Druk and Drukpa Bhutan Tours 

Day One 

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 beginning your sightseeing tour:

• Memorial Chorten – a beautiful stupa built in memory of His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan, the Father of Modern Bhutan.

• Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) – the seat of the central monastic body, the Royal Government, and the Throne Room of His Majesty the King.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day Two

Thimphu

After an early breakfast, drive to the base of Phajoding Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most sacred monastic sites overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Begin your two-and-a-half-hour hike through serene pine forests and fluttering prayer flags to reach the monastery. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley, a truly rewarding experience.

After returning to the city, continue your sightseeing with visits to:

• Takin Sanctuary – a small sanctuary that houses the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, known for its unique and mythical appearance.

• 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.

Day Three

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

After breakfast, drive to the Dochula Pass (3,140 m) to attend the spectacular Druk Wangyel Tshechu (Festival). This festival is one of Bhutan’s most unique celebrations, held amid the breathtaking Himalayan backdrop. Unlike other festivals, the Druk Wangyel Tshechu was established to honor the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and the Royal Bhutan Army for their noble service in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.

The Dochula Pass is a popular stop for travelers, offering a panoramic view of the Himalayan range on a clear day and home to 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, built as symbols of peace and victory. Experience the vibrancy of the festival, with sacred mask dances, military-inspired performances, and colorful traditional attire, all set against the dramatic mountain scenery.

After the festival, drive toward the fertile Punakha Valley.

In the evening, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, a stunning fortress strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637, it once served as the ancient capital of Bhutan and remains one of the country’s most impressive architectural landmarks. Every February, it hosts the grand Punakha Serda procession, commemorating Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invasions.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day Four

Punakha to Gadgety (70 km | Approx. 2½ Hours)

After breakfast, drive about 30 minutes north of Punakha to the road end near Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a majestic stupa built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother and dedicated to His Majesty the King and the well-being of all sentient beings. After the visit, drive toward Gangtey Valley, stopping en route for a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of the Divine Madman, built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. This temple is renowned for its fertility blessings and attracts childless couples from across Bhutan and beyond.

Continue your journey to Gangtey, the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes and Bhutan’s most important RAMSAR marshland site. The valley’s pristine landscape and rich biodiversity make it one of the most picturesque regions in the country.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day Five

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.

Day Six

Gangtey to Paro (164 km | Approx. 6 Hours)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive back to Paro, retracing your journey through winding mountain roads, lush forests, and picturesque valleys. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to stop for photographs and take in the breathtaking Himalayan landscape.

Upon arrival in Paro, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress built in the 17th century to defend Bhutan against Tibetan invasions and to consolidate regional authority. Today, it houses the offices of the local government, various district administrative sectors, and the monastic body.

Next, visit the Ta Dzong (National Museum), originally constructed as a watchtower to protect the dzong. Converted into a museum in 1968, it now houses over 3,000 artifacts, including ancient thangkas, religious relics, textiles, and weapons — offering a vivid portrayal of over 1,500 years of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day Seven

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 afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang – one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.​

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.

Day Eight

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.