Bhutan Essentials

Highlights

• The flight into Paro, one of the most scenic in the Himalaya
• Thimphu's Memorial Chorten and the 51-metre Buddha Dordenma
• The 108 chortens of Dochula pass, with Himalayan views on clear days
• Punakha Dzong at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers
• The hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)

Day-by-day itinerary

Every trip is private, so we can change the pace, add a rest day or swap a hotel. This is the route we recommend, and a starting point for yours.

1. Day1

   Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu

   Your guide meets you outside the arrivals hall at Paro. On the drive up the valley to Thimphu we stop at Tamchog Lhakhang, where an iron chain bridge crosses the Paro Chhu. In the late afternoon, join residents circling the Memorial Chorten, then drive up to Buddha Dordenma for the view over the capital.

   Drive about 1 hour · Overnight in Thimphu

2. Day2

   Thimphu to Punakha over Dochula

   Morning at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students train in Bhutan's thirteen traditional arts, and the Motithang Takin Preserve. Then the road climbs to Dochula (3,100 m) and its 108 memorial chortens before dropping into the warm Punakha valley. In the afternoon, walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the 'Divine Madman' Drukpa Kunley.

   Drive about 3 hours · Overnight in Punakha

3. Day3

   Punakha Dzong, return to Paro

   Punakha Dzong was built in 1637–38 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and served as the capital until the 1950s. Its courtyards and the jacaranda trees outside are at their best in spring. After lunch, drive back over Dochula to Paro, with an evening walk along the town's main street.

   Drive about 4–5 hours · Overnight in Paro

4. Day4

   Hike to Tiger's Nest

   Paro Taktsang hangs on a cliff about 900 metres above the valley floor. The trail climbs through blue pine forest, with a cafeteria halfway that looks straight across at the monastery. Most people reach the top in two and a half to three hours. Horses can be arranged for the first part of the climb. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country, and Rinpung Dzong.

   Walking 4–6 hours return · Overnight in Paro

5. Day5

   Depart Paro

   Breakfast, then your guide takes you to the airport for your onward flight.

   Transfer about 15 minutes