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.
Highlights
- Walk through rural villages and farmland, stay in a traditional farmhouse in Haa, and experience local Bhutanese hospitality and food preparation.
- Enjoy gentle walks through rice terraces, rhododendron and pine forests, traditional villages, and mountain landscapes around Punakha and Haa.
- Explore Haa Valley, visit Kila Gompa and traditional temples, learn to prepare Hoentay, and experience a traditional Bhutanese hot-stone bath.
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.
- Comfortable accommodation in 3-star hotels (upgrade to 4-star or 5-star hotels available upon request).
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the tour.
- Private airport transfers and all ground transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Services of a licensed English-speaking Bhutanese tour guide.
- Experienced professional driver throughout the journey.
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
- Bhutan tourist visa processing and visa fee.
- All entrance fees to monuments, museums, temples, monasteries, and attractions included in the itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water during sightseeing and transfers.
- Guided hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery.
- Government royalties and all applicable Bhutan tourism taxes.
- 24/7 local assistance and support throughout your stay.
- International airfare to and from Bhutan.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, snacks, beverages, shopping, and minibar charges.
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks.
- Tips and gratuities for your guide and driver (at your discretion).
- Optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Horse hire for the Tiger's Nest hike (available at an additional cost).
- Camera or video fees where applicable.
- Expenses arising from flight delays, cancellations, road closures, natural disasters, political events, or other circumstances beyond our control.
- Any services not specifically listed under Tour Inclusions.
- Note: Accommodation upgrades to 4-star, 5-star, or luxury hotels, as well as customized itineraries and private experiences, can be arranged upon request for an additional cost.
