The definitive first journey through Bhutan — a 7-day circuit of the Tiger's Nest, the capital and the ancient dzongs of Punakha.
Highlights
Sunrise pilgrimage to the Tiger's Nest (Taktsang)
108 chortens at Dochula with Gangkar Puensum on a clear morning
Blessing at Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Great Blessing
Raspberry orchards and river walks around Punakha
What is included
Licensed Bhutanese guide throughout the itinerary
Private vehicle and driver for all six days
Six nights in heritage lodges and boutique hotels
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners
All entrance fees, permits and the Sustainable Development Fee
Airport meet & greet and all internal transfers
Tea-house stop on the Paro to Thimphu road
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 01 — Arrival in Paro & the Welcome Tea Met at Paro airport by your guide, driven along the valley to Kyichu Lhakhang — one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, founded in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo — and then up to the lodge for tea, hot towels and a briefing on the week ahead.
Day 02 — Taktsang at First Light An early start for the walk to the Tiger's Nest. The trail climbs through pine and rhododendron forest past the prayer-flag chorten, and when the mist clears the monastery appears on its cliff a thousand feet above the valley. Breakfast is served at a viewpoint most visitors never reach, then a des…
Day 03 — Chimi Lhakhang & the Crossing to Thimphu A blessing at Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Great Blessing, where the King himself was granted children, then the drive across the Dochula Pass. At 3,100 metres a mandala of 108 white chortens faces Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain on earth, if the cloud is kind. On to Thimphu fo…
Day 04 — Thimphu Craft Quarter & Valley Walk A walking day in the capital: the enormous whitewashed mass of the Tashichho Dzong, the weaving and paper-making studios of the Chang Lam precinct, and an afternoon above town at Tango Chetsho, where the hermitage hangs on the cliff face. Evening archery at Changlimithang if you are feeling competi…
Day 05 — Into Punakha: the Two Rivers The drive south through Wangdue Phodrang to Punakha, crossing the new suspension bridge over the Wang Chhu. Afternoon at Punakha Dzong, the most graceful of Bhutan's dzongs, and a walk along the river to the ruined Ming palace of the Zhabdrung. Dinner is red rice, wild greens and a bowl of e-za dat…
Day 06 — Khuruthang, the Chorten Forest & the Chapel The site of the 1959 Uprising, then the memorial chorten forest of Khuruthang and a short climb to the Khyichu Lhakhang above the town. A slow afternoon in the raspberry orchards of the south, where Punakha's fruit is grown in the open air under the dzong's shadow.
Day 07 — Return to Paro & Departure A final morning at your pace, then the drive back through the Dochula Pass to Paro. Your guide handles the SDF refund paperwork and accompanies you to the airport, with a final cup of butter tea for the road.