5-Day Cultural and Nature Tour of Bhutan's Paro and Punakha

Arrive Paro International airport by either of only two international airlines operating in and out of Bhutan; Drukair, the national flag carrier or Bhutan Airlines, a private airline started in 2011. Our guide and the driver will receive you on arrival and take you on your first adventure into the ‘Kingdom of Happiness’.

We'll begin by first visiting the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower and get insights into rich cultural traditions, history and many artifacts. After that, you'll be transferred to the capital city Thimphu which is home to more than 115,000 residents. The bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country.

Distance from Paro - Thimphu 55km, Driving time: 1.5-hours, Thimphu altitude: 2,334m, Paro Altitude: 2,200m

On arrival in Thimphu, you’ll visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where the 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan is taught. Arts & Crafts are an essential part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage that has been practiced since time immemorial. Just located nearby is the National Library & Archives of Bhutan considered as the national treasure and is the fundamental source of history, medicine, arts & culture. Both Institute of Zorg Chusum and National Library opens during weekdays and on Saturdays from 10am-12pm.

Overnight at Hotel Amodhara or Kuenphen Rabten Resort

Today, you'll visit one of the largest sitting Buddha statues overlooking Thimphu valley and then transfer to Punakha valley via the sacred mountain pass, Dochula.

The magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built to commemorate the 60th birth anniversary of the much-beloved Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. From there we drive to Punakha valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at an altitude of 3150m above sea level. On a clear day, you can see the panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range including some of Bhutan’s highest peaks.

Continue driving to Punakha passing through some villages, the elevation drops gradually and the road winds through the pine trees. As you reach the lower valley, you will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to the subtropical valley at 1,200m.

En route, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the “Temple of Fertility” and explore the nearby village whose houses are adorned with colourful paintings of phalluses. We’ll then drive to Punakha town and visit the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, the 17th century Punakha Dzong, spend some time appreciating the sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, the intricate woodworks and the architectural structure of the dzong displays a fine example of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture to this day.

From there walk to Bhutan's longest suspension bridge that runs over the glacial-fed Phochu (male) river and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial-fed rivers - Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers.

Distance from Thimphu - Punakha 74 km, Driving time 2.5-hours, Punakha altitude 1,200m

Dinner and overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or Hotel Lobesa. You can also opt to stay at a farmhouse with the local family to understand the daily life of a family in rural Bhutan.

Today, before we drive back to Paro, you'll do a wonderful hike to the Buddhist temple known as Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten.

Located on a mountain ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, this wonderful Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples and monasteries. The round-trip hike takes about 2-2.5-hours through the terraced rice fields and a short gentle climb through the pine trees before reaching the peaceful monument.

If your group size is more than 3 people, a picnic lunch can be arranged by the bank of the Mochu river on the way back to Punakha town. After lunch, transfer back to Paro.

Distance from Punakha - Paro 115km, Driving time 3.5-hours

On arrival in Paro, visit one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang built in 659 AD by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue the spirit of giant ogress causing harm to the propagation of Buddhism in the Himalayan region.

Leisure time to explore Paro town.

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After early breakfast, drive to Ramthangka, the base of the Taktsang monastery. Popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. Taktsang Monastery is built on the face of an 800-meter rock cliff. It takes about 4-5 hours to do the round-trip hike. Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. Oneway horse riding is available for about USD20 up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria).

 After lunch at the Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria, we retrace our steps back to the base where the driver will be waiting.

Towards the late afternoon, visit a beautiful farmhouse and enjoy authentic home-cooked local cuisine for dinner. If you are interested in a home spa, you can soak up in a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$20. Specially selected river stones are heated in a wood-fired fireplace and dropped into a chamber of wooden tub releasing minerals. You can lighten up with a warm cup of locally brewed liquor known as “Ara”.

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast and depending on your flight departure time, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.