7 DAYS AUTHENTIC BHUTAN WITH TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY

Arrival in Paro / Thimphu

Be greeted with glorious vistas of snow-capped Himalayas on a clear day as you descend into the hidden kingdom of Bhutan. From Paro International Airport, we drive ~1½ hours into Thimphu.

Thimphu Tour

At Thimphu Valley, your journey begins at the golden-gilded Great Buddha Dodernma statue before we continue into Takin Preserve to come face-to-face with Bhutan's beloved national animal.

After paying respect at the Memorial Chorten which was erected in memory of Bhutan’s third king, you may mingle with everyday Bhutanese at the Centenary Farmers Market (open Fri-Sun) and the artisanal craft bazaar (closed on Tue). If time permits, take an in-depth look into local industries at the Changzamto Weaving Centre and a handmade paper factory.

If you would like, we can also arrange for you to dress up in traditional gho (men) or kira (women) for the day as you explore Thimphu.

Transfer: Thimphu to Punakha

This morning, we drive ~2½ hours from Thimphu into Punakha.

Scenic Hike to Chimmi Lhakhang

Stretch your legs with a gentle hike to Chimmi Lhakhang, famously known as the temple of fertility. Enjoy a treat of heartwarming tea and snacks while overlooking the rice fields as you immerse yourself in tales of the widely adored Drukpa Kuenley, Bhutan’s favourite yogi.

Prayer at a Hilltop Nunnery

Enjoy an evening prayer at a hilltop nunnery. Interact with the resident nuns of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang and observe the spiritual Buddhist chanting dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Option A: Raft to Punakha Dzong

Following an early breakfast, get your adrenaline fix with white water rafting until a take-out point, where you will enjoy a picnic lunch by the river. Afterwards, you will be driven to Punakha Dzong, hosting hundreds of saffron-clad monks and beautifully hugged by the confluence of two rivers.

Option B: Hike to Punakha Dzong

A spectacular hike to Khansum Yuelley Namgel Chorten (Elevation: ~3,400m) rewards you with a view of Punakha valley’s northern ridges. On the way down, follow the off-the-beaten Butterfly Trail through small farmer villages and virgin forests, crossing over a suspension bridge into Punakha Dzong.

Transfer: Punakha to Paro

We drive ~4 hours back to Paro. If you’d like, we can include a seasonal apple plucking session (Jul-Aug) when you pass by Thimphu.

Museum of Ta Dzong or Stroll Paro Street

Time-permitting, a visit to the national museum of Ta Dzong provides an insightful look into Thangka (Tibetan Buddhist) paintings, religious arts and relics. Alternatively, you can enjoy an evening stroll of Paro Street, dotted with charming Bhutanese shops and small lodges.

Hike up Zurig Lhakhang

Let us whisk you off the typical tourist trail with a hike up to Zurig Lhakhang, from which you can admire the entire Paro valley. After visiting Paro Rinpung Dzong, we descend through a traditional cantilever bridge amid giant stupas. We continue to the remote ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (entry not allowed).

A picnic lunch will be set up at a scenic spot providing stunning views of Mt. Jhomolhari on a clear day. Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with the national sports of Bhutan through a game of darts and archery.

Visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery

It’s time for the big highlight! Perched on a jaw-dropping vertical cliff, the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Elevation: ~3,120m) involves a scenic two-hour hike with picturesque views of verdant pine forests, mosses and prayer flags along the way.

Lighting Butter Lamps and Dinner

Descend to light the butter lamps at Kyichu Lhakhang, Bhutan’s oldest Buddhist temple, before we meet some rural farmers to learn about their daily routines as you stroll along the fields. Conclude with a home-cooked dinner in an authentic farmhouse with a serving of the local wine, known as ara.

Transfer: To Airport

You will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your flight home.