After breakfast, explore the cultural and historical highlights of Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu:

• Motithang Takin Preserve (Takin Sanctuary): A wildlife reserve for Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a unique creature with the head of a goat and the body of a cow, believed to have been created by the Tibetan saint Drukpa Kunley.
• Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim): Set inside a traditional 19th-century three-story house, this museum offers a glimpse into rural Bhutanese life, showcasing household artifacts, tools, and equipment. The museum also hosts live demonstrations of local customs and educational programs.
• School of Arts and Crafts (Thimphu National Institute for Zorig Chusum): Established in 1971, the institute teaches Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts, including painting, sculpting, woodcarving, calligraphy, papermaking, bronze casting, embroidery, weaving, carpentry, masonry, bamboo/cane weaving, gold/silver smithy, and blacksmithing.
• Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong): Known as the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” this dzong houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, government offices, and the central monastic body. Built in 1641 and rebuilt in the 1960s, it features two main entrances—one to the administrative offices and one to the monastic quarters.
• Zilukha Nunnery (Drubthob Goemba): Founded in 1976, this is Bhutan’s largest nunnery, home to around 70 nuns. Perched above Thimphu’s golf course, it offers insights into the nuns’ lifestyle and a beautiful view of Tashichho Dzong.
• Optional: Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory – observe traditional Bhutanese paper-making techniques.

Return to your hotel for rest and relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Overnight: Thimphu

After breakfast, depart Thimphu (2,360 m) and drive to Punakha (74 km, approx. 2.5 hours), stopping at several scenic and cultural highlights along the way:

• Dochula Pass: Situated at 3,100 m, this stunning mountain pass features 108 memorial chortens (Druk Wangyal Chortens) honoring Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives in 2003. Adorned with colorful prayer flags, Dochula Pass offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas on clear days—perfect for photos and soaking in Bhutan’s natural beauty.
• Wangdue Phodrang Dzong: Founded in 1638 by Ngawang Namgyal, this imposing fortress sits on a ridge overlooking the confluence of Punak Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu rivers. Its commanding location highlights its historical importance in both civil and religious affairs.
• Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple): Perched on a small hill among rice fields, this temple is dedicated to childless couples seeking blessings. Following the teachings of Drukpa Kunley, the temple is decorated with symbolic phalluses believed to aid fertility. Visitors can also purchase unique handicrafts featuring these symbols.

Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most magnificent fortresses, located at the confluence of the Mo Chu (Mother) and Pho Chu (Father) rivers. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, it served as the administrative center of Bhutan until 1955 and is now the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body. The dzong also gained fame for hosting the royal wedding of His Majesty Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema in 2011. Visitors in May are treated to breathtaking views of jacaranda blooms surrounding the dzong.

Check in at your hotel in Punakha and relax after a day of sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Overnight: Punakha

This morning we will visit Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten before driving back to Paro from Punakha (115km, about 2.5h). In the afternoon, explore Kyichu Lhakhang near Paro.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is on the west bank of the Mo Chhu river. After across a suspension bridge, it is about 45mins' walk from the main road to the Chorten(stupa). The stupa was built in 1990 by Ashi Tsering Yangdon Wangchuck(the mother of the 5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck) to drive off evil forces and bring peace to Bhutan and the world. This Chorten was a typical combination of the art, architecture, and traditions of Bhutan. It took Bhutanese carpenters, painters, and sculptors 9 years to finish this Bhutan-style pagoda. Also, you will get an excellent view of the Punakha Valley and Punakha Dzong there.

Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries that marks the beginning of Buddhism in Bhutan. It was built in 659AD by King Songtsen Gompo (Tibetan Emperor) as one of the 108 monasteries he made. In 1971 a Guru Temple was added by Her Majesty Azhi Keshang Choden Wangchuck, the wife of the Third King of Bhutan. You can see the original 7th-century Jowo Sakyamuni Statue (the same era as the one in Lhasa's Jokhang Temple) and Chenrezig with 11 heads and 1000 arms there. There is also a magical orange tree outside the courtyard that is said to bear fruits all year round.

Meals?Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation?Paro

After breakfast, drive from Paro city to the starting point of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Goemba) trek. The hike takes about 2.5 hours one-way (approx. 5 hours round trip), with a rest at the scenic midway viewpoint. Guests may also opt for a horse ride (self-paid) from the base camp to the Taktsang Cafeteria for lunch.

• Tiger's Nest Monastery: Perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above Paro Valley, this iconic monastery was first built in 1692. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche (a revered Buddhist saint) rode a tigress to this site and meditated in a cave for 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days. Today, it remains a sacred pilgrimage site and one of Bhutan’s most visited landmarks.
• Ta Dzong - National Museum of Bhutan: Originally a watchtower completed in 1649, Ta Dzong is Bhutan’s tallest cylindrical building at 22 meters with six floors. Converted into the National Museum in 1968, it houses a remarkable collection of Bhutanese artifacts, including thangkas, masks, pottery, armor, stamps, photos, statues, costumes, relics, and religious paintings.

Conclude the day with a farewell dinner and traditional Bhutanese cultural dance show in Paro, celebrating your memorable journey through the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Overnight: Paro

After breakfast, our local representative will transfer you from your hotel to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.

Take with you the memories of Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. We wish you happiness and hope your journey with us leaves lasting impressions. Tashi Delek!

Note: Itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, seasonal changes, national holidays, or special events to ensure the best possible travel experience.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: N/A