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Punakha Dzong across the river among green hills

Cultural Tours

Beautiful Bhutan Tour

  • 6 Days / 5 Nights
  • Paro · Thimphu · Punakha

The classic western circuit: Thimphu, the Punakha valley and its great dzong, Chimi Lhakhang and a morning at Taktsang.

Day-by-day itinerary

Every journey is private and can be adjusted to your pace, interests and travel dates.

Day1Arrival at Paro International Airport

Our representative from Exclusive Bhutan Journey will welcome you at Paro airport and drive to Thimphu.

  • View Tachong Lhakhang (monastery) located on the bank of Paa Chhu River, built in late 1300s by great Tibetan saint Drupthob Thangthong Gyalpo.
  • Chuzom Bridge, where one can get to see three type of stupas in one place and beautiful location to take pictures.
  • Visit Bhutan Postal Museum

On reaching Thimphu, check in the Hotel.

Overnight in Thimphu

Day2Explore Thimphu

After breakfast Explore and visit Thimphu city.

  • Memorial Chorten, it was built in 1974 by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Phuntsho Choden in memory of her son, Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
  • Buddha Statue, facing Thimphu valley down below is the worlds’ largest and tallest Buddha statue standing at the height of 169 feet (52m). From here one can have a 360-degree view of Thimphu city.
  • View Tashichho Dzong, just near bank of the Wangchu River, Tashicho Dzong was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and enlarged in 1694 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay. Today, the dzong is the seat of the central government, His Majesty the King’s office, and the summer residence of the Central Monastic Body.
  • Simply Bhutan, To see Culture and Traditional, ancient tools, materials, baskets and Bhutanese ancient things
  • Craft Bazaar, all kind of Bhutan made items.
  • Royal Takin Zoo
  • Changyel Park Visit
  • Visit Clock Tower visit.
  • Hiking trail walk at Thimphu city (Optional)

Leisure Time and shopping at main Town

Overnight at Thimphu

Day3Drive from Thimphu - Punakha

After breakfast drive towards Punakha via Dochula pass.

  • Dochula Pass, an hour's drive from Thimphu will take you to this pass (3140 m) where one can have a superb view of the Eastern Himalayas on a clear day with a powerful binocular telescope. Visit the beautiful 108 chortens.
  • Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), famously known for its fertility shrine, where couples unable to concieve come here for blessing.
  • Punakha Dzong, the dzong is situated on a stretch of a land where two rivers – Phochu and Mochu – meet. The dzong was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in and the first monarch, King Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned there and it served as the capital of the country until 1955.
  • Suspension Bridge view
  • River rafting at Punakha (optional)

Overnight at Punakha

Day4Punakha – Paro

After breakfast drive towards back to Paro.

  • Ta Dzong (national museum), the dzong was built in the mid-17th century as a watchtower overlooking Paro Dzong and the circular dzong houses the National Museum of Bhutan.
  • Paro Rinpung Dzong, at the bank of Pachu River, Paro Dzong, formally known as Rinchen Pung Dzong was built in 1644 under the command of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is one of the most beautiful and historically important dzongs in the country.
  • Airport View point.
  • Bhutanese farm house visit

Overnight at Paro.

Day5Paro Taktsang monastery hike

After breakfast drive towards Taktsang base from where the hike begins. Horse riding facilities are available till view point.

  • Taktsang monastery, the monastery is located 900 m above Paro valley on the face of a rocky cliff. Taktshang is perhaps the most famous monastery in the country. The monastery was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew there from Kurtoe Singay Dzong (Eastern Bhutan) riding on a tigress to subdue a demon.
  • Kichu Lhakhang, the temple is one of the two among 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to subdue a demon that lay supine across Tibet and Bhutan. (optional).

Overnight at Paro

Day6Final Departure from Paro International Airport

After breakfast, your guide and driver will see you off at Paro International airport for your onward destinations.

Good to know

  • Private tours: your own guide, driver and vehicle throughout.
  • The Bhutan visa fee of USD $40 and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) apply to international visitors; the details are included in your written quote.
  • Payment terms and the cancellation policy are set out on our payment terms page.

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Ready to plan your Bhutan journey?

Tell us when you would like to travel and who is coming. We will reply within 24 hours with a private, tailor-made plan.