5 Nights 6 Days Bhutan Tour Itinerary: Explore Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Paro & Transfer to Thimphu (54 km, 1 hr drive)
Arrive at Paro via DrukAir/Bhutan Airlines and complete immigration formalities. You’ll be welcomed by our guide, who will accompany you throughout the tour. After a scenic drive to Thimphu, check into your hotel and unwind.
In the afternoon, visit:

• Kuensel Phodrang: Admire the tallest Buddha statue and enjoy panoramic views of Thimphu Valley.
• Craft Bazaar: Explore traditional Bhutanese crafts, with artisans showcasing their skills.
• Tashichhoe Dzong: Visit this majestic fortress, a symbol of Bhutanese governance and religion, originally built in 1641.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, explore Thimphu’s cultural treasures:

• Takin Preserve: Home to Bhutan’s unique national animal, the Takin.
• Weaving Center: Discover traditional handwoven textiles at Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre.
• Institute for Zorig Chusum: Watch students mastering Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
• Weekend Market: A bustling gathering spot for locals, full of fresh produce and handicrafts (open on Saturdays and Sundays).
• Archery: Experience Bhutan’s national sport with a thrilling archery tournament.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha (71 km, 2.5 hrs drive)
Drive to Punakha via the stunning Dochula Pass (3,140m), where you can marvel at the panoramic Himalayan views and the 108 chortens built for Bhutan’s royal family.
Visit:

• Druk Wangyal Lhakhang: A tribute to Bhutan’s fourth king, featuring murals of historic events.
• Chhimi Lhakhang: Known as the ‘Fertility Temple,’ offering blessings to those seeking children.
• Punakha Dzong: A grand fortress at the confluence of two rivers, showcasing exquisite woodwork.
• Suspension Bridge: Take a short, refreshing walk across one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, offering stunning views of the valley.

In the evening, stroll through Rinchengang & Lobesa villages for a peek into local life.

Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha to Paro (135 km, 4 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive back to Paro. Along the way, stop at:

• Tamchog Lhakhang Bridge: Cross a historical iron chain suspension bridge, built in the 13th century.
• Paro Airport Bird’s Eye View: Admire one of the world’s most scenic airports.
  Once in Paro, visit the National Museum, housed in an ancient watchtower, for a captivating introduction to Bhutan’s heritage. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Paro town and its handicraft stores.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 5: Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
After breakfast, embark on a hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery. The hike to the viewpoint takes 1-1.5 hours, offering stunning views of the monastery perched on a cliff. Continue up to the monastery, where it’s said Guru Rinpoche meditated after arriving on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. After the visit, stop for lunch at the Viewpoint Cafeteria before heading downhill.
Later, visit the Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress and symbol of Bhutan’s victory over invaders. The ongoing restoration of the Dzong continues to preserve its legacy.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Paro airport for your departure flight.