Discover the serene beauty and spiritual depth of Bhutan on this immersive journey through the heart of the Himalayas. From the dynamic capital of Thimphu to the lush river valleys of Punakha and the historic town of Paro, this tour offers a perfect balance of culture, nature, and tradition. Explore majestic dzongs, ancient monasteries, and sacred chortens that reflect Bhutan’s deeply rooted Buddhist heritage, admire breathtaking mountain landscapes from high mountain passes, and gain insight into the country’s unique way of life through its arts, crafts, and living traditions. The journey culminates with a pilgrimage to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of the most spectacular sacred sites in the world. This enriching experience reveals Bhutan as a land where spirituality, nature, and culture exist in perfect harmony..
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Thimphu: Bhutan’s capital city, where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. Key highlights include the monumental Buddha Dordenma statue, the National Memorial Chorten, traditional arts and crafts institutes, monastery complexes, and the impressive Tashichho Dzong.
Dochula Pass: A scenic mountain pass at 3,150 meters, offering panoramic Himalayan views on clear days and marked by the iconic 108 Druk Wangyal stupas.
Punakha: Former capital of Bhutan, set within fertile river valleys. Home to Punakha Dzong, one of the country’s most beautiful and historically significant fortresses, dramatically located at the confluence of two rivers.
Paro: Historic valley town surrounded by forests and mountain scenery, featuring cultural landmarks such as Paro Rimpung Dzong and the National Museum.
Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest): Bhutan’s most iconic pilgrimage site, dramatically perched 900 meters above the Paro Valley, believed to be a meditation site of Guru Rinpoche and a symbol of Bhutanese spirituality.
Kyichu Lhakhang: One of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, dating back to the 7th century and marking the introduction of Buddhism into the kingdom.
1 giorno: ARRIVAL PARO – THIMPHU (50km – 1.5hrs)
Upon arrival at Paro Airport, you will be welcomed and assisted, then continue by road to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. On arrival in Thimphu, check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest and recover from the journey.
Overnight in Thimphu.
2 giorno: THIMPHU
After breakfast, begin your sightseeing of Thimphu with a visit to Kuensel Phodrang, home to the impressive Buddha Dordenma statue, located atop a hill within Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. Continue to the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in honor of the Third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Visit the Zorig Chusum Institute, the leading institute dedicated to preserving Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts. Continue to the Folk Heritage Museum, a traditional house offering insight into Bhutanese daily life and rural household traditions.
In the afternoon, drive to Sangaygang View Point (also known as the BBS Tower) for panoramic views over Thimphu Valley. Visit Changangkha Monastery, a fortress-like temple perched on a ridge above the city, built in the 15th century by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo.
Continue to the Takin Preserve Centre to observe Bhutan’s national animal, a unique creature resembling a mix between a goat and an antelope. Later, visit Tashichho Dzong, the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” originally built in 1641 and reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional style without architectural plans or nails. Today, it houses government offices, the King’s secretariat, and the central monastic body, and opens to visitors after 5:00 pm.
Overnight in Thimphu.
3 giorno: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (75km – 3hrs)
After breakfast, depart for Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. En route, stop at the Dochula Pass (3,150 meters), offering breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas on clear days. Here you will see the 108 Druk Wangyal stupas built under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.
Upon arrival in Punakha, check in at your hotel. Visit Punakha Dzong, also known as the Palace of Great Happiness, built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This magnificent dzong once served as both the religious and administrative center of Bhutan. Its vast courtyards and richly decorated interiors reflect the country’s deep spiritual and historical traditions.
Continue to Chhimi Lhakhang, the famous Temple of Fertility, built by the legendary Lama Drukpa Kunley.
The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Punakha.
4 giorno: PUNAKHA
After breakfast, visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, a beautifully constructed stupa built to bring peace and harmony to the world. Continue to the local market of Wangduephodrang, a district renowned for its bamboo products and slate and stone carvings.
Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, perched on a ridge amidst pine forests and overlooking the valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang. The temple houses a stunning 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig with eleven heads and a thousand arms). The complex also serves as an educational and meditation center for nuns, providing religious instruction as well as training in traditional skills such as sewing, embroidery, sculpture-making, and thangka painting.
The remainder of the day may be spent exploring Punakha village along the riverside.
Overnight in Punakha.
5 giorno: PUNAKHA – PARO (120km – 4.5hrs)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Paro. En route, stop at the Royal Botanical Park of Lamperi, also known as the Rhododendron Garden. This is Bhutan’s first botanical park and is home to 46 species of rhododendrons.
Upon arrival in Paro, transfer to your hotel. Later in the day, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower and now housing the National Museum of Bhutan. The museum’s collections include ancient thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and armor, household artifacts, and important historical and natural exhibits.
Continue to Paro Rimpung Dzong, also known as the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, built in 1646 during the era of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Return to your hotel. The evening is free at leisure.
Overnight in Paro.
6 giorno: PARO
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of Bhutan’s most iconic and sacred sites. Perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley floor at an altitude of 3,100 meters, the monastery is believed to be the site where Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated. According to tradition, every Bhutanese visits this sacred place at least once in their lifetime.
En route, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple and one of the 108 temples built across the Himalayas by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Its construction marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk through Paro town and visit the local market.
Overnight in Paro.
7 giorno: PARO – DELHI (2.5hrs by flight, not included)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Assistance will be provided with check-in and boarding formalities before your flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi, meet your local representative and proceed for a short orientation tour of New Delhi, including a visit to Qutb Minar, the iconic 12th-century minaret standing 73 meters high, set within a landscaped park. Continue to Connaught Place, the commercial and social hub of the city, and Janpath, a major shopping avenue nearby.
According to your flight schedule, transfer to Delhi International Airport for your return flight.
