Druk and Drukpa Bhutan Tours 

Paro

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our 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 (54 km | Approx. 1½ Hours) 

After an early breakfast, visit the Tenchen Choeling Nunnery, where you will have the special opportunity to join the nuns for their morning Buddhist prayers — a serene and uplifting experience that offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s living spiritual tradition.

After the visit, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital. En route, stop at Tachog Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple built by the great iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo, and cross the iconic iron suspension bridge nearby. 

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and refresh before beginning your sightseeing tour:

• Memorial Chorten – a stupa built in memory of His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan, symbolizing peace and compassion.

• Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) – the administrative and spiritual heart of Bhutan, housing the central monastic body and the Throne Room of His Majesty the King.

• Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point) – visit one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, offering panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley and a tranquil space for reflection.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Thimphu

After an early breakfast, drive to the base of Phajoding Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most sacred and peaceful monastic sites overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Begin your two-and-a-half-hour hike through tranquil pine forests and fluttering prayer flags to reach the monastery. From the top, enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu Valley — a sight of pure serenity and inspiration.

After returning, visit the Takin Sanctuary, home to Bhutan’s national animal, a rare and gentle creature found only in the eastern Himalayas.

In the evening, unwind with a restorative spa and traditional massage at one of Thimphu’s healing centers. This rejuvenating treatment helps relieve muscle fatigue, enhance circulation, and promote a deep sense of relaxation and balance — a fitting conclusion to your day of mindful exploration.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. En route, stop at Dochula Pass (3,140 m) for refreshments and to enjoy a panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. The pass is adorned with 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, symbolizing peace and spiritual strength, and serves as a perfect place for quiet reflection amid breathtaking mountain vistas.

Continue your journey and, before reaching Punakha, stop for a brief walk to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of the Divine Madman, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley. This fertility temple is believed to bless couples seeking children and is surrounded by prayer wheels and fields that radiate peace and harmony.

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, majestically located 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 served as the administrative and spiritual seat of the government until 1955. End your day with a walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, offering stunning views of the river and the lush Punakha Valley.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Thimphu to Punakha (172 km | Approx. 2½ Hours)

After breakfast, begin your drive back to Thimphu, retracing the scenic mountain roads lined with lush forests and terraced hillsides. En route, take a short stop at Dochula Pass (3,140 m) to once again admire the magnificent views of the snow-capped Himalayan range and spend a few quiet moments among the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, a perfect setting for contemplation and gratitude.

Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into your hotel and enjoy a light, healthy lunch. In the afternoon, visit the serene Zilukha Nunnery (Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery), home to nuns who devote their lives to prayer and meditation. You may sit quietly in the temple to listen to the rhythmic chants and experience the deep calm of Bhutanese spiritual life.

Later in the evening, unwind with a traditional Bhutanese hot-stone bath — a centuries-old healing practice believed to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. The soothing mineral-rich waters, heated with river stones, provide the perfect way to relax after days of travel and hiking.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Thimphu to Paro (54 Km | Approx. 1½ Hours)

After an early breakfast, drive to Paro and embark on a spiritually enriching hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) — one of Bhutan’s most sacred and awe-inspiring Buddhist sites. The journey begins at Ramthangkha, the end of the motorable road, where the trail ascends gently through pine forests draped with prayer flags, carrying the whispers of ancient mantras in the breeze.

Perched dramatically on a cliffside 800 meters above the valley floor, Taktshang Monastery is believed to be the meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. The combination of spiritual energy, dramatic scenery, and sacred history makes this an unforgettable highlight of your Bhutan journey.

In the evening, celebrate your time in the Land of the Thunder Dragon with a farewell dinner at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, where you will enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisine and warm local hospitality — a perfect conclusion to your spiritual and wellness experience.

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.