Druk and Drukpa Bhutan Tours 

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

As your flight descends into Bhutan, enjoy breathtaking views of stunning Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver.

Begin your scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital city. En route, visit Tachog Lhakhang, a temple built in the 15th century by the legendary iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo, and cross the historic iron suspension bridge nearby. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and refresh before visiting Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point) – home to one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, offering a spectacular bird’s-eye view of Thimphu Valley.​

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Thimphu

After an early breakfast, visit the magnificent Tashichho Dzong, the venue for the grand Thimphu Tshechu, one of Bhutan’s most vibrant and sacred festivals. Held annually in honor of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the festival features elaborate mask dances (Cham) performed by monks and laymen, accompanied by spiritual music and colorful pageantry. Locals gather dressed in their finest traditional attire, creating a lively atmosphere filled with devotion, joy, and community spirit.

After experiencing the festival, visit the Takin Sanctuary, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin — a rare and mythical creature found only in the Eastern Himalayas. The sanctuary offers a peaceful walk through pine forests and an opportunity to learn about Bhutan’s unique biodiversity.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Wangduephodrang, with several scenic and cultural stops along the way. En route, stop at Dochula Pass (3,140 m) for refreshments and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayan range on a clear day. The pass is also home to the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, built in honor of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Continue your journey, descending into the warmer Punakha Valley, which served as the ancient capital of Bhutan. Along the way, visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), built in honor of Lama Drukpa Kuenley — affectionately known as the Divine Madman.

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, majestically situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637–1638, it is the second-largest and second-oldest dzong in Bhutan. 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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

After breakfast, drive back to Thimphu, enjoying the scenic journey through winding mountain roads, lush valleys, and charming villages. Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into your hotel and take some time to refresh.

In the afternoon, visit the Centenary Farmers Market, the largest weekend market in Bhutan, where locals from nearby villages gather to sell fresh produce, local snacks, and traditional crafts. It’s a lively place to experience Bhutanese daily life and interact with local vendors.

Continue to the Bhutan Post Office, where you can create personalized postage stamps featuring your own photograph — a unique keepsake from your trip.

End the day by exploring Thimphu town at your leisure. Stroll through its charming streets lined with cafés, handicraft shops, and local boutiques, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Bhutan’s capital city.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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

After breakfast, drive to Paro, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historically rich valleys. Upon arrival, begin your sightseeing with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This ancient temple marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan and radiates a serene spiritual atmosphere.

Next, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels), an impressive 17th-century structure that houses both the district monastic body and local government offices. The dzong’s architecture and setting offer striking views of the Paro Valley and the meandering Paro River.

Continue to the Ta Dzong (National Museum), originally constructed as a watchtower to protect the dzong. Converted into a museum in 1968, it features over 3,000 artifacts, including ancient thangkas, textiles, relics, and historical weaponry — offering a vivid journey through Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Paro - Haa - Paro (130 km | Approx. 4 Hours)

After an early breakfast, embark on a day excursion to the serene Haa Valley, one of Bhutan’s most pristine and least-visited regions. The journey takes you over the Chelela Pass (3,988 m) — one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan — offering breathtaking views of Mount Jomolhari (7,326 m) and the snowcapped peaks of the western Himalayas. On a clear day, the panoramic scenery from the pass is truly unforgettable.

Descend into the Haa Valley, often called the Hidden Paradise, where you will visit:

• Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) – twin temples dating back to the 7th century, built under the direction of Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. These temples represent the forces of good and evil and are said to be blessed by local protective deities.

• Stroll through the charming Haa town, visit traditional houses, and interact with friendly locals to experience authentic Bhutanese rural life.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the valley before driving back to Paro in the late afternoon.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Paro

After breakfast, embark on a hike to the iconic Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of the most sacred and revered Buddhist sites in the world. Drive to Ramthangkha, the end of the motorable road, from where your hike begins.

The trail ascends through pine forests adorned with prayer flags, offering sweeping views of the Paro Valley. Perched dramatically on a cliffside 800 meters above the valley floor, Taktshang Monastery is believed to be the meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. The monastery’s sacred atmosphere and stunning location make it a true highlight of your Bhutan journey.

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

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.