Day 01: Arrival in Paro - Transfer to Thimpu- Explore Thimpu

Altitude Paro: 2,200m

Altitude Thimpu: 2,300m

Distance: 54 kilometers approx.

Driving Time: 1.5 hours 

Begin this 4-day Bhutan tour by flying into Paro International Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan. After immigration and customs formalities, meet your Bhutanese guide outside the arrival area. He/she will traditionally welcome you to Bhutan, before starting your journey to Thimpu. 

Enjoy a scenic drive that gently winds along the Paro Chhu (Paro River), before merging with the Wang Chhu (Thimpu River), offering stunning views of terraced fields, traditional farmhouses and distant mountains. Along the way, pass through small settlements and spot locals in traditional attire going about their day. The highlight of this drive includes a stop at Tachog/Tamchog Lhakhang, a 15th century temple located on the base of the mountain along the Paro-Thimpu highway, right after Isuna Village and roughly 5 kilometers before the confluence of Paro and Thimpu river. The temple was built by the legendary “Iron Bridge Builder”, Thangtong Gyalpo. In the present day, the main shrine houses relics, such as a statue of Lord Buddha, Zhabdrung, Guru Padmasambhava and Chenrezig Avalokiteshvara and ancient books (Kangjur and Tenjur) and a walking stick of Thangtong Gyalpo. Located 10 minutes from the highway, visitors need to cross the bridge built in the 15th century (restored in 2005) to visit the temple. 

Continue to Thimpu after visiting the temple. As you approach the capital, witness the changing landscape where emerging city life perfectly blends with the surrounding natural beauty. Reach the capital ideally nestled in a wide valley surrounded by pine-covered hills and check into the hotel for a short rest and lunch. After lunch visit the following sites:

The Great Buddha Dordenma: Located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, it’s a 169 feet tall, bronze and gold statue of Buddha that fulfills a prophecy dating back to the 8th century. It is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world and is believed to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. 

The Royal Takin Preserve: Located in Motithang district of Thimpu, it’s a 3.4ha forested wildlife sanctuary that preserves the national animal of Bhutan ‘Takin’ with other wildlife, such as sambar and barking deer, red muntjac, yak and himalayan serow and birds, such as Monal and Tragopan in its natural habitat.  

Simply Bhutan: It’s a living museum that offers an immersive experience into Bhutanese culture, tradition and the way of life. Designed like a traditional village, this place not just offers the opportunity to interact with artisans, performers and guides, but also offers the opportunity to dress in traditional Bhutanese attire, watch artisans demonstrate crafts, such as wood carving, weaving, painting etc., try your hands at archery, enjoy cultural performances as well as taste local tea and traditional snacks.

Authentic Bhutanese Craft Bazaar: It’s a handicraft market run by rural artisans exhibiting, promoting and preserving Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts. The market consists of about 80 bamboo-hut stalls that showcase and sell textiles, paintings, wood, slate and stone carvings, bronze and brass statues, silver and gold ornaments, paper crafts, as well as bamboo and cane products.

Taschichho Dzong: As a grand fortress-monastery, built in the 13th century, and presently housing the Throne Room of the King, the Cabinet Secretariat and central monastic body, this Dzong plays a central role in Bhutan’s administrative and spiritual life. The traditional Bhutanese architecture, with whitewashed walls, golden spires and intricately painted woodwork and the flag lowering ceremony make the major highlight of this dzong. The dzong is open to visitors only after office hours and is illuminated at night offering visitors iconic and magical ambience and excellent photo opportunities. 

After visiting these sites, you will get back to the hotel in Thimpu for overnight stay.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 03: Taktsang Monastery Hike and get to know Paro’s Hidden Gems

Altitude Thimpu: 2,300m

Altitude Paro: 2,200m

Distance Thimpu to Paro: 54 kms approx

Driving Time: 1.5 hrs

Altitude Tiger’s Nest: 3,120m

Starting after breakfast in Thimpu and following the Thimpu-Paro road, take a scenic drive back to Paro from Thimpu for Taktsang Monastery (the Tiger’s Nest) hike. Taktsang Monastery is a sacred Vajrayana Buddhist temple complex built into a sheer cliffside in the Paro Valley. Originally a meditation cave of Guru Padmasambhava, the monastery was only built in 1692-94 and is still considered one of the most sacred locations in the Himalayan Buddhist world.

Drive to the trailhead and start your day’s hike to the monastery. Reach the famous viewpoint after about 1.5 to 2 hours from the trail (depending on your pace). Take a short tea break, get inspired by the view and continue to hike to the monastery. Once at the monastery, explore the monastery (cameras and phones not allowed) and hike down to the viewpoint cafeteria for lunch before hiking down to the parking area located near the trailhead.

After completing the hike, visit other attractions such as:

Kyichu Lhakhang: It’s a 7th century temple built by the Tibetan Emperor, Songtsen Gampo, as one of the 108 ‘demon-subduing’ temples to help spread Buddhism. Despite being one of the oldest, the temple is still active and central to religious life and the visit allows visitors to witness devotional practice, timeless iconography and sacred relics in an authentic setting. 

Paro Rinpung: It’s a fortress built in the 15th century that in present day housing monks and government offices, serves as the administrative and monastic center of western Bhutan. Perched majestically over the valley with its centuries old legacy the dzong offers historical depth, spiritual heritage and architectural brilliance to its visitors. 

After exploring these sites, wrap up the day by visiting one of the traditional farmhouses to enjoy the rural lifestyle of the Bhutanese people. Enjoy authentic Bhutanese dinner, interact with the host family and if interested, experience archery and even a traditional hot stone bath to relax your tired muscles. Get back to the hotel in Paro for overnight stay.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner