Grand Discovery

Your journey to Bhutan begins with a flight on Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline, arriving in Paro Valley before noon. After completing visa formalities and collecting your baggage, you will meet our representative, who will escort you on a leisurely one-hour drive to the capital city, Thimphu (Altitude: 7,658 feet above sea level).

Thimphu is situated in a large valley traversed by the Wangchhu River and surrounded by high peaks. The drive follows the river, passing through several picturesque villages.

Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in at your hotel. After settling in, lunch will be served.

The rest of the day is reserved for rest and altitude acclimatization. We recommend bringing basic medication for headaches and bowel issues that may occur due to low temperatures and altitude.

In the evening, visit Buddha Dordenma, a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue and one of the most visited sites in Thimphu.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast:

• Memorial Chorten
  Built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), it houses a fine collection of Buddhist statues and is a center of Tantric Buddhism.

• Folk Heritage Museum
  Founded by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangchuck, this museum connects visitors to Bhutan’s rural past through exhibits of traditional household items and demonstrations of customs, traditions, and skills. The building itself is a traditional rammed mud-and-timber house.

• National Library & Choki School of Arts & Crafts
  Students here learn traditional Bhutanese arts such as drawing, painting, calligraphy, embroidery, wood carving, and sculpture. Art plays an important role in Bhutanese culture.

Afternoon:

• Changangkha Lhakhang
  An ancient fortress-like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, established in the 12th century.

• Takin Preserve (Zoo)
  Visit to see Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin.

Afterwards, enjoy a walk through Thimphu city streets to experience the local lifestyle and culture.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha Valley, the winter capital of Bhutan for over three centuries.

En route, visit Dochula Pass (10,300 feet), also known for the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a cluster of 108 stupas built in honor of the King. From here, enjoy magnificent views of the Himalayan range.

Before lunch, take a gentle hike through Lobesa village and rice fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple built in the 15th century and dedicated to the “Divine Madman.” It is a popular pilgrimage site, especially for women seeking fertility blessings.

After lunch, visit the historic Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it serves as the winter residence of the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo) and the administrative center of the district.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Punakha.

In the morning, enjoy white-water rafting in the Punakha Valley.

After lunch, drive to Paro.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, visit the National Museum, located in a 17th-century watchtower above Paro Dzong. The building is uniquely shaped like a conch shell and houses a rich collection of thangka paintings, textiles, ancient weapons, and Bhutanese artifacts. Visitors are required to remove their shoes and walk clockwise inside.

After lunch, visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), meaning “Fortress of a Heap of Jewels.” Originally built in the 15th century and expanded in 1646, it is one of Bhutan’s finest examples of traditional architecture.

The central tower and galleries feature intricate woodwork and classical Buddhist paintings depicting cosmology. The dzong was also featured in the 1993 film Little Buddha.

Cross the traditional wooden bridge, Nyamai Zam, spanning the Paro River, which was historically removed during times of war for defense.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

Drive to Haa Valley via Chele La Pass (3,988 meters), offering spectacular views of both Paro and Haa valleys. You may enjoy a picnic at the pass.

In Haa, enjoy sightseeing, including a visit to Katsho Village and Katsho Lhakhang.

Haa Valley was opened to tourists only in 2002 and remains one of the least visited regions in Bhutan, preserving its traditional lifestyle and untouched beauty.

Return to Paro in the evening.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

After an early breakfast, begin your hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) (Altitude: 10,433 feet), one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites.

The monastery is dramatically perched on a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave, which later became the monastery.

Stop at the cafeteria halfway for refreshments and breathtaking views. Continue the hike to the monastery.

On your return, stop again at the cafeteria for lunch.

After some rest, descend to Ramthangkha base and drive back to your hotel.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure.

Bid farewell and goodbye.