6 days Bhutan Tour - Punakha

For a 6-day Bhutan tour, you can have a comprehensive yet leisurely itinerary that provides a well-rounded experience of Bhutan’s cultural and natural treasures, including visits to dzongs, scenic drives, and memorable hikes to iconic landmarks. 

• HIKE THE TAKTSANG ‘TIGER’S NEST’ MONASTERY, ONE OF BHUTAN’S ARCHITECTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
• VISIT THE 300-YEAR OLD PUNAKHA DZONG WHICH IS LOCATED BETWEEN PHO CHU (MALE RIVER) AND MO CHU (FEMALE RIVER)
• ENJOY SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF THE HIMALAYAS FROM THE DOCHU LA MOUNTAIN PASS
• HIKE TO KHAMSUM YULLEY NAMGYAL CHORTEN SITUATED ON A RIDGE ABOVE THE PUNAKHA VALLEY, OFFERING PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE SURROUNDING MOUNTAINS AND RICE FIELDS.
• WALK ACROSS FARMHOUSES TO REACH CHIMMI LHAKHANG, A 15TH-CENTURY FERTILITY TEMPLE
• EXPLORE THE BUSTLING CAPITAL THIMPHU, INCLUDING SIGHTS LIKE THE BUDDHA DORDENMA, THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL CHORTEN AND MORE

For a 6-day Bhutan tour, you can have a comprehensive yet leisurely itinerary that provides a well-rounded experience of Bhutan’s cultural and natural treasures, including visits to dzongs, scenic drives, and memorable hikes to iconic landmarks. 

DAY 01: ARRIVE AT PARO - THIMPHU
The flight to Paro reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If weather permits you will be able to see Mt. Everest (8848 m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan Mountain Ranges. Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative (Guide) and then drive to Thimphu (50km) which takes approximately an hour. On the way visit; 

Tachog Lhakhang: Tachog Lhakhang is located along Paro-Thimphu highway, before Chhuzom. It is just a 10 minutes walk from the highway. It is a great spot for photography with a stunning view and peaceful ambience. After arriving in Thimphu,visit;

National Memorial Chorten: Probably one of the most popular Thimphu points of interest, this chorten features as a daily place of worship in many natives’ lives. This Memorial Chorten is visited every day by elderly people, kids and other people on their way to offices, schools and back home. You will find beautiful mandalas and murals here. The large prayer wheels are coloured red in this chorten which sees hundreds daily who meditate here.

Motithang Takin Preserve: The Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin – Bhutan’s national animal. This is a rare animal of the goat antelope family and a particular species is only found in Bhutan. The preserve is a forested preserve that mimics the Takin’s natural habitat, in addition to the Takin there are a few musk deer and barking deer that live inside the preserve. 

Bhutan Postal Museum: Fascinating Stamps: If you have any sort of interest in philately, then you should definitely stop by the National Post Office in Thimphu. From round, square, rectangular to even 3-D stamps, you will find multiple varieties of stamps in here. This place is any philatelist’s dream come true. You can even create personalized stamps with your photo on it. It will be an interesting souvenir to bring back home. Get to this fascinating land of stamps and take something for your friends as well.

Tashichhodzong: The original Thimphu Dzong (the Dho-Ngyen Dzong) is said to have been constructed in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. And later the Dzong was conquered by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who found the Dzong to be too small and expanded it to what is now known as theTashichho dzong is also called the “fortress of glorious religion.” Now it houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King and central monk body.

DAY 02: THIMPHU
Tango Buddhist Institute: A day-hike: Set around 14 kilometers away from the city center, the Tango Buddhist Institute is a place of serenity set in the picturesque valley of Thimphu. Founded in the 13th century by the much revered Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa, the three-storey monastery houses a number of remarkable statues.The temple can be reached through a hike (1 hour approximately) through the scenic mountains and alpine woods, which is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Thimphu.

Visit the College of Astrology and seek and find out your Astrology Birth Chart. 

Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory: The Jungshi factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper, made using an age old method instead of the modern way. Visitors to the paper factory are given a demonstration of the paper making process. One of the most popular things to do in Thimphu, you can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.

Archery: The glory of Bhutan is not hidden from anyone. The country, as beautiful as heaven itself, is known for its vivid culture, vibrant festivals and its richness in sports, it never becomes complete until its citizens have an unleashed spirit for sports. And it is the royal sport of archery or “Da” (as it is called in Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan).

The National Institute for Zorig Chusum, also known as the Arts and Crafts School, is an educational institution in Bhutan dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. “Zorig Chusum” translates to the “13 traditional arts and crafts” in the Dzongkha language of Bhutan

DAY 03: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
After breakfast, visit Dordenma Buddha Statue Atop a hill in Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, is a massive, golden Buddha.

Then drive to Punakha. On the way, stop at Dochula Pass: It is a 40-minute drive from Thimphu to Dochula Pass and it is definitely worth the visit especially for those who are looking for Thimphu sightseeing places. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. 

After that drive to Punakha (45 minutes to 1 hour). In Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Fertility blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing.

Then visit Punakha Dzong, one of the majestic fortresses which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Then visit the longest Suspension Bridge across the dzong. Overnight in Punakha.

DAY 04: PUNAKHA - PARO
After breakfast 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. And drive to Paro (3 hours)

In Paro visit National Museum (Ta Dzong) Ta Dzong is located on a ridge, overlooking the Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley built as a watch tower. 

DAY 05: PARO TAKTSANG
Taktsang Monastery: The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. The monastery was built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgaye who is said to be one of the reincarnations of Guru Rinpoche. From the road, the hike toward Taktshang follows an uphill route and takes approximately 2-3 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.

Visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery. They brew many styles of beer.

Farmhouse visit: Picturesque farm houses dotted the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We welcome you to visit Bhutanese homes for dinner with them and experience their hospitality. A visit gives you an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of Bhutan.

And try the Hot Stone Bath. A Bhutanese hot stone bath is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing and is also believed to have numerous health benefits. The heat of the water, combined with the medicinal herbs and minerals from the stones, combine to work wonders. The Bhutanese use hot stone baths to treat ailments such as arthritis, hypertension, joint pain, stomach disorders, other deep-set aches, and over 50 skin ailments. Above all, soaking in the bath is a great way to release stress. Artemisia has a meditative effect. Overnight in Paro

DAY 06: DEPARTURE
In the morning drive to Airport for your onward destination.

<div>Not wheelchair accessible</div>