Bhutan Cultural & Scenic Journey

Highlights

• Explore Thimphu, Bhutan’s unique capital with no traffic lights
• Visit the magnificent Buddha Dordenma overlooking Thimphu Valley
• Discover the historic Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses
• Cross Dochula Pass (3,140 m) with its famous 108 chortens and Himalayan views
• Experience the peaceful Phobjikha/Gangtey Valley
• Visit the Black-Necked Crane Centre and walk through traditional villages
• Explore Paro Rinpung Dzong and the historic Tachogang Bridge
• Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most legendary landmark
• Experience a traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Arrive in Paro – Thimphu

   • Elevation 2,280 m
   • Distance 54 km
   • Drive approx. 1 hr 20 min

   Your Bhutan adventure begins with your arrival at Paro International Airport, one of the most spectacular mountain airports in the world. On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your Discover Happiness representative and begin your scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital city.

   After checking into your hotel and taking some time to relax, visit the National Memorial Chorten, an important Buddhist monument where you can observe local people performing their daily circumambulations.

   In the evening, visit the magnificent Tashichhodzong, the historic fortress-monastery and important center of Bhutan’s government and religion.

   

2. Day 2

   Explore Thimphu

   • Elevation 2,334 m

   After breakfast, explore some of the cultural and scenic highlights of Thimphu.

   Begin with Buddha Dordenma at Kuenselphodrang, home to the impressive 51.5-meter Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Continue to Simply Bhutan, a living museum offering an engaging glimpse into traditional Bhutanese lifestyle and culture.

   Visit the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, where students learn Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, followed by the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal.

   If time permits, explore the Centenary Farmers Market, where farmers from across Bhutan gather to sell fresh local produce.

   

3. Day 3

   Thimphu – Punakha

   • Elevation 1,300 m
   • Distance 86 km
   • Drive approx. 2 hr 30 min

   After breakfast, journey towards Punakha, crossing the spectacular Dochula Pass at 3,140 m. On a clear day, enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and admire the famous 108 chortens.

   Continue to Punakha and stop at Metsina Village, followed by a pleasant walk through the rice fields to Chhimi Lhakhang, the famous temple associated with Bhutan’s beloved “Divine Madman.”

   Later, explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, dramatically located between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. A short walk across the traditional suspension bridge completes the day.

   

4. Day 4

   Punakha – Phobjikha / Gangtey

   • Elevation 3,000 m

   Today, travel into the tranquil Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful highland valleys and the winter home of the rare Black-Necked Cranes, which migrate from Tibet between November and March.

   Visit the impressive Gangtey Monastery, overlooking the valley, before enjoying a short walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail with beautiful views of villages and the surrounding landscape.

   Continue to the Black-Necked Crane Centre and enjoy a gentle walk through fields and farmhouses, with opportunities to interact with local people and experience traditional village life.

   

5. Day 5

   Phobjikha / Gangtey – Paro

   • Elevation 2,280 m
   • Distance 128 km
   • Drive approx. 3 hr 45 min

   After breakfast, drive towards Paro. En route, make a short stop at Dochula Pass to enjoy the mountain scenery and photograph the beautiful 108 chortens.

   Continue towards Paro with a stop at Tachogang, home to the historic 14th-century bridge over the Pa Chhu River.

   Upon arrival in Paro, visit the magnificent Paro Rinpung Dzong, meaning “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels,” one of the finest examples of traditional Bhutanese architecture.

   

6. Day 6

   Tiger’s Nest Hike – Paro

   • Elevation 2,280 m
   • Hike approx. 2 hrs up

   Today brings the highlight of your Bhutan journey—the legendary Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest.

   After breakfast, begin your hike through the beautiful pine forests above Paro Valley. The uphill journey takes approximately two hours and leads to the spectacular monastery dramatically perched on a cliff about 900 meters above the valley floor.

   After returning to Paro, relax and enjoy the evening. For a truly authentic Bhutanese experience, you may also enjoy a traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath, where heated river stones warm a wooden tub filled with water and medicinal herbs.

   

7. Day 7

   Depart Paro

   After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Your Discover Happiness guide and driver will bid you farewell and see you off at the airport.

   As your Bhutan journey comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of the Himalayan landscapes, ancient monasteries, vibrant culture and warm Bhutanese hospitality.

   

Tour information

Destinations	Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Phobjikha/Gangtey
Max Altitude	3,140 m / 10,302 ft – Dochula Pass
Meal	Full Board – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Best Season	March to May and September to November
Accommodation	Of your choice – 3 Star, 4 Star, 5 Star, Luxury, Boutique, Homestays and Monastery Stay
Transportation	Kia/Hyundai SUV, Toyota/Hyundai HiAce High Roof Luxury Travel Van, depending on group size
Tour Duration	6 Nights / 7 Days
Tour Type	Cultural, Scenic, Spiritual, Nature and Hiking Experience

Note: This itinerary is a general guide and can be customized according to the season, your interests, group size, preferred accommodation and duration of the tour.

Frequently asked questions

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