Druk and Drukpa Bhutan Tours 

Paro

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and driver with a scarf exchange ceremony, a traditional Bhutanese gesture of goodwill and respect. Afterward, proceed to check into your hotel in Paro.

In the afternoon, begin your exploration with a visit to the historic Paro Rinpung Dzong, built in the 17th century to defend Bhutan against Tibetan invasions and to consolidate control over the valley. 

Next, visit the Paro Ta Dzong, originally a watchtower and later converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum houses over 3,000 Bhutanese art pieces, including ancient thangkas, relics, and artifacts representing over 1,500 years of cultural heritage. Don’t miss the opportunity to photograph the breathtaking views of Paro Valley from here.

Continue to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

In the evening, take a stroll through the Paro Market and the vibrant Kaja Throm (Vegetable Market) to experience local life and crafts.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Paro to Thimphu (55 km | Approx. 1½ Hours)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the vibrant capital city of Bhutan. The journey offers picturesque views of lush valleys, meandering rivers, and charming Buddhist temples along the way. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a moment to refresh.

Begin your exploration of Thimphu with visits to:

• Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory – observe the traditional process of papermaking from the bark of the Daphne plant, a craft that has been practiced for centuries.

• Buddha Dordenma – marvel at one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, overlooking the Thimphu Valley with a serene and commanding presence.

• Centenary Farmers Market (Kaja Throm) – stroll through the bustling market to experience Bhutanese daily life, local produce, and traditional handicrafts.

At 5:00 PM, visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), which houses the Throne Room of His Majesty the King, the central monastic body, and key government offices.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Thimphu to Phobjikha (130 km | Approx. 4½ Hours)

After an early breakfast, visit the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan.

Then embark on a scenic drive to Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley renowned as the winter roosting ground of the black-necked cranes, revered in Bhutanese culture as symbols of peace and longevity.

En route, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 m) to admire panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day, including Mount Gangkar Puensum (7,550 m), Bhutan’s highest peak. Enjoy a cup of tea while surrounded by the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens that grace the pass.

Descending from Dochula, drive through Wangduephodrang District and ascend to the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, known for its pristine beauty and serene atmosphere. In the late afternoon, take time to photograph and enjoy the tranquil landscape of this enchanting valley.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Phobjikha

After an early breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Gonpa), the seat of His Holiness the Gangtey Trulku, a revered figure in the Nyingma school of Buddhism. Perched on a small hill overlooking the valley, the monastery offers stunning panoramic views of the Phobjikha Valley and stands as a beacon of spiritual and architectural beauty.

After exploring the monastery, take a short morning walk to the mani (chorten) located north of the Gonpa. Continue along a gentle trail through pine forests and bamboo groves, ending your walk at Khewa Lhakhang, a small yet tranquil monastery nestled in the valley.

Spend the rest of the day leisurely exploring the Phobjikha Valley and its charming village, soaking in the serene landscape, the crisp mountain air, and the peaceful rhythm of rural life. During winter, you may spot the graceful black-necked cranes that migrate here from Tibet.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Phobjikha to Trongsa (120 km | Approx. 4 Hours)

After an early breakfast, begin your journey from Phobjikha to Trongsa, ascending through winding mountain roads toward the Pele La Pass (3,420 m), which marks the boundary between Western and Central Bhutan. Stop briefly at the pass to take in the magnificent views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including the distant Mount Jomolhari.

Continue onward to visit the Chendebji Chorten, a striking stupa built in the style of Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with painted eyes gazing in the four cardinal directions.

Upon arrival in Trongsa, explore the impressive Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest fortress, built in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. For centuries, it served as the seat of the Trongsa Penlop (Governor), who administered central and eastern Bhutan, as well as housing an important monastic body.

Conclude the day with a short walk uphill to Ta Dzong (Watchtower), which now houses the Trongsa Museum, established in 2008 with Austrian support. The museum offers a rich insight into Bhutan’s royal lineage and religious history.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.​

Trongsa to Punakha (150 km | Approx. 5 Hours)

After an early breakfast, begin your journey back to Punakha, retracing scenic mountain roads that wind through lush forests and picturesque landscapes. Along the way, feel free to stop at various viewpoints to capture stunning photographs of the snow-capped Himalayas and verdant valleys.

By late afternoon, arrive at the magnificent Punakha Dzong, majestically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Constructed between 1637 and 1638, this impressive fortress is the second-largest and second-oldest dzong in Bhutan. It once served as the administrative center and seat of the Bhutanese government until 1955 and continues to stand as a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and history.

After exploring the dzong, visit Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, offering spectacular views of the river and the surrounding valley. End the day with a visit to the Punakha Local Market (Kaja Throm), beautifully set along the Punatsangchhu River. 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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

After an early breakfast, visit the serene Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, beautifully perched on Omolatsekha Hill, overlooking the Punakha Valley. This two-story nunnery serves both as a spiritual center for Buddhist nuns and as a monastery offering higher education in Buddhist philosophy and meditation. The site also provides stunning views of the surrounding valleys and distant Himalayan peaks.

Following the visit, begin your scenic drive back to the fertile Paro Valley. En route, stop at Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, affectionately known as The Divine Madman. Dedicated to fertility and blessings, the temple and its surrounding village of Sopsokha are adorned with colorful phallus symbols that represent protection and fertility. Many childless couples from Bhutan and abroad visit this temple to seek blessings for children.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Paro-Taktshang-Bumdra (9 km | Approx. 7 Hours)

After an early breakfast, gear up for an extraordinary trekking experience to one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks — the Taktshang Palphug Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Perched dramatically on a cliff 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley, Taktshang is among the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas.

According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this site from Tibet on the back of a tigress in the 8th century to subdue local demons and meditate, giving the monastery its name, “Tiger’s Nest.” The three-hour uphill hike takes you through enchanting pine forests adorned with fluttering prayer flags, offering spectacular views of the valley below. A visit to Taktshang is truly a spiritual highlight of any journey to Bhutan.

After exploring the monastery, continue your uphill trek to Bumdra Monastery, a sacred site nestled high above Paro. The hike takes approximately three to four hours, winding through alpine meadows and ridges with sweeping views of the Himalayan ranges. Upon reaching the Bumdra Campground, take time to rest, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and admire the breathtaking panorama of the valley below.

Overnight in a tented camp at Bumdra.

Dinner and overnight in a tented Camp 

Bumdra to Paro (6 km | Approx. 2½ Hours)

After breakfast, take a short ascent to the viewpoint above the Bumdra Campground, situated at an elevation of approximately 4,120 meters. From this vantage point, enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayan range, with Mount Jomolhari (7,326 m) rising majestically in the distance and the campsite nestled serenely below — a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Return to the camp, then begin your descent toward the Paro Valley, a two to three-hour hike leading to Sang Choekor Monastery. The trail meanders through ancient ruins, sky burial sites, alpine meadows, and mountain monasteries, creating a fascinating blend of natural beauty and spiritual heritage.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner at a local farmhouse, where you can unwind and experience genuine Bhutanese hospitality after your trekking adventure.

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.