Day 01: Arrive Paro Airport And Drive To Thimphu

Fly into Paro International airport. After visa formalities you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Discover forested mountains dotted with monasteries and Lhakhangs on route to Thimphu set at 2,334 meters in the Wang Chu Valley. A gentle walk through the city with afternoon visits to museums and Chortens offer a window into the ancient cultural heritage of Bhutan, before a night at Amankora Thimphu.

Drive Duration: 1.5 hours (55Km)

Overnight:  Amankora Thimphu

Day 02: Explore Thimphu Valley

Explore Thimphu Valley – home to the seat of Bhutan’s royal government. Visit a monastic astrology academy. An invigorating walk crosses one of the country’s oldest cantilever bridges to Cheri Goemba, where the Kingdom of Bhutan’s first community of monks was based. Meet monks on hilltop monastery of overwhelming scenic beauty and participate in an intimate incense offering cermony. 

Later visit landmarks such as the Thimphu Tashichho Dzong or stroll the Authentic Bhutanese Craft Bazaar to buy authentic Bhutanese souvenirs to take back home.

Overnight:  Amankora Thimphu

Day 03: Thimphu To Punakha Journey

Drive across the Dochu La (“la” means “pass”) at 10,000 feet, where you might be able to see the snow covered Peaks of the eastern Himalaya (weather permitting). The pass is marked by hundreds of colorful fluttering prayer flags and is an awesome sight of concentrated Buddhist shrines. Continue to Punakha, winter seat of the highest lama in Bhutan. Visit the thriving Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and the village of Talo, home to the temple of the Queen Mother’s protective deity. Visit a local family for a lunch. Later take a dip in the infinity pool amid rice terraces at Amankora Punakha

Drive Duration: 3-4 hours (74Km)

Overnight:  Amankora Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha Exploration

In the morning, hike alongside the River Mo, through tiered rice paddies to a Chorten built by the queen mother.

Picnic on the banks of the River near the winter homes of the royal family before visiting the incredible Punakha Dzong and the 15th-century fertility temple. Legend has it that the Divine Mad Monk subdued the demoness of the Dochu La with his “Magic Thunderbolt of Wisdom” at this place. A wood effigy of the lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the Lhakhang, and childless women go to the temple to receive a Wang (blessing) from the saint.

Overnight: Amankora Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha To Paro

Morning, drive to Paro. Wind through the Wang and Paro river valleys to Amankora Paro, surrounded by pines. Explore nearby ruins as well as some of the valley’s oldest and holiest religious monuments, followed by an evening lecture, prayer flag printing or a traditional cultural performance.

Drive Duration: 5 hours (126Km)

Overnight:  Amankora Paro.

Day 06: Paro Cultural Pursuit

Discover artifacts dating back to 4000 BCE at the National Museum. Visits to Kichu and Dumtseg temples offer cultural discovery of Bhutan.

After lunch we will drive above the town of Bondey to a trailhead where you can walk about 40 minutes to Dzongdrakha, a small monastery and retreat center overlooking the Paro Valley. Built in the 16th century by the first local king, Chogay Dragpa, this monastery is one of five in the area. There is also a stupa (shrine) with interesting legends and stories connected to its construction. After lunch the rest of the day is free to rest or enjoy some shopping.

Overnight: Amankora Paro.

Day 07: Hike To Taktsang Monastery

A morning hike ascends to Tiger’s Nest – one of Bhutan’s most revered ancient sites. Experience astonishing views from the monastery, perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor, before returning to your accommodation for a restful evening.

Overnight: Amankora Paro

Day 08: Departure

Today we’ll have you transfer to the Paro Airport for departure.

• Note: All our itineraries can be adjusted to suit your preferences, both before arrival and on the ground