Day 1 - Paro - Thimphu

Welcome to the mountain kingdom of Bhutan! On arrival at Paro International Airport (PBH), you will be met and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan, flanked by dense, ancient forest on the banks of the Wang Chhu River. The centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is an unusual mixture of modern development and ancient tradition, famous for not having a single traffic light.

Once settled at your hotel, meet your guide for an exploratory stroll around the city’s marketplace and craft bazaar, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. Then, join your fellow travellers for a memorable welcome dinner.

Travel time: Driving – approx. 90 minutes

Arrival & Transfers:

Please book your flights to arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH) by 2pm today. Airport transfers are included on the first day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel. Check-in on Day 1 is at 2pm.

Inclusions: Le Méridien Thimphu (Classic Room) or similar, Dinner

Day 2 - Thimphu

After breakfast, drive to visit one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan – Pangri Zampa. Built in the 16th century, the complex is now a monastic school where Buddhist student monks learn Lamaism – a form of Buddhism set apart by elaborate ritual – alongside astrology and philosophy.

Your sightseeing takes you into the heart of Thimphu Valley with a visit to the Simply Bhutan Museum, offering an excellent display of ancient Bhutanese architecture, widely lost to modernisation. You’ll also have the chance to visit to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Commonly known as the ‘Arts and Crafts School’ or ‘Painting School,’ the institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

After lunch in one of Thimphu’s local eateries, continue to Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, which boasts breathtaking views of the Thimphu Valley from beside the country’s largest Buddha statue.

Later, visit Tashichho Dzong, the centre of Bhutan’s government and religion, containing the throne room and offices of the king. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in a traditional Bhutanese manner – without a single nail or architectural plan.

Inclusions: Le Méridien Thimphu (Classic Room) or similar, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Thimphu - Punakha

After an early breakfast, hit the road for a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochula en route Punakha, which passes through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees.

The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing to your photo stop at Dochula Pass. Here, on a clear day atop the 3,100-metre-high mountain pass, you may just spot towering Himalayan peaks on the horizon.

On arrival in Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, enjoy a moment of rest before visiting Punakha Dzong. Built strategically at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, under the rule of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Punakha Dzong serves as the region’s religious and administrative centre. It was here in 1910 that the British guaranteed Bhutan’s independence, in return seizing control of the country’s foreign relations.

Following this, visit the nearby Rinchengang Village – one of the oldest in Bhutan. Take your time to appreciate the traditional architecture and welcoming locals in this remote corner of sleepy Punakha Valley, where an ancient way of life has remained unchanged for generations.

The majority of Bhutan’s population continues to live this way, tending secluded farms and hamlets, surrounded by terraced fields of rice, maize and buckwheat.

Later, arrive at your hotel and check in for the evening.

Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours

Inclusions: Dhensa Resort (Deluxe Suite) or similar, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Punakha

This morning, hike through fields of chillies and cabbage to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a shrine strictly built by ancient custom to deflect negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu River and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.

After lunch, embark on an excursion to the village of Talo, located just above Punakha Valley. Built on a plateau with far-spanning valley views, this charming village showcases beautiful farmhouses where flowers, corn and sweet peas are grown in abundance. Continue to the Nalanda Buddhist College – called ‘Dalayna’ by the locals – and spend the afternoon enjoying buttered tea, meeting the local monks and admiring the spectacular view.

Then travel up the ridge amid pine trees, overlooking the valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, where the magnificent Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery gleams. The temple here houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, alongside other statues crafted by local Bhutanese artisans.

Later, return to your accommodation in Punakha.

Inclusions: Dhensa Resort (Deluxe Suite) or similar, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Punakha - Paro

After breakfast at the hotel, take a walking excursion to Chimi Lakhang, a temple dedicated to fertility. Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, many locals travel to this temple in hopes of being blessed with children.

Afterwards, drive back to Paro, descending once more from Dochula as you follow the road back through the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys. En route, visit Simtokha Dzong, originally constructed as a place of profound tantric teaching, which now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.

Upon arrival in Paro, check into your accommodation with some time spent at leisure. Centuries of myth and legend come vividly to life in this beautiful valley, home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries.

Later, dive into history with a visit to Ta Dzong. Originally built as a watchtower, the structure now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. The extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and an assortment of natural and historic artefacts.

Next, take a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, directly translated as ‘Fortress of the Heap of Jewels’. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings depicting scenes of Buddhist lore, such as the old man of long life and the life of Milarepa.

Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours

Inclusions: Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront (Classic Room) or similar, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - Paro - Toger's Nest - Paro

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, travel to Satsam Chorten, stopping along the way at the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang. One of 108 temples built in the Himalayas under the rule of Tibet’s King Songtsen Gampo, it stands as one of Bhutan’s oldest.

Continuing on the road, you’ll arrive at the trailhead for your energising hike to Taktsang Monastery – one of Bhutan’s most recognisable monasteries, perched 900 metres above the Paro Valley on a steep cliffside.

It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress before meditating at the monastery, thus earning it the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Recognised as one of the most sacred sies of the Himalayas, the site was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now considered an important pilgrimage for Buddhists across the region.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the base of Tiger’s Nest before returning to the hotel for a well-earned rest.

This afternoon is at your leisure before regrouping this evening to say goodbye to your fellow travellers with a farewell dinner.

Please Note: Due to its location, the only way to get to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is by hiking. No vehicles make the drive up to the monastery. On average it takes between four and five hours to do the roundtrip hike. A reasonable level of fitness is required, and caution is recommended to travellers 65+.

Inclusions: Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront (Classic Room) or similar, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - Depart Paro

After breakfast at the hotel, your tour comes to an end. Transfer to the Paro International Airport (PBH) for your flight home.

Departure & Transfers: Checkout on your final day is at 12pm. Please book your flights to depart from Paro International Airport (PBH) at any time today. Airport transfers are included on the last day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.

Inclusions: Breakfast