THE BHUTAN DISCOVERY

Arrive at Paro International Airport. Your Gu-Mar guide and driver will welcome you at the airport and assist you with the required permits. From Paro, drive about 1.5 hours to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. The journey follows the beautiful Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers.

On the way, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a 15th-century monastery known for its traditional iron chain bridge, built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a famous Tibetan saint and engineer.

Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in to your hotel and take some time to rest. In the early evening, enjoy a relaxed walk around Thimphu town. If the timing is right, you can also explore the local handicraft stalls.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner  |  Overnight: Thimphu

Spend a full day exploring the landmarks, culture, and unique wildlife of the capital city:

• Buddha Dordenma — a 51.5 m gilded bronze statue overlooking the Thimphu valley, offering spectacular morning panoramic views
• National Memorial Chorten — built in memory of the Third King, always alive with locals circumambulating, spinning prayer wheels, and chanting morning prayers
• Motithang Takin Preserve — a forested sanctuary home to the Takin, Bhutan’s unusual, goat-headed national animal
• National Institute for Zorig Chusum — the traditional painting school where students master Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts
• Tashichho Dzong — the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” seat of government and the central monastic body, visited in the late afternoon as the lights turn on

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |  Overnight: Thimphu

After an early breakfast, drive roughly 3 hours to Punakha, crossing Dochula Pass (3,100 m). On a clear day, the 108 memorial chortens frame an uninterrupted, breathtaking view of the snow-capped Eastern Himalayan range — a mandatory photo stop where you can enjoy hot butter tea.

Descend 1,700 meters into the warm, subtropical valley of Punakha. In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, arguably Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress, set strategically at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers. Afterward, take a scenic walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the Himalayas, adorned with thousands of prayer flags.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |  Overnight: Punakha

Start the morning with a gentle 20-minute walk through emerald rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple built in honor of the “Divine Madman,” Lama Drukpa Kunley.

After lunch, begin a scenic 3-hour drive (85 km) climbing steadily past Wangdue Phodrang and deeper east into the wide, pristine glacial Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey). Upon arrival, visit the 17th-century Gangtey Goempa, a major Nyingma monastery perched on a forested hill overlooking the massive valley floor.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |  Overnight: Phobjikha

Wake up early to hike the Gangtey Nature Trail, a beautiful, flat 2.5-hour walk that starts from the monastery, passes through blue pine forests, and cuts across the valley’s open wetlands. It is the best way to experience rural Bhutan; visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to learn about the valley’s fragile ecosystem.

In the afternoon, board your vehicle for the longest drive of the trip, a 5.5 to 6-hour journey (approx. 170 km) backtracking over Dochula Pass and winding down into the Paro valley to settle in for your final two nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |  Overnight: Paro

The highlight of the journey: hit the trail by 7:30 AM for a 4–5 hour round-trip hike (with a break at the midpoint cafeteria) up to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), perched precariously on a cliff 900 m above the valley floor. Explore the sacred caves and inner sanctuaries where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century. Ponies are available partway for the ascent for those who prefer not to walk the full distance.

After descending, celebrate the completion of your trek with an optional, traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath at a local farmhouse to soothe your muscles. Conclude the day with a walk through Paro town to see Rinpung Dzong and its traditional cantilever bridge. Farewell dinner in Paro.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |  Overnight: Paro

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Tashi Delek — travel with purpose, carried home.

Meals: Breakfast