Druk and Drukpa Bhutan Tours 

Paro to Thimphu (54 km | Approx. 1&½ Hours)

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and driver from Druk Drukpa Tours.

After a short introduction, begin your scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. En route, visit Tachog Lhakhang, a temple built by the great iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo in the 15th century, and cross the historic iron suspension bridge nearby. The journey to Thimphu takes approximately one and a half hours.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to refresh before starting your sightseeing in Thimphu:

• Memorial Chorten: a magnificent stupa built in memory of His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan, revered as the Father of Modern Bhutan.

• Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion): the seat of the Central Monastic Body, the Royal Government of Bhutan, and the Throne Room of His Majesty the King.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Bhutanese restaurant.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Thimphu

After an early breakfast, drive north of Thimphu for about 30 minutes to reach the base of the hiking trail at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park. From here, begin a scenic hike to Tango Monastery, a revered 17th-century monastery built in 1620. The hike takes approximately one hour and offers beautiful forested surroundings and glimpses of the Thimphu valley below.

Tango Monastery today serves as an important center for higher Buddhist studies and meditation, housing an active monastic community dedicated to spiritual learning and practice.

After lunch, return to Thimphu and continue your sightseeing with visits to:

• Takin Sanctuary: a small sanctuary that houses the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, known for its unique appearance and fascinating legend.

• Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point): one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Thimphu Valley.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Thimphu to Punakha (72 km | Approx. 2½ Hours)

After breakfast, begin your journey to Punakha via Wangduephodrang. En route, stop at the picturesque Dochula Pass (3,140 m) for refreshments and enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range on a clear day. The pass is also home to the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupas), built in honor of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan. 

Continuing the drive, descend into the warmer and fertile Punakha Valley, which once served as the ancient capital of Bhutan. Along the way, visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, built in honor of Lama Drukpa Kuenley—affectionately known as the Divine Madman.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Punakha to Paro (125 km | Approx. 3½ Hours)

After an early breakfast, drive north of Punakha for about 30 minutes to reach the road end near Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. This beautiful chorten was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother and dedicated to His Majesty the King and the well-being of all sentient beings. From the suspension bridge, enjoy a pleasant 45-minute to 1-hour uphill hike through rice fields and pine forests to reach the chorten, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the Punakha Valley below.

After returning, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Access the dzong via a traditional Bhutanese cantilever bridge, and explore its beautifully decorated courtyards and historical significance as the former seat of the Bhutanese government.

After the visit, begin your return drive to Paro, passing through scenic mountain roads and charming villages along the way.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Paro

After breakfast, embark on a memorable hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of the most revered and iconic Buddhist sites in the world. Drive to the base point at Ramthangkha, the end of the motorable road, from where the hike begins. The trail winds through fragrant pine forests adorned with fluttering prayer flags and offers breathtaking views of the Paro Valley below.

Perched dramatically on a cliffside 800 meters above the valley floor, Taktshang Monastery is believed to be the meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. The monastery’s spiritual serenity and awe-inspiring location make it an unforgettable highlight of any journey to Bhutan.

In the afternoon, visit:

• Kyichu Lhakhang: one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

• Paro Rinpung Dzong: a magnificent fortress that houses both monastic and administrative offices and offers commanding views of the valley and surrounding hills.

In the evening, enjoy your farewell dinner at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, where you will experience warm Bhutanese hospitality and authentic local cuisine.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Departure

After breakfast, Druk Drukpa Tours staff will drive you to Paro International Airport for your departure. Your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport and bid you a warm farewell. 

We sincerely thank you for visiting Bhutan and for choosing Druk Drukpa Tours.

Tashi Delek! May you have a safe journey home and carry with you wonderful memories of your time in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.