Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

Thimphu, Paro and Punakha are three of Bhutan's most thriving towns and cities and most likely will fall along your path through the country.

Thimphu is the capital, largest city, and political and economic centre of Bhutan, and is located in the western central part of the country. Most of Bhutan’s important political buildings are located in Thimphu and it is also home to the King’s official residence, the Dechencholing Palace.

Paro is home to one of the most beautiful valleys, Paro Valley, in Bhutan. It is also site of the country’s only international airport. The main street in Paro is very traditional and filled with little shops, businesses and restaurants. 10 kilometres outside of the town is the famous Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery. It lies on the face of a sheer 1000 metre cliff, and legend has it that the father of Bhutanese Buddhism, Guru Rinpoche, landed there on the back of a tigress. Hiking up to Taktshang Monestary affords stunning views over the valley.

At an elevation of 1,200 metres above sea level, Punakha is Bhutan’s administrative capital. The Punakha Dzong is widely known to be the most beautiful Dzong in the whole country. The region is famous for farming both white and red rice and it makes for a beautiful sight along the banks of the Pho and Mo Chu, two of Bhutan’s most famous rivers

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Country: Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

Active Relaxation in Bhutan

Paro, Thimphu & PunakhaGangtey, Bumthang & Beyond

  • Hike to the Taktsang Tiger’s Nest Monastery

  • Visit the 108 memorial chortens on the Dochula Pass

  • Enjoy gentle nature walks in the Bhutanese countryside

  • Watch rare black-necked cranes in the Phobjikha Valley

  • Explore Bhutan’s vibrant temples, monasteries and dzongs

ideal length 9 nights

Best of Nepal & Bhutan

Kathmandu ValleyPokhara & AnnapurnaParo, Thimphu & Punakha

  • Enjoy trekking in Nepal’s Annapurna region
  • Go bird and wildlife spotting in the Chitwan National Park
  • See Everest and the Himalayas from the air
  • Visit the 108 memorial chorten on the high-altitude Dochula Pass
  • Hike to the famed Taktsang (or Tiger's Nest) Monastery
ideal length 12 nights

Bhutan's Paro Festival

Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

  • Enjoy the festivities of the Paro Masked Dance Festival

  • Witness the unfurling of the thangkha, the highlight of the festival

  • Hike to Tiger’s Nest monastery at Taktsang

  • Explore vibrant temples and monasteries in Bhutan

  • Marvel at the stunning views and memorial at the Dochula Pass

ideal length 7 nights

Classic Bhutan

Paro, Thimphu & PunakhaBhutan

  • Experience the fluttering prayer flags and memorial chorten on the Dochula Pass
  • Mountain bike through the verdant Paro Valley
  • Go on a white-water rafting adventure along the Mo Chhu River
  • Explore the lush landscapes, sacred sites and historical buildings of the Paro Valley
  • Hike to the famous Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, the birthplace of Buddhism in the Kingdom
ideal length 7 nights

Hiking and Glamping in Bhutan

Paro, Thimphu & PunakhaBhutan

  • Explore the scenic Punakha Valley with your private guide
  • Try archery and then indulge in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath
  • Discover numerous monasteries in Paro such as Zurig Dzong and Rinpung Dzong
  • Hike from Sang Choekor Buddhist College to Yak
  • Visit The Tiger’s Nest monastery, one of Bhutan’s most famous landmarks perched precariously on a cliff, 900 meters off of the ground
ideal length 7 nights
Amankora-Paro_Aerial View

Amankora Paro

Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

    Amankora Paro is hidden among pine trees in Balakha village, half an hour from Paro’s International Airport. Mountain streams run through the property, and it boasts views of the surrounding forest of blue pines, the peaks of Mount Jhomolhari, and the 17th-century Drukyel Dzong, a fortress and Buddhist monastery....

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Amankora-Punakha_Exterior-View

Amankora Punakha

Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

    Centred on a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse in a peaceful, verdant valley, Amankora Punakha sits amid fruit orchards and peers over rice paddies. Just a short drive north of the impressive 17th-century Punakha Dzong and Puntsho Pelri Palace, the hotel is accessed via a suspension bridge adorned with prayer flags leading...

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family friendly
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Amankora-Thimphu_Exterior-Building-View

Amankora Thimphu

Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

    Amankora has created a series of five lodges, providing a circular pilgrimage through the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan‘s central and western valleys. The lodges are all unique and allow you to experience the best of Bhutan along with luxurious accommodation.

    Amankora Thimphu is a ‘dzong’ inspired building...

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family friendly
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Fire Pit Area in andBeyond Punakha, Bhutan

andBeyond Punakha River Lodge

Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

    The Punakha Valley, renowned for its rice and chilli farms, is not just home to the historic Punakha Dzong but also serves as the winter residence for Bhutan's royal family.

    Nestled within lush paddy fields, Punakha River Lodge is wrapped by the Jigme Dorji National Park, bordered by the Mochu (Mother...

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family friendly
Yes
activities
Yes
COMO-Uma-Paro_Exterior-View

COMO Uma Paro

Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

    With a limited number of visitors granted entry each year, Bhutan may be a tiny Himalayan Kingdom, but it is endlessly intriguing and enticing. Since it’s a place so few will ever see with their own eyes. Even fewer will get to experience the luxurious and exclusive accommodation at...

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family friendly
Yes
activities
Yes
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