Druk and Drukpa Bhutan Tours 

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

As you arrive in Bhutan, enjoy breathtaking views of the 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. Upon arrival, check into your hotel 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 north of Thimphu for about 30 minutes to reach the base of the hiking trail at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park. From here, begin a scenic hike to Tango Monastery, a revered 17th-century monastery built in 1620. The hike takes approximately one hour and offers beautiful forested surroundings and glimpses of the Thimphu valley below. Tango Monastery today serves as an important center for higher Buddhist studies and meditation, housing an active monastic community dedicated to spiritual learning and practice. After lunch, return to Thimphu and continue your sightseeing with visits to:

• Takin Sanctuary: a small sanctuary that houses the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, known for its unique appearance and fascinating legend.

• Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point): one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, offering a stunning panoramic 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 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 Phobjikha (74 km | Approx. 3 Hours)

After breakfast, drive toward the serene Phobjikha Valley via Wangduephodrang. This glacial valley, located at an altitude of around 3,000 meters, serves as the winter home of the rare Black-Necked Cranes, which migrate from Tibet between late October and April. Their arrival is joyfully celebrated by the local villagers, as the cranes are deeply revered in Bhutanese culture — symbolizing peace, longevity, and harmony.

The Black-Necked Crane holds a special place in Bhutanese folklore, songs, and dances, and even served as the emblem of a former political body in Bhutan. Visit the magnificent Gangtey Monastery, the seat of His Holiness the Gangtey Trulku, an important figure in the Nyingma school of Buddhism. After exploring the monastery, spend the rest of the day leisurely walking through the picturesque Phobjikha Valley and village. 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Phobjikha to Paro (170 km | Approx. 6 Hours)

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

Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the Phobjikha Valley, and during the winter months, catch glimpses of the graceful Black-Necked Cranes roosting in the wetlands below — a truly peaceful and memorable sight.

After approximately a one-and-a-half-hour hike, begin your drive back to the fertile Paro Valley, passing through beautiful landscapes and traditional Bhutanese villages. Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and unwind.

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 iconic Buddhist sites in the world. Drive to Ramthangkha, the end of the motorable road, from where the trail begins. The hike takes you through pine forests adorned with fluttering prayer flags, offering spectacular views of the Paro Valley below.

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 awe-inspiring setting and spiritual energy make it a highlight of any visit to Bhutan.

In the afternoon, visit:

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

• Paro Rinpung Dzong / National Museum – explore the impressive fortress and its adjoining museum, which showcases Bhutan’s rich art, culture, and history.

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

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.