Bhutan: A Journey Beyond the Ordinary

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and driver before beginning your Bhutanese journey. Visit Paro Dzong and cross its traditional wooden bridge before exploring the National Museum, housed in the former watchtower. Continue to Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, before driving to Thimphu.

Elevation: Paro 2,250 m → 2,320 m

Overnight: Thimphu

After breakfast, explore Bhutan’s capital and its cultural landmarks. Visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point, Changangkha Monastery, the radio tower viewpoint, the Takin Preserve, the nunnery temple, National Library, School of Arts and Crafts, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, traditional paper factory, and the majestic Tashichhodzong.

Elevation: Thimphu 2,320 m

Overnight: Thimphu

Begin an early drive toward Punakha. Stop at Dochula Pass to enjoy Himalayan views and visit the Chortens. Continue with a downhill walk through rhododendron forest, followed by a two-hour walk through villages and farmland. Depending on the season, the route passes green rice terraces, local vegetation, birds, and farmers working in the fields. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a temple before continuing another approximately two-hour village walk to the road.

On the way to Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the Divine Madman. Continue to Punakha and visit the historic Punakha Dzong.

Elevation: Thimphu 2,320 m → Dochula 3,100 m → Punakha 1,200 m

Overnight: Punakha

Start early with a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Stupa, enjoying views over the Punatsangchu River. Continue by vehicle to Wangduephodrang, a small Bhutanese town whose prominent dzong is its defining landmark. Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong, built in 1638, before returning to Punakha.

Elevation: Punakha 1,200 m

Overnight: Punakha

Return to Paro on a scenic drive of approximately four hours. On arrival, visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, renowned for its architecture and cultural importance. Continue to a local farmhouse for tea or dinner and experience traditional Bhutanese village hospitality. You may also enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot-stone bath.

Elevation: Punakha 1,200 m → Paro 2,200 m 

Overnight: Paro

Drive to Haa Valley, crossing Chele La Pass at around 3,800 metres. From the pass, enjoy views toward Mount Jomolhari and Haa Valley. Visit Kila Gompa, a secluded nunnery where around 30 nuns live and practice daily prayer and meditation.

After visiting the nunnery, follow an old trail for approximately one and a half hours through rhododendron and hemlock forest. Continue into Haa Valley and walk to Katso Village, where you can visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo. Stay with a local farmhouse family and learn to prepare Hoentay, a traditional buckwheat dumpling associated with Haa.

Elevation: Paro 2,200 m → Haa 2,670 m

Overnight: Haa farmhouse homestay

Drive approximately 30 minutes from Haa town to Kana Village. From Kana, hike for around one and a half hours through blue pine and rhododendron forest to Gyensakha Temple. From the temple, enjoy views over Haa Valley and toward Tsapay Village. After visiting the temple, walk down toward Tsapay Village, where the vehicle will meet you.

Elevation: Haa 2,670 m → Paro 2,200 m

Overnight: Paro

After breakfast, drive to the base of Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. Begin the approximately two-hour uphill hike through the forest to the monastery, dramatically located on a cliff above the valley floor.

After exploring Taktsang, drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. In clear weather, Mount Jomolhari provides a spectacular backdrop. Continue back toward Paro and visit other sights in the valley. End the day with a traditional Bhutanese hot-stone bath.

Elevation: Paro 2,200 m

Overnight: Paro

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Depart Bhutan with memories of its rural villages, mountain landscapes, sacred monasteries, traditional hospitality, and unique cultural experiences.