Discover Cities in Bhutan | 8D/7N - Customised Plan Bhutan

Distance: 65 kms. / Driving Time: 2 hrs. / Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 mts. Upon completing immigration formalities at Paro Airport, your Bhutanese guide will welcome you and arrange your transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

Along the way, you'll stop at Chuzom, where the Thimphu (Wang Chhu) and Paro (Pa Chhu) rivers meet. Here, you can observe three distinct stupas built in Bhutanese, Tibetan, and Nepalese styles.

Upon reaching Thimphu, you'll check in to your hotel. The evening is yours to relax.

Spend the night at the hotel in Thimphu.

Start your day with breakfast, followed by a tour of Thimphu.

Visit Kuensel Phodrang, home to the imposing Buddha Dordenma Statue, which offers a stunning view of the city.

Explore the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in honor of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and witness locals offering prayers as they circumambulate the stupa.

Delve into Bhutanese culture at the Folk Heritage Museum, where a traditional house displays artifacts from rural Bhutanese life.

Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Thimphu, and the Motithang Takin Reserve, a wildlife center dedicated to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin.

In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress that houses government offices, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

Overnight stay in Thimphu.

After breakfast, embark on a drive to Punakha. (Distance: 77 kms. / Driving Time: 2 hrs. / Altitude of Punakha: 1,310 mts.)

En route, you'll stop at Dochula Pass, perched at an altitude of 3,100 meters, where the 108 Druk Wangyal Stupas stand as a tribute to Bhutanese soldiers.

Continue your journey to Punakha/Wangdue, and upon arrival, visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, which requires a short 30-45 minute hike.

Later, explore Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers.

Check in to your hotel, and enjoy a leisurely evening.

Overnight stay in Punakha/Wangdue.

After breakfast, head to Gangtey, a beautiful glacial valley that serves as the winter home of the Black Necked Cranes. (Distance: 78 kms. / Driving Time: 3 hrs. / Altitude of Gangtey (Phobjikha): 2,900 mts.)

Visit Gangtey Goemba, a significant monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, and the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, where you can learn more about these rare birds and enjoy crane watching as well.

Alternatively, opt for a 45-minute hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, which offers a breathtaking view of the Punakha Valley.

Visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge and Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.

Enjoy a leisurely evening, Stay the night in Punakha/Wangdue.

Begin your day with breakfast, then drive to Paro. (Distance: 140 kms. / Driving Time: 4 hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 2,280 mts.)

Along the way, stop at the Royal Botanical Garden at Lamperi, Bhutan’s first botanical park, for a brief visit.

Continue the journey and stop again at the Immigration Check Point in Hongtsho Village to return the permit.

En route, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a 13th-century temple built by Thangthong Gyalpo, also known as the Iron Bridge Builder.

Upon arrival in Paro, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now houses the national museum, and Paro Rimpung Dzong, also known as the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646.

Walk down to Nemi Zam Bridge, a traditional cantilever bridge connecting Paro town to the Dzong.

Check-in at your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure. Enjoy an overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast, visit the renowned Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), perched at an altitude of 3,100 meters in the Upper Paro Valley.

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this very site. The hike to the monastery takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete.

Due to the steep terrain and stairs, the hike is not recommended for young children or elderly individuals.

On your way back, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples.

Stay overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, go on an excursion to Chele La Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, separating Paro Valley and Haa Valley. (Distance: 65 kms. One way / Driving Time: 3 hrs., Altitude of Haa Valley - 2,700 mts)

From the pass, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of both valleys.

Continue your drive to Haa Valley, where you can visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple), Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), and Haa Wangchuk Lo Dzong, all dating back to the 7th century.

Return to your hotel in Paro for a leisurely evening.

Spend the night at Paro.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro Airport for your onward journey. Tashi Delek!