The Royal Route

Day 1: Arrive At Paro – Drive To Thimphu (55 Kms /1.5 Hours)

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. On arrival in Paro Airport our representative will receive you and drive to Thimphu with sightseeing along the way.

Cruise to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan.

One of the first places to visit is the Tachog Lhakhang, a temple located across the famous iron bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). The cool-sweeping breeze and bright colored prayer flags creates an invigorating ambience making the whole set up a feast to the eye.

Visit the Memorial Chorten, one of the most visible landmarks in Thimphu where devotees flock in throughout the day circumambulating the white washed stupa. Elderly people are seen reciting mantras and chanting prayers in deep devotion. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Later visit Tashichho Dzong the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Witness the Flag lowering ceremony before you enter the Dzong.

In the evening stroll at Thimphu town, pay a visit to the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar which is a perfect place to buy authentic Bhutanese souvenirs to take back home.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 02: Explore Thimphu Valley 

On day 2, you have the option to hike to Tango & Cheri or explore attractions in and around Thimphu city.

After a good breakfast, drive to the Northern end of Thimphu valley and hike an hour up to the Cheri monastery; a place of tranquility and overwhelming quietness. If you want to know more about this place , you can read our blog https://www.bhutaninbound.com/blog/2020/10/18/birding-hiking-chagri-monastery/. If you are still energetic we can continue our hike to Tango Monastery and capture images of red-robed monks on hilltop monastery.

In the evening we will visit Buddha Dordenma and Capture the vibrant Buddha  statue in the sun set. Apart from the serenity of the place the view of the Thimphu city from this mountain is gorgeous. 

However, if you are not a hiking person then we can do some other multi-day tours like visiting the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, National Folk Heritage Museum, National Handicraft Emporium or visit Centenary Farmers Market.

In the evening, you are free to stroll in Thimphu town on your own.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 03: Thimphu- Punakha (74kms/3 Hours Drive)

Drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan.

Dochula Pass: On the way make a stop at DochuLa at an altitude of 3,100 meters above sea level. Sip a cup of hot coffee at the cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges which can be seen on a clear day. Click amazing pictures of the 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass with the snow-capped Himalayan ranges behind.

As we reach Punakha we will head toward Wolokha Nunnery. We can light some butter lamps at the monastery or take photos of the photogenic Punakha valley from there.

We will have an organic lunch at Leki Wangmo homestay in the beautiful village of Lapsakha. 

We will also stop at Talo Goemba before checking into the hotel.

Overnight at a hotel in Punakha or if you like we can try a homestay.

Day 4: Punakha To Paro (130kms/4-5hoursdrive)

In the morning we will take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang and discover the tale of Phallus. We will also pay a visit to Punakha dzong.

After completing the sightseeing at Punakha take a scenic drive back to Paro. On the way back you can drop by Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi. It is a breathtaking 125 acres’ botanical garden with 46 species of rhododendron flower. The best time to visit this place will be between April and June. The annual rhododendron festival is held here.

The park also has trekking routes, walk around the Barisho Lake, tree house and camping space for visitors.

Evening free or can visit the Paro town with a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings.

Overnight at 3-star hotel in Paro 

Day 05: Paro Taktsang Hike (4-6 Hours)

Today you will be hiking to one of the famous sites called the Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) perched 900m above the Paro valley. It is a pilgrimage site which the Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this site and meditated in a cave here for 3 months, hence its name, ‘Tiger’s Nest’.

The hike can be broken down into various stages. The first stage is the trek to the cafeteria (where lunch will be served later today) which is situated on a rocky outcrop across a ravine from the monastery. This leg of the trek takes approximately 45 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on your level of fitness. At the Cafeteria we can stop for some tea or coffee and biscuits whilst pondering the journey ahead and looking at the monastery, the distance above us.

The 2nd stage of the walk is from the cafeteria to the lookout opposite of the monastery. This leg takes close to one hour. At this point some may be content to snap photos and return to the cafeteria. The next stage is the trek/climb down the 475 steps in the cliff face to the bottom of the ravine which crosses over a stream and a waterfall before the path again ascends another 300 odd steps to the entrance of the monastery. Once here we should be able to enter into the monastery and view the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated. 

Visit the ancient Kichu Temple, one of the oldest temple build in 7th century by Emperor Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in his mission to built 108 temples in a day through his miraculous power over the Himalayan ranges in order to suppress a giant ogress and to spread the Buddha Dharma.

Overnight at hotel in Paro 

Day 06: Departure 

End of your travel to Bhutan. Our team will drive you to the Airport and bid farewell.