Experience a once-in-a-lifetime mountain flight that will take your breath away! As you fly in from the hot plains of India, you will be able to witness the world’s highest peaks from the left side of the aircraft window. If the weather is clear, your pilot will announce the names of the peaks. As you descend into the high mountains, you will not find any airstrip or city, but rather you will be treated to views of the Paro Valley, alpine forests, monasteries, temples, and farmhouses. Before the plane touches the runaway, you will get a glimpse of the fertile Paro Valley, the Paro Dzong (Fortress), and Paro Chu (river). Upon arrival, a representative from our company will be waiting to meet and assist you. If time permits, you will be taken to visit the Tashichoe Dzong (Fortress of Glorious Religion)

After breakfast, you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of Thimphu, which includes the King’s Memorial Chorten (Stupa), Buddha Point, National Library, Handmade Paper Factory, and Takin Preservation Centre. Lunch will be served during the tour. Afterward, you will have some time to explore the city, go shopping at Clock Tower Square, and mingle with the locals. At the end of the day, we will drive to your hotel in Thimphu for the night.

In the morning, drive about 2.5 hours to Punakha, crossing the Dochula Pass (3,100 meters), where you’ll be treated to views of the Himalayan Mountain range. Visit this stunning fortress, located at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers. It is one of Bhutan’s most iconic dzongs. A 30-minute walk from Punakha Dzong, this fertility temple is dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, also known as the Divine Madman. Stay overnight in Punakha, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this scenic town.

Tomorrow morning, we’ll embark on an exciting journey to the majestic nunnery atop Walakha Hill. We’ll join the nuns for their morning prayer before continuing our journey north to the stunning Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. Built-in the 1990s in honor of the Crown Prince Jigme Kheser Namgyel Wangchuk, the Chorten sits atop a ridge near the Punakha River and requires a 30-minute drive from town, followed by a 45-minute uphill hike, crossing a picturesque suspension bridge and rice fields. On the way back, you’ll enjoy a 30-minute downhill stroll. Next, we’ll visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Damaged by four fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has since been fully restored. Finally, we’ll drive to Wangdiphodrang, where we’ll visit the Dzong and local market. The district is also renowned for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. After a memorable day, we’ll spend the night at a hotel in Punakha.

Start your day with a thrilling transfer to Phobjikha, located at an altitude of 3,000m! Here, you will have the chance to visit the majestic Gangtey Gompa, a temple that is the seat of Ngyingmapa Buddhism, one of the religious sects in Bhutan. This incredible temple was constructed in 1613 by Pema Thinley, the first Gangtey Trulku and grandson of Pema Lingpa. After exploring this spiritual site, take a stroll around the beautiful valley of Phobjikha. This stunning place serves as the winter habitat for endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate from Tibet between November and February to escape the harsh winter. As you travel to Gangtey, you will be enchanted by the dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees, and the picturesque scenery. Spend the night in Phobjikha/Gangtey and prepare for more exciting adventures!

After breakfast drive to Paro with a short stop at Dochula Pass. En-route to visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, it now houses the School for Buddhist Studies.

Take a journey to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest), one of the top 20 places to visit in the world! Located in the Paro Valley, the Taktshang Monastery is a national treasure of Bhutan. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, a famous Buddhist saint, flew to Paro on a tigress and meditated at Taktsang. The hike to this breathtaking destination will take you around 2hrs. to reach a cafeteria, from where you can marvel at the stunning views of the monastery. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take an extra 45-minute uphill trek to get a closer view of the monastery. After your hike, why not take a walk in Paro Bazar for some shopping and delicious lunch in the hotel? Then, you can make your way back to the road which will take you 1hrs. Spend the night in the hotel in Paro and let the beauty of Taktshang linger in your mind!

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for one last stroll around Paro or a visit to a local attraction. Head to Paro Airport for your flight out of Bhutan, taking with your unforgettable memories of this unique kingdom.