Day 1
Arrive in Paro
Arrive in Paro
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 Authentic Craft Bazaar Buddha Dordenma Tashichhodzong Motithang Takin Preserve National Institute for Zorig Chusum
Accommodation options:
City Hotel Le Meridien Hotel Bhutan
Day 2
Visit to the Thimphu Tsechu
You will be escorted to Tashichhodzong, the venue for the main event. Get your camera and your senses ready for this colour fest. During the event, monks perform dances wearing colourful silk costumes and exquisitely hand-crafted masks depicting deities, demons, and animals.
This is also an opportunity for you to try a traditional outfit.
Highlights of the dance include the dance of the lord of the cremation ground and the narration of the judgment day after death according to Buddhist legend and the unfurling of Thongdrel (large applique) on the final day.
Places and attractions:
Thimphu Tashichhodzong
Accommodation options:
City Hotel Hotel Bhutan Le Meridien
Day 3
Drive from Thimphu 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.
Lunch will be served on your way to Punakha.
Drive to Punakha
Distance: 63Km Driving |Time: 1 Hr and 30 Mins
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 Chimi Lhakhang - The Fertility Temple
Accommodation options:
Drubchhu Resort Amankora Punakha Dochula Resort Zhingkham Resort
Day 4
Drive back to Paro
Drive from Punakha to Paro
Distance: 126 km Driving Time: 3 Hr. 25 Min
Start with an early drive back to Paro. After lunch, explore Paro town and nearby attractions.
Places and attractions:
Paro Paro Rinpung Dzong National Museum Paro Ta Dzong Kyichu Lhakhang Drukgyel Dzong
Accommodation options:
Haven Resort Le Meridien Paro Riverfront Tashi Namgay Resort
Day 5
Hike to Taktsang
With a few days to acclimatise in Bhutan, 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 Tashi Namgay Resort Le Meridien Paro Riverfront
Day 6
Depart From Paro