the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, and the Wheel of Life, as well as scenes from the life of Milarepa and cosmic Mandalas. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Perched 900 metres above the Paro valley on a cliffside, this revered site is where Guru Rinpoche is said to have arrived riding a tigress and meditated. The monastery is one of Bhutan’s most sacred places and offers a rewarding, approximately five-hour walk. On the return journey, you may choose to stop at the base of Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress recently undergoing restoration. This site was once a stronghold against Tibetan invasions and provides impressive views of the snow-capped Chomolhari, known as the ‘Mountain of the Goddess’. In the evening, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Paro Airport for your onward flight. This concludes your journey through Bhutan.