Duration
5 Nights / 6 Days
Destinations
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
Travel Style
Private & Tailored Tour
Covering
1 Country · 3 Cities
Overview
Bhutan – The Last Shangri-La of the Himalayas!
Designed as a sharp, essential introduction to the Dragon Kingdom, this six-day circuit enters via the dramatic mountain runway of Paro before tracking along the Pachu River to the capital, Thimphu. Initial orientations span the Ta Dzong National Museum, Rinpung Dzong, and Thimphu’s revered landmarks—including the National Memorial Chorten, 12th-century Changangkha Temple, master artisan workshops at the School for Arts and Crafts, and the seat of government at Tashichhodzong.
Leaving the capital, the route climbs over the 3,100-meter Dochu-La pass—framed by panoramic Himalayan vistas—to enter the lush, lower-elevation Punakha valley. Time here centers on the majestic 17th-century Punakha Dzong set at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, an excursion to the fertility shrine of Chimi Lhakhang, and a scenic hike through terraced farmland to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, with a stop at the river-spur fortress of Wangduephodrang.
The journey concludes back in Paro Valley with the quintessential trek to the cliff-hanging Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest), perched 900 meters above pine-forested slopes. Explorations round out with the border-defense ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, the sacred 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, or an alternative high-altitude day venture across Chelila Pass into alpine Haa. Supported by seamless private transfers, licensed guiding, and curated monument entries, this compact route distills Bhutan’s core fortress architecture and mountain spirituality into an efficient week-long footprint.
Highlights
What You Will Experience
- Enjoy a spectacular mountain flight into Paro with panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks
- Explore Paro’s Ta Dzong Museum and Rinpung Dzong, offering an introduction to Bhutan’s rich cultural and religious heritage
- Discover Thimphu through the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Temple, Tashichhodzong, and traditional craft institutions
- Cross the scenic Dochu-La Pass and enjoy Himalayan views and seasonal rhododendron forests
- Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong and walk to Chimi Lhakhang, associated with Drukpa Kuenly
- Hike through rice fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and enjoy a riverside picnic
- Experience the iconic Taktsang Monastery hike, with dramatic views of the monastery rising above the Paro Valley
- Explore historic Drukgyel Dzong and the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang, with an optional excursion to Haa Valley
The Route
Your Journey
Paro · Thimphu · Punakha
Itinerary
Day by Day
Day 01 – Arrive Paro – Thimphu
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities.
After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Afterwards, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours) following the Pachu River. Before dinner at the hotel there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide.
Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: As per plan
Day 02 – Thimphu
Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernisation, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple and Drubthob monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery.
Other sites to visit include: the School for Arts and Crafts where students are taught the 13 types of Bhutanese art, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory displaying the Bhutanese paper making process, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.
If your visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market to see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillies, cheese and a variety of greens. (This market is open only from Friday-Sunday).
Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: As per plan
Day 03 – Thimphu – Punakha
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned.
After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing.
Overnight: Punakha / Wangduephodrang
Meals: As per plan
Day 04 – Punakha – Thimphu – Paro
In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions. Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before exploring the Wangduephodrang Dzong. Built in 1639 the strategically located Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers.
Drive back to Thimphu where you will have an opportunity to visit handicraft and souvenir stores. Afterwards proceed to Paro, visiting Semtokha Dzong en route. The Dzong, built in 1627, is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture studies. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. Overnight at your hotel in Paro
Overnight: Paro
Meals: As per plan
Day 05 – Paro
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments.
In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.
Alternatively, day 5 could be spent on a day trip to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. Reached via the beautiful Chelila Pass, Haa Valley is characterised by its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: As per plan
Day 06 – Depart Paro
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!
Meals: As per plan
Stays & Travel
Accommodation & Transport
Where You Stay
- Thimphu – 2 nights
- Punakha / Wangduephodrang – 1 night
- Paro – 2 nights
Getting There
- Fly into Paro (gateway to Bhutan)
- Departure flight from Paro to your onward destination
Getting Around
- Private car or shared vehicle with driver as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport transfers by private car
- Bottles of water on vehicles for tour days and transfers
- Your team: Private Guide, Driver, Trip Managing Expert
Your Tour
What Is Included
Included
- Accommodation with daily breakfast
- Private car or shared vehicle with driver as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport transfers by private car
- Local English-speaking guides as mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner) as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottles of water on vehicles for tour days and transfers
Not Included
- Internal/ International flights not mentioned
- Visa fees
- Travel Insurance
- Hotel early check-in or late check-out surcharge (if requested)
- Meals (L/D) and drinks not mentioned
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, Excess Baggage Charges, souvenirs…) and other services not mentioned.
- Peak season surcharge
- Tips & gratuities for guides and drivers
- All other services not mentioned above
Booking Terms
Cancellation Policy
Read the cancellation policy
Charges, as a share of the tour price, by days before departure:
- More than 21 days: 10%
- 15–21 days: 25%
- 7–14 days: 50%
- Less than 7 days: 100%
Our standard booking terms and website disclaimer: Terms & Conditions.
Tailor This Journey
Plan Your Valleys of the Thunder Dragon Holiday
Every Kanishka tour is private and can be shaped around your dates, pace and interests. Tell us how you would like to travel.
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