Escape to Serenity (6 Days)

Day 1

Drive from Paro Airport to Thimphu (1 hour) and sightseeing in Thimphu

Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport.

Drive from Paro to Thimphu
Distance: 54 Km|Driving Time: 1 hour

After a quick stop at your hotel and lunch, you'll spend the rest of the day exploring Thimphu.

Places and attractions:
Thimphu  Buddha Dordenma  Centenary Farmers Market  Authentic Craft Bazaar  Memorial Chorten  VAST Studio  National Institute for Zorig Chusum  Motithang Takin Preserve

Accommodation options:
City Hotel  Hotel Bhutan  Le Meridien

Day 2

Drive to Punakha

Drive from Thimphu to Dochula
Distance: 31Km|Driving Time: 1 hour

Dochula, at 3100 metres, is one of many motorable mountain passes in Bhutan. Take in the astonishing panoramic view of the snowcapped mountain range.
The place also has a memorial, 108 identical stupas to commemorate the victory against insurgency and honour the fallen.

Hike to Lungchutse (Optional):
If you're impressed by the views from Dochula, wait until you hike up to Lungchutse. The lush green trail will leave you refreshed and energised for the rest of your trip. This will be a two hour hike return.

Lunch will be served after the hike.

Drive to Punakha
Distance: 63Km Driving |Time: 1 and half hour

A short hike to Chimi Lhakang (the fertility temple) will take you through Sopsokha village. The unusual practice of worshipping phallus in Bhutanese culture originates from this village.

Places and attractions:
Punakha  Dochula Pass  Lungchutse Hike  Punakha Dzong - The Palace of Great Bliss  Punakha Suspension Bridge

Accommodation options:
Zhingkham Cottages  Drubchhu Resort

Day 3

Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha

Early Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha
Distance: 78 Km Driving Time: 3 and half hours

Let the serenity of the valley with its wide-open spaces and pristine nature help you unwind.

A 16th-century Gangtey Goemba (monastery) sits atop a hill overlooking the valley. The complex consists of monks' quarters, guesthouses, and meditation centres.

There are nature trails that run along the field and through the pine forest connecting small villages. You can explore them on a foot or go biking.

It's one of those destinations where you just want to clear your schedule and go with the flow.

Places and attractions:
Phobjikha Valley  Black Necked Crane Information Centre  Gangtey Nature Trail  Gangtey Monastery  Hot Stone Bath in Gangtey

Accommodation options:
Amankora Gangtey  Dewachen Hotel  Gangtey Goenpa Lodge

Day 4

Drive from Phobjikha to Paro

Distance: 185 Km Driving Time: 7 hours

It will be a long drive back to Paro.

In the evening, it's worth taking a stroll along the oldest street in Paro town. The street is lined with traditional houses renovated with western-inspired storefronts running cafes and souvenir shops.

Places and attractions:
Paro  Paro Town

Accommodation options:
Tashi Namgay Resort  Haven Resort  Le Meridien Paro Riverfront

Day 5

Hike to Taktsang

With a few days to acclimatise, you are now ready for the ultimate experience in Bhutan.

An avid hiker will find this experience deeply rewarding. Bask in the scent of pine as you climb the trail in and out of the woods. Let your imagination run wild as your guide narrates the Buddhist mythology surrounding this place to keep you company on your hike.

When you get to the top, let the cold mountain air, the waterfall cascading down the cliff, and the ambiance of a secluded monastery inspire a spiritual experience for you.

Places and attractions:
Paro  Tigers Nest Hike

Accommodation options:
Haven Resort  Le Meridien Paro Riverfront  Tashi Namgay Resort

Day 6

Depart From Paro