Day 01: Thimphu sightseeing

• Altitude in Paro: 2,280m
• Altitude in Thimphu: 2,320m
• Distance: 55km
• Estimated travel time: 1.30hr

You will arrive in Paro, one of the biggest cities in Bhutan. Take a lookout of the plane window for the incredible view of the Himalayan snowcapped peaks from above. Our representative will welcome you at the airport, then we will drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.

Thimphu, while being the capital, remains charming with the mix of ancient landmarks and modern restaurants and cafes in one city. The first destination we will visit is the National Memorial Chorten. The remarkable site was built as a monument for world peace and prosperity and later serves as a memorial to the Late Third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928-1972).

After that, we will head to Buddha Point (Buddha Dordenma Statue), the tallest Buddha statue in Bhutan. Measured at a height of 51.5m, the large figure is seen sitting on a meditation hall and overlooks the beautiful sight of Thimphu from a hill’s top. Placed inside the giant figure are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues.

The National Institute for Zorig Chusum, or otherwise called ‘the Arts and Crafts School’, the ‘Painting school’, is a perfect place to learn about the traditional arts of Bhutanese and see the skill demonstrations. The students are enrolled in different courses, which teach a variety of traditional arts, from painting, clay arts to wood-carving, embroidery.

Later in the afternoon, we will take you around to see the dynamic life in Thimphu. The noises on the street in shops and bazaars, delicious smell from restaurants, and music from nightclubs together create a lively picture of Thimphu to welcome anyone to the city.

The first night we will rest at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu Tshechu festival.

Thimphu Tshechu festival is held every year and is one of the most celebrated festivals in Bhutan. Thousands of people will come to participate in the festival, including those from outside of Bhutan. Like all festivals, the Thimphu festival is a religious ceremony held in honor of Guru Rinpoche (or Padmasambhava), the great master who is believed to have introduced Tantric Buddhism throughout the Himalayas.

There will be many performances during the Thimphu festival. The monks will wear colorful brocade attire to perform mask dances while chanting and reading out Buddhist scripts. Ancient stories about the victories of Guru Rinpoche, driving out evil spirits, and purifying the ground with his footsteps will also be told by the monks.

The most awaited event of the festival is the unfurling of the Guru Thongdrel, a giant thangka (embroidered painting). The impressive Thongdrel is big enough to cover the face of an entire building. It is a very sacred scroll and will only be displayed before sunrise and brought down before the sun touches it. As the name Thongdrel means ‘liberation on light’, it is believed that one can cleanse their own sins just upon viewing the scroll.

Thimphu festival is held at Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of The Glorious Religion), first built in 1216 A.D. The imposing complex is one of the city’s most famous sites. Surrounding the massive building are lovely green lawns and exquisite gardens, which is a very pleasant sight to see.

We will stay for another night at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu to Gangtey

• Altitude in Gangtey: 2,900m
• Distance: 160km
• Estimated travel time: 6hrs

After joining the Thimphu Tshechu, we will travel to Gangtey and then to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. On the way, we will stop at Dochula Pass. At an altitude of 3,050m, this is a famous location to get a panoramic view of the Himalayas. The scene from the pass is breathtaking with Chortens gracing in the hillside and the gorgeous backdrop of the snowcapped mountains.

In Gangtey, we will first see Gangtey Goemba or Gangtey monastery. the monastery sits on top of a forested hill, overlooking the fertile landscape of Gangtey valley (or Phobjikha valley). It was built in 1613 to fulfill the prophecy of Pema Lingpa – the legendary 15^th-century treasure finder. The picturesque Gangtey valley is also famous for being the winter home of the rare Black-necked Cranes.

We will spend the night at a hotel in Gangtey

Day 04: Gangtey to Punakha

• Altitude in Punakha: 1,300m
• Distance: 87km
• Estimated travel time: 3hrs

Gangtey valley is one of the most scenic valleys in Bhutan, and there is no better way to discover it than the Gangtey Nature Trail. This is a pleasant hike that will take you to see the most charming spots of the valley. We will start from the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, then descend to beautiful flower meadows to Semchubara village. After a while, we will pass through a deep forest of blue pines before walking down to a viewpoint and finish the whole journey at Khewang Lhakhang (Khewang temple).

We also recommend you try playing archery and dart, the two most loved sports of Bhutanese. Your guide and driver will be happy to teach you the basics if you are interested.

Later we will drive to Punakha, Bhutan’s old capital, and spent the night at a hotel there.

Day 05: Punakha sightseeing

We will visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery after breakfast at the hotel. The stunning complex consists of a temple plus nunnery and a permanent higher learning and mediation temple for the nuns. The view from the nunnery is incredible as it stands on a ridge overlooking the staggering Punakha valley and Wangduephodrang valley.

We will next spend time at Punakha Dzong (Place of Great Happiness), considered the most impressive dzong in the country. The ancient construction is the second oldest dzong in Bhutan and has witnessed the most important moments of the kingdom throughout its history.  Yet the dzong is not only attractive for its grand structure, but it also offers captivating natural scenery as it stands at the convergence of the 2 major rivers of the valley, the Pho Chhu, and Mo Chhu. The sight is extremely gorgeous on sunny days with sunlight reflecting off the water onto its white walls.

Close to the iconic dzong is Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge, which will also give us an incredible view of Punakha and Pho Chhu valley. The bridge is 160m long, making it the longest suspension bridge in the country.

We will hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten in the afternoon. The Chorten is located on a crest above Punakha valley, which we will arrive after about 1 hour of walking. Upon reaching the Chorten, we will be at one of Bhutan’s finest architectural examples, also the only one of its kind in the world.

After that, we will return and stay for another night at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 06: Punakha to Paro

•  Distance: 125km
•  Estimated travel time: 4hrs

Today we will return to Paro, the starting point of your whole journey. On the way, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) by hiking up for around 30 minutes and cross hillock fields.

There are several renowned dzongs in Paro, we will first see Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on A Heap of Jewels). This construction is praised as a great example of Bhutanese architecture with giant buttressed walls that are visible from anywhere in the town. Inside you will find the wooden galleries lined with wonderful wall-paintings, which illustrate famous Buddhist lore.

The National Museum of Bhutan, or Ta Dzong, is an ideal place for you to have a deep insight into the country, from its culture, history, nature to daily life. This museum used to be a watchtower to protect Paro Dzong from invasion. Its unusual circular design, which resembles a conch shell is another interesting point about this landmark.

Tonight we will rest at a hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Paro sightseeing

The first half of the day will be for our hike to the holy Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This is probably one of the most attractive destinations in Bhutan, and also one of the most sacred ones. Clinging to a cliff at more than 3,000m, it will take approximately 5-6 hours to reach the site. The highest altitude of the hike will be at 3,120m, with 600m of walking height. A monastery is a place that many visitors to Bhutan will need to visit to see the incredible construction.

Though the hike will be long, the sights along the hike will make it all worth it. Along the hike, you will have the remarkable sights of lush forests and great mountain ranges. We will also stop for refreshments on the way there.

Leaving the sacred monastery, we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples in the Himalayas erected by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. The marvelous temple was also visited by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8^th century. The sight of elderly pilgrims constantly shuffling around the temple and spinning its many prayer wheels makes this one of the most fascinating sites to explore in Paro valley.

Then we will travel to the north of Paro valley to explore the ramparts of Drukgyal Dzong. The dzong was built in the 17^th century by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of medieval Bhutan. The site now serves as an evocative reminder of the great victories over the Tibetan armies. Seeing the ruins of the dzong will you feel like traveling back in the time of war and relive the memories of a glorious past.

In the late afternoon, we will join a local family for a special dinner in a traditional farmhouse. You will definitely enjoy your time with the most warmhearted people, chatting over delicious Bhutanese dishes.

Later you can try taking a traditional hot stone bath, which is probably the best way to relax after a day of hiking. Make sure to check out the nightclubs and bars in Paro during your last night in Paro, these clubs are where you will find great music and good food.

You will stay in Paro for the last night of the holiday.

Day 08: Depart Paro

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. It is time to say ‘Tashi Delek’ (goodbye and good luck) and hope to see you again!

To get the price for your tour, please contact us any time by email us at info@bhutanpelyabtours.com or phone us at

+975 1795 2136 (Telegram or WhatsApp).