Bhutan Tour 6 Nights / 7 Days 7 Days

The flight to Paro is one of the most breathtaking mountain flights, offering views of Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga, Makalu, as well as Bhutan’s peaks like Jhomulhari and Jichu Drake. Upon arrival, the cool, fresh air of Bhutan will be your first welcome. A Bhutanese guide will greet you and take you on a short drive to Hotel Olathang.

Paro, a picturesque valley surrounded by charming hamlets and terraced paddy fields, retains its traditional architecture and farming practices despite being home to the country’s first airport. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the National Museum housed in Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower. The museum displays a range of artifacts, including antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, armor, household items, and a rich collection of natural and historical objects. Below the museum is the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a 17th-century fortress built to protect the valley from Tibetan invasions. The dzong now serves as an administrative center and a school for monks.

The day ends with a stroll through Paro’s main shopping area. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive along winding roads to Drukgyal Dzong, a historic fort that once protected the valley from Tibetan invasions. On the way back, stop by Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, dating back to the 7th century.

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Paro town, then visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower now housing the National Museum, which was converted into a museum in 1968. The museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, including antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, armor, household items, and a range of natural and historical objects.

Next, visit Rinpung Dzong, built in the 17th century to defend the valley from Tibetan invaders. Today, it serves as both an administrative center and a school for monks.

In the late afternoon, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s modern capital, which is approximately 1.5 hours away. With a population of around 98,000, Thimphu is a unique capital with no traffic lights. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

In the morning, visit the Weekend Market, a bustling hub where locals shop for fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, rice, grains, chilies, and other food items. The market is filled with vibrant local goods, including yak tail dusters, butter tea cups, turquoise from Nepal and Tibet, and musical instruments.

Next, drive towards the northern part of Thimphu Valley and catch a glimpse of Dechhenchholing Palace, nestled in a pine forest along the way. Continue the journey to the base of Tango Monastery, where you will embark on a 2-hour hike to the top. Upon arrival, visit this historic monastery, founded in the 13th century by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa. The current structures, dating back to the 15th century, were built by the legendary ‘divine madman,’ Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Today, Tango Monastery is home to an important reincarnate lama, believed to be the seventh reincarnation of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye.

After exploring the monastery, return to the starting point and drive back to Thimphu for lunch. Following lunch, take a walk through the scenic Thimphu Valley and visit the Memorial Chorten, National Library, and the School of Arts and Crafts. In the evening, explore the Handicrafts Emporium, which offers a variety of Bhutanese handicrafts for sale, before strolling through Thimphu’s main shopping areas. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart for Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. The journey begins with a steep climb out of Thimphu through forests of pine and cedar, draped in hanging lichen, as you approach Dochula Pass (3,050 m). This pass offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range. After a brief stop to enjoy the view and a cup of tea, we descend through winding roads into the fertile valley of Punakha.

Upon arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, located between the Mo (Female) Chu and Pho (Male) Chu rivers. In the afternoon, take a 40-minute hike to Nyizergang Chorten (Kham Yueley Chorten), which majestically sits atop a hill overlooking the river. The hike passes through terraced rice fields and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart for Wangdue, making a short stop to view the Wangdiphodrang Dzong, dramatically perched on a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers. Continue your journey as you steadily climb through semi-tropical vegetation toward Gangtey, situated on the slopes of the Black Mountains. Here, visit the Gangtey Gompa, a 17th-century monastery currently under renovation.

A few kilometers beyond the Gompa, explore the stunning Phobjikha Valley, described as “the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas.” This valley is the winter home for black-necked cranes, which migrate from northern arid plains to spend the winter in the milder climate of this region. In the afternoon, observe the habitats of these cranes and take a walk along the picturesque valley of Gangtey before driving back to Wangdue for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Wangdue, a key town and district center in Western Bhutan. Here, make a brief stop to admire the Wangdiphodrang Dzong, dramatically situated on a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers.

Continue your journey as you drive over the Docho-la pass (3050 m) on the way to Paro. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be driven a short distance to Paro airport, where your Bhutanese escort will bid you farewell. Wishing you a safe journey as you depart for Kathmandu and head back home.