Classic Bhutan

Day 1

Arrival Paro - Thimphu

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by your guide for the 90-minute scenic drive to Thimphu.

Check into your hotel, then head out to explore. Visit the National Memorial Chorten and Trashi Chhoe Dzong, browse the markets, and explore the Folk Heritage Museum.

Day 2

Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha

In the morning, you’ll have some free time to explore more of Thimphu before meeting your driver for the journey to Punakha.

You’ll head over the Dochula Pass, famous for its 108 memorial chorten and fluttering player flags. You’ll also stop to walk alongside rice paddies to the fertility temple, Chimi Lhakhang.

Day 3

Punakha

Explore the main attractions of Punakha, with a trip to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and the magnificent Punakha Dzong.

Later, head out of town to Wangdue Phodrang to wander round the quaint bazaar.

Day 4

Punakha - Paro

Start the day with a white-water rafting adventure along the Mo Chhu River, where you’ll get great views of Punakha Dzong from the water.

Back on dry land, you’ll return over the Dochula Pass and continue your journey to Paro. Time permitting, you may stop to explore the temple of Tamchog Lhakhang.

Day 5

Paro

Day 5

In the morning, head up to the highest road pass in Bhutan, Chele La Pass. At the top, you have superb views over the valley and Bhutan’s second-highest mountain, Mt Jhomolhari.

Afterwards you’ll head down the hiking track to Kila Goemba, an ancient nunnery on the mountainside. Continue to the road, where you’ll hop on a mountain bike and cycle back.

Day 6 

Your adventures around Paro continue with a guided hike through pine forests to Zurig Dzong, Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong. The trail leads over the river via a traditional covered bridge, past the archery field and into Paro.

You’ll finish your day with a short drive north to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples with a magic orange tree that bears fruit year round.

Day 7

The highlight of any visit to Bhutan is the trek to the Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, perched on the side of a cliff. Today’s excursion is a hike to the monastery, past waterfalls and prayer flags, to marvel at the buildings and frescoes, and learn its fascinating history.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Paro or ease weary limbs in the hotel spa, before a farewell dinner.

Day 6

Departure

Today you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey.