BhutanSerenity in the Himalayas

On a clear day, the flight to Paro offers spectacular views of the Himalayas. After immigration and customs formalities, meet the representative and drive through beautiful scenery to Thimphu. Visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), with its panoramic view of the valley, Buddha Dordenma and Simtokha Dzong before dinner and rest.

• Himalayan flight views
• Buddha Point and Buddha Dordenma
• Simtokha Dzong

After breakfast, discover Simply Bhutan Museum and the Memorial Chorten, then continue to the Textile Museum and Craft Bazaar. End the city tour at Tashichho Dzong, the fortress of the glorious religion and an important centre of government and religion.

• Simply Bhutan Museum
• Memorial Chorten
• Textile Museum and Craft Bazaar
• Tashichho Dzong

Drive to Dochula Pass for the beautiful landscapes and 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. Continue to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility, before visiting Punakha Dzong at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Walk across the colourful prayer-flagged Suspension Bridge and check in to the Punakha hotel.

• Dochula Pass and 108 Chortens
• Chimi Lhakhang
• Punakha Dzong
• Suspension Bridge

Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a striking hilltop monument built through Bhutanese religious traditions. After lunch, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, perched on a ridge among pine trees with views over the Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang valleys.

• Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten
• Two-hour scenic hike
• Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery

Drive to Gangtey and visit Gangtey Goenpa, the monastery overlooking Phobjikha Valley. Walk the Gangtey Nature Trail through pine forest and bamboo shrubs, then visit the Black-Necked Crane Visitor Centre to learn about the valley’s wildlife and local conservation work.

• Gangtey Goenpa
• Gangtey Nature Trail
• Black-Necked Crane Visitor Centre

Drive back towards Paro through Bhutan’s changing mountain landscapes. After checking in, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower and now home to the National Museum, followed by Rinpung Dzong, the fortress of the heap of jewels.

• Scenic transfer to Paro
• Ta Dzong National Museum
• Rinpung Dzong

After breakfast, make the full-day excursion to Taktshang Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most famous monasteries, perched on a cliff 900 metres above the Paro valley floor. In the evening, take an exploratory walk around Paro Main Street and the market area.

• Taktshang Monastery
• Cliffside Tiger’s Nest hike
• Paro Main Street and market

After an early breakfast, drive to the airport for the onward flight. The representative will explain the exit formalities before bidding you farewell.

• Early airport transfer
• Exit formalities
• Departure from Paro