6 Days Classic Thimphu-Paro and Taktsang Ghoempa Tour in Bhutan

Your Bhutanese Cultural tour begins with your arrival at Paro airport via the Drukair flight. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your friendly tour guide who will take you to your hotel in downtown Paro.

After checking in and freshening up, it’s time to start exploring the city! You will begin your tour by visiting the Farm Houses. These houses offer a glimpse into Bhutan’s primitive and characteristic way of living. Strike up a conversation with the locals and enjoy a well-prepared Bhutanese meal served in a traditional Bhutanese way.

Next, you will visit the Kyichu Temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. It is believed to have been built on a demoness’s left foot to suppress her and to protect the land.

Afterward, you will visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress built in 1645 to defend against the Tibet invaders. The Dzong now serves as an administrative center and school for monks. You can also explore the traditional Cantilever Bridge, the oldest Bhutan Bridge located just below the Dzong.

Finally, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant before taking a stroll around Paro town or visiting Bhutanese handicraft stores. You will spend the night at your hotel in Paro, ready for a new day of tour tomorrow!

Distance: 54 km
Driving time: 1 hour

Today you will travel from Paro to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, with a stop at Chunzom, the confluence of the Pachu and Wangchu Rivers. These two rivers are significant to Bhutan’s civilization and flow through Paro and Thimphu valley, respectively. You will then visit Tachog Lhakhang, a 14th-century temple located on the base of the mountain across the Pachu on Paro-Thimphu highway. You will need to cross the Pa Chu River on iron chains to reach the temple, which houses unique and precious statues.

In Thimphu, you will visit several sites, starting with the Bhutan Postal Museum, which showcases the evolution of Bhutan’s communication and postal system. You can even get postage stamps with your own photos printed on them before sending postcards to your loved ones. Next, you will visit the National Textile Museum, which houses a collection of ancient colored textiles, exhibiting the traditional art of weaving. You can witness the exquisite exhibits being woven by locals using intricate tools.

You will then visit the Traditional Arts and Crafts Painting School, where students receive a six-year course on 13 different traditional arts and crafts. The Folk Heritage Museum will provide insight into the primitive living philosophy well preserved by modern Bhutanese and architectural style back in the 19th century. After lunch, you will drive to the base camp of Tango Monastery, located north of Thimphu city. A hike through dense oak and pine trees with red rhododendron flowers in full bloom will take you to the monastery, which is home to highly revered Buddhist monks.

Tango Monastery is renowned for being the home of the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism, brought to Bhutan by these monks. You can enjoy the spectacular view from the monastery and the peace and serenity that surrounds it. After visiting the monastery, you will return to Thimphu and stay overnight at a hotel.

Distance: 71 km
Driving time: 2.5 hrs

After breakfast, you will start your journey to Punakha. The drive will take you to Dochula Pass (3,140 m), where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Bhutan Himalaya Range and the colorful clustered flowers below. You will stop at the 108 chortens built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck for the safety and well-being of His Majesty, the king of Bhutan.

Next, visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck as a tribute to His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king of Bhutan. This monastery is built in memory of his heroic deed of leading the Bhutan army to fight against the Indian militants who once occupied the land of Bhutan. In Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, you can also find amazing murals depicting big events regarding the former kings in Bhutan.

Afterward, continue your drive to Punakha, a place regarded as one of the most beautiful and significant regions in Bhutan culture. It had once been the capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1955, during which the 1st National Assembly was held there. Stop for lunch at Metsina village and then visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery – Chhimi Lhakhang, which has always been regarded as the fertility shrine by locals for a long time. You can receive an efficacious fertility blessing there.

Later, visit the Punakha Dzong on the island of Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River) and appreciate the highest state of wood crafts.

In the upper Punakha valley, take an hour hike to the beautiful Bhutan characteristic Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang (Temple), which was built by Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck (The Queen Mother of Bhutan) for peace and stability in the hilltop. You may also feel excited by the breathtaking views from there.

Stay overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, drive from Punakha to Thimphu, which will take about 2.5 hours. Upon arrival in Thimphu, enjoy a well-served lunch and then proceed to visit the following sites:

1. Takin Preserve
Visit the Takin Preserve, where you can observe the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin. These endangered animals can only be found in Bhutan and are known for their large size and unique appearance.

2. Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point)
Kuensel Phodrang is a hillock overlooking the Thimphu Valley where the largest Buddha statue in the country, known as Dordenma, is located. It is recommended to take a 20-30 minute walk through the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and enjoy the stunning view of the valley and distant mountains.

3. Tashichhoe Dzong
Visit Tashichhoe Dzong, a once glorious religious fortress that was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and later reconstructed by the late king and central monk body. This is the center of government and religion and also serves as the site of the monarch’s throne room and the seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.

4. National Memorial Chorten (Stupa)
Visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was constructed in memory of the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, in 1974. The King is widely respected and known as the father of modern Bhutan. This monument is considered the “Mind of Buddha” and represents the seat of faith.

5. Craft Bazaar
Visit the Craft Bazaar, a unique shopping site where you can gain a deeper understanding of Bhutanese culture and purchase handicrafts with Bhutanese characteristics that interest you. At this bazaar, craftsmen and artists from across the country display and sell their handicrafts in various stores.

In the evening, have dinner and spend the night at your hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will drive for about an hour to reach Paro. Then, you will embark on a one-day hike to Taktsang Ghoempa, also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is situated at an altitude of 3,750 meters.

The hike to the viewpoint will take around 1.5 hours, during which you can enjoy the stunning views of the monastery clinging to the side of a sheer vertical cliff. After a short refreshment break, you will continue to ascend higher toward the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which will take around 1 hour. You will get a closer look at this miraculous monastery and take in the amazing scenery underneath.

The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates back to 1692, and it was severely damaged by fire in 1998 but has since been fully restored to its former glory.

After your hike, you will visit a farmhouse in the Paro valley and experience the lifestyle of a farmer in Bhutan. You will also have the opportunity to try traditional Bhutanese hot stone bathing. Finally, you will have dinner in Paro and spend the night at your hotel.

Thank you for choosing Himalayan 360 as your travel agency for your Bhutan tour. On the last day of your trip, our tour guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. We hope you had a wonderful time exploring the beautiful and peaceful country of Bhutan.

If you would like to extend your journey in the Himalayan region, we would be happy to help you plan a trip to Nepal or Tibet from Bhutan. As a professional travel agency with years of experience in the region, we can offer you a wide range of services, including customized itineraries, transportation, accommodations, and local guides.

Please let us know if you are interested in exploring more of the Himalayas and we will be more than happy to assist you in planning your next adventure. Thank you for traveling with us and we hope to see you again soon.