7 Day Bhutan Tour

As you step off the plane at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by one of our friendly tour guides just outside the arrival hall. At an elevation of 7,333 feet above sea level, the thin mountain air may take some getting used to, so we’ll take a brief drive to your hotel to give you time to acclimate. Our team is committed to ensuring that you have a comfortable and memorable experience from the moment you arrive in Bhutan.

Nestled atop a steep rock cliff about 800 meters above the valley floor, the iconic Paro Taktsang Monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” is a must-visit sacred site in Bhutan. The 17th-century monastery is accessible only by foot, and the round-trip hike takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors. Although horse riding is available for a fee, the ride will be till the midway point (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria), it is best enjoyed on foot. We recommend hiking both ways for an exhilarating experience. It’s important to note that horse riding is not recommended on your way down, and horse owners may not be held responsible for any incidents that may occur during the ride.

Next we will travel to Thimphu, the vibrant capital city of Bhutan with approximately 115,000 residents. Known as the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country, this bustling little city stands out as the only capital in the world without traffic lights and commercial billboards. A drive of 1.5-hours from Paro, with a distance of 55km, takes you to Thimphu, which is at an altitude of 2,334m, higher than Paro’s elevation of 2,200m. Upon arrival, visit the impressive 169ft Buddha Dordhenma Statue located at Kuensel Phodrang. The statue was built to honor the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s 60th birth anniversary and also to promote peace in the world. After the visit, take some leisure time to explore Thimphu town, where you can discover the local culture and indulge in some retail therapy.

Start your day off with an early breakfast and get ready to explore the wonders of Tango Monastery, located on a serene mountainside about 14km north of Thimphu. Built in the 13th century, the monastery was founded by the Tibetan saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and is a sacred site that marks the establishment of the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan. The hike is a 2-3-hour round trip for most visitors and is well worth it for the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views.

After the hike, head back to Thimphu for a traditional lunch at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant. Then, spend the afternoon exploring the cultural gems of the town. Visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, where you can witness the teaching of 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The nearby National Library of Bhutan is considered a national treasure, containing a wealth of information on Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts, and culture. Both the institute and library are open on working weekdays and on Saturdays from 10am to noon.

For a taste of local life, take a stroll through the Centenary Farmers’ Market, where farmers from all over the country bring their produce to sell. The market is open from Friday to Sunday. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a game of archery at the Changlimithang Archery Range. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan, and the archers put on an impressive display of dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a distance of 145 meters. Enjoy some leisure time in Thimphu town to soak in the atmosphere and reflect on your experiences.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive to Punakha valley. On your way, make a brief stop at Dochula, a sacred mountain pass that sits at an elevation of 3150m, and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of some of Bhutan’s highest mountains. This is the perfect spot to take memorable photos of your journey. As you continue driving towards Punakha, you’ll gradually descend to a subtropical valley within an hour, giving you a glimpse of the diverse landscapes of Bhutan.

Before reaching Punakha town, make a stop at the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the “Temple of Fertility.” Take a gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses, which is a unique experience for visitors. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby hotel or a local village house before heading to Punakha town to visit the stunning 17th-century Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture that continues to inspire Bhutanese building design to this day. Admire the fine arts and craftsmanship displayed in the intricate woodworks and sacred wall paintings. For those interested, take a leisurely stroll to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge.

End your day at Meri Puensum Resort or Namgay Zam Homestay, where you can spend the night with a local family, experiencing the daily life of an ordinary Bhutanese family while enjoying organic home-cooked local cuisines. Our clients love this unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Bhutanese culture. The distance from Thimphu to Punakha is 74km, and the driving time is approximately 3 hours. The Dochula Pass altitude is 3150m, and the Punakha altitude is 1200m.

After a hearty breakfast, lace up your hiking boots and make your way to the Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten, situated atop a serene hill with panoramic views of the fertile Punakha valley and the meandering Mochu river. The hike to the chorten takes about 2.5 hours and leads through terraced rice fields, offering a unique glimpse into the daily life of the locals. After a refreshing lunch, it’s time to head to the stunning Phobjikha valley, a protected area and winter home to the endangered Black Necked Crane. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and fuel up with hot tea and snacks before embarking on the Gangtey Nature Hike. This approximately 5km trail will take you through beautiful meadows, traditional village houses, farmlands, and crystalline streams, showcasing the natural beauty of the valley and the way of life of its people. Don’t forget your camera as there will be plenty of opportunities for capturing breathtaking shots along the way.

Start your day by visiting Gangtey Goenpa, one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan. This 17th-century monastery is nestled atop a hill and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Spend some time with the resident monks who are known for their peaceful way of life and deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy. You can offer prayers at this sacred place and feel a sense of serenity.

Afterward, you will be transferred back to Paro. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the way back. If time permits, make a stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. This 7th-century temple is believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Experience the unique blend of cultural and spiritual heritage that this ancient temple offers before returning to your hotel in Paro.

As your journey in Bhutan comes to an end, take time to savor one last breakfast before bidding farewell to this magical country. Depending on your flight schedule, a comfortable transfer will be arranged to take you to Paro International Airport. Your guide will be there to ensure that all exit formalities are completed smoothly and efficiently, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the final moments of your stay in Bhutan. As you depart, take with you fond memories of the warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty of this enchanting land.