Highlights of Bhutan

Day 1  Paro to Thimphu        
Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu, the tiny capital of this remote mountain kingdom.    

Day 2  Thimphu            
Enjoy a full day tour of Thimphu.  Highlights include the Folk Heritage Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the Bhutanese way of life, Tashi Choe Dzong, an impressive medieval fortress and monastery, and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, more commonly known as the ‘Painting School’. You will also have the opportunity to visit Thimphu’s craft shops. Look out for the splendid thangka paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous.            

Day 3  Thimphu to Punakha            
Leaving Thimphu, cross the Dochula Pass and take in the spectacular views of the Himalayas as you head to Punakha where you will visit Punakha Dzong. Sitting at the junction of two rivers, this is one of Bhutan’s most impressive dzongs.            

Day 4  Punakha            
This morning head to Wangdue Phodrang to visit the bustling market. The afternoon is at leisure.  

Day 5  Punakha to Paro        
Drive to Paro stopping en route at Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest fortress.

Day 6  Paro            
Spend the morning exploring the charming town of Paro with a visit to the National Museum housed in a former watchtower and the beautiful hillside Rinpung Dzong. The rest of the day is free. Why not add our Bhutanese Cooking Class (see below)?            

Day 7  Paro            
Today’s highlight is the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, perched on a rocky edge 900m above the valley floor. The hike up to the monastery takes 3-5 hours there and back and affords spectacular views across the valley. Return to Paro with a stop to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred shrines.  

Day 8  Paro            
Transfer to the airport.