7 Days The Magical Kingdom of Bhutan

Our guide and the driver will receive you on your arrival at Paro, the only International Airport in Bhutan. You'll visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower/fortress called Ta Dzong. The collection of artifacts at the museum displays a snapshot of the rich history and culture of Bhutan.

Transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Distance from Paro - Thimphu 55km, Driving time 1.5-hours, Paro altitude 2,200m, Thimphu altitude 2334m

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and even commercial billboards.

On arrival in Thimphu, visit the 169ft Buddha Dordhenma Statue located at Kuensel Phodrang overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also to usher peace in the world.

Leisure time to explore Thimphu town.

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

Today, after early breakfast, we'll do a 2-3-hour return hike to Tango Monastery and then after lunch do some sightseeing in around Thimphu.

Located at about 14km north of Thimphu on a pristine mountainside, one of the most important religious centers in the Kingdom, Tango Monastery was originally founded in the 13th century by Tibetan scholar Phajo Drugom Zhigpo who first established the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan and subsequently became the state religion. The roundtrip hike takes about 2-3 hours for most visitors.

Hiking Time 2-3 hours, Tango Monastery Altitude 3,060m/10,040ft

After the hike, drive back to Thimphu town where a traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Restaurant. After lunch, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where 13 Bhutanese traditional arts & crafts are taught. Just in the neighborhood is the National Library of Bhutan considered a national treasure and a fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion medicine, arts and culture. Both Zorig Chusum and National Library open during working weekdays & on Saturdays, 10am-noon.

From there we take a stroll at Craft Bazaar along the main Thimphu street where you'll find all sorts of authentic Bhutanese handicrafts. From there pass by the Changlimithang Archery Range and witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a distance of 145 meters. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

After breakfast, drive to Punakha valley. En route, stop briefly at Dochula – a sacred mountain pass at an elevation of 3150m and enjoy a grand view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear day. Good opportunity for photos! From there continue driving towards Punakha and gradually descend to a much warmer valley within an hour and a half.

Just about 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known among tourists as the “Temple of Fertility”. A gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses will give you a unique experience. Walk and explore the village.

After lunch at a nearby hotel or at a local village house, drive to Punakha town and visit the most beautiful 17th-century Punakha Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture displaying fine arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence the Bhutanese architecture to this day. You'll spend some time appreciating the intricate woodworks and sacred wall paintings. From there walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge that runs over the glacial-fed Phochu river. Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial-fed rivers - Phochu (male) and Mochu (female).

Distance from Thimphu - Punakha 74km, Driving time 3-hours, Dochula Pass altitude 3150m, Punakha altitude 1200m,

Dinner and overnight at Namgay Zam Homestay. Most of our clients enjoy staying a night or two at the homestays with the local family experiencing the daily life of an ordinary Bhutanese family while they get to savour organic home-cooked local cuisines. If this homestay is not available, you will stay at Meri Puensum Resort.

After breakfast, hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten on a peaceful hilltop and after lunch transfer to Phobjikha valley.

Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten is located on a serene hilltop overlooking the fertile Punakha valley with glacial-fed Mochu river meandering through the valley. The hike leads through the terraced rice fields and a short climb through the pine trees. It normally takes about 2.5-hours round trip for most visitors.

After the hike retrace your footstep back to the road head and drive back to the town for lunch.

After lunch, transfer to Phobjikha valley, a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and a winter home for endangered Black-necked Crane from November until it migrates back to the Tibetan Plateau by March. As part of the conservation effort, Phobjikha valley has been declared a protected area.

Distance from Punakha to Phobjikha 80km, Driving time 3-hours, Phobjikha valley altitude 3,000m

Dinner and overnight at Dewachen Hotel & Spa or Yue-Loki Guest House

After breakfast, visit one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan – Gangtey Gonpa and then you will be transferred back to Paro.

The 17th-century Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Gonpa is one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan and an important landmark in the Phobjikha valley. Gangtey literally means “Hilltop” and Gonpa “remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance. You will meet peace-loving monks studying Buddhist Philosophy and spend some time offering prayers at sacred.

Then you will go on an exciting Gangtey Nature Hike. The trail is about 5km and takes approximately 2.5 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and an understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures!

Then drive back to Paro valley. Lunch will be served on the way. Upon arrival in Paro and if time permits, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which is believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

Today, on the 6th day of your trip, you will hike to the famous 17th century Paro Taktsang Monastery popular known as the “Tiger’s Nest” and later in the evening visit a beautiful farmhouse for home-cooked local cuisine.

Originally built in 1692, the iconic Taktsang Monastery is perched on a rock cliff some 800 meters above the valley floor and is the most visited sacred site in Bhutan. The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 Hours for most visitors but you can hike at your own pace. We recommend starting early. Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to the midpoint (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria) for a fee of about USD20 but the journey is best enjoyed on foot. Horse riding is not recommended on your way down as it often results in accidents.

A vegetarian lunch will be served at the Taktsang Cafeteria located midway along the trail. Meat is not served in this restaurant owing to the sacredness of the Taktsang Monastery. Descend back to the base and drive to Paro town where you will spend some leisure time.

Later in the evening, visit a beautiful traditional farmhouse for a dinner comprised of authentic home-cooked local cuisine. You may want to experience a popular home spa, a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$20 per person paid directly to the owner.

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast, depending on your flight time you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check in.