Druk and Drukpa Bhutan Tours 

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

As you arrive in Bhutan, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other majestic Himalayan peaks from your flight. Upon landing at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver.

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. 

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and refresh before starting your sightseeing in Thimphu:

• Memorial Chorten – a beautiful 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 and the Royal Government of Bhutan, housing 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 to the base of Phajoding Monastery, one of the most sacred monastic sites overlooking the Thimphu Valley. From the base, begin your two-and-a-half-hour hike through pine forests and prayer-flag-lined trails. Upon reaching the monastery, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Thimphu Valley spread out below.

After descending and 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 the Thimphu Valley.

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, visit 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 once 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 and once served as the administrative center and seat of government until 1955.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Punakha to Haa (180 km | Approx. 5½ Hours)

After breakfast, drive about 30 minutes north of Punakha to the road end near Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. This splendid stupa 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 45-minute to 1-hour uphill hike through terraced rice fields and pine forests to reach the chorten, which offers sweeping views of the Punakha Valley below.

After lunch, begin your scenic journey to the pristine Haa Valley, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and least-visited regions. The drive passes through charming villages, winding mountain roads, and picturesque landscapes.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Haa Valley

The secluded Haa Valley is known for its deep spiritual heritage, shamanistic traditions, and devotion to its local guardian deity, Ap Chundu. The valley remains one of Bhutan’s least explored regions, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Bhutanese life.

Begin your exploration with visits to the 7th-century Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), both situated at the foothills of the sacred Meri Puensum — the three brotherly mountains venerated by the people of Haa.

In the evening, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the Bhutanese way of life and gain a deeper understanding of the shamanistic rituals and customs unique to the valley.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Haa to Paro (65 km | Approx. 2½ Hours)

After breakfast, drive to Paro via scenic mountain roads and winding valleys. Upon arrival in Paro, visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress built in the 17th century to defend Bhutan against Tibetan invasions and to establish control over the valley. Today, it houses the offices of the local government, regional administrative heads, and the monastic body of Paro.

Next, visit the Ta Dzong (National Museum), originally built as a watchtower to protect the dzong. Established as a cultural museum in 1968, it showcases over 3,000 artifacts, including ancient thangkas, textiles, weapons, and relics — offering a fascinating journey through more than 1,500 years of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Paro

After breakfast, embark on a memorable hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of the most sacred and revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Drive to Ramthangkha, the end of the motorable road, from where the hike begins. The trail winds through pine forests adorned with prayer flags, offering magnificent 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, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Its stunning architecture and spiritual serenity make it a true symbol of Bhutan.

In the afternoon, visit:

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

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, where you will experience authentic local 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.