6-Day Private Bhutan Tour to Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

Paro airport is the only international airport in Bhutan, which is around 65 kilometers (40 miles) away from the capital city - Thimphu. Once your flight arrives at the airport, your guide will greet you there and transfer you to the hotel in Thimphu.

On the way, you will see the Tachogang Lhakhang Iron Bridge, which crosses the Paro Chhu River to a small Dzong (fortress). This is the first bridge to have ever been built in Bhutan.

After a short rest at the hotel, you will be escorted to visit the Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten), built in memory of the third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is actually a stupa, housing many valuable religious paintings and Buddha statues. Over here you will see many local people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day.

Next visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue. It is 169 feet tall and located high atop a mountain, so it can be viewed from anywhere in the town.

After that you will see the national animal Takin at the Sanctuary. Takin is a rare creature with the head of a goat and the body of a cow, which can only be seen in Bhutan.

This morning, take in the charm of the Thimphu Valley with a 1-hour hiking through the dense primeval forest to Chagri Dorjeden Monastery. Built in 1620, it is now a major teaching and retreat center of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu sect. Walking to the monastery is not an easy task, as some roads are steep and require physical strength and stamina.

After lunch, visit the School of Traditional Arts and the Folk Heritage Museum. These are the best places to experience the essence of Bhutan's traditional crafts and arts.

Then you will visit Thimphu Dzong (TashiChho Dzong), which is a large fort originally built in the 13th century. Now it houses the government administration, King's office and a temple. Visits here are only possible after business hours on weekdays or at the weekend. At night, you can make your own way to Norzin Lam, Thimphu's only thoroughfare, lined with shops selling traditional ethnic crafts, including sculptures, weaving, silver, stone carvings and paintings.

After breakfast, you will be taken to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha, with an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level. It takes around 3 hours driving.

On the way to Punakha, stopover at Dochula Pass, where you can have a coffee break and see the 108 grand stupas. If it is a clear day, you will get great views of the Himalayas mountain ranges.

Then visit the Chimmi Lhakhang. This small hilly temple is very popular as a lot of couples travel here to be blessed for a child.

Located at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, Punakha Dzong is the second largest Dzong in Bhutan and is also considered as the most beautiful Dzong in terms of history, location and architecture.

Very close to the dzong is the longest suspension bridge in the country. The views from this bridge are outstanding with the rivers flowing below. You will stay overnight in Punakha.

Today begins with a morning greeting from your guide and driver at your hotel, followed by a 5-hour private transfer back to Paro. Upon arrival, we’ll visit Rinpung Dzong. Capture panoramic photos from the cantilevered bridge, then climb the long steps to see the Buddhist murals, sandalwood stupas, and shrines inside the central tower.

Continue our visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. As the tour ends, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel.

Upon reaching the base, you’ll hike along pine-lined trails with your guide, ascending 2-3 hours over a 900-meter (2,953 ft.) elevation gain. At the top, enjoy views of the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated and the stunning valley scenery.

Our next stop is Drukgyel Dzong, built solely for defense against external threats along the border, due to its strategic location surrounded by three cliffs.

We'll then take a stroll through Paro Old Town, where you can browse authentic Bhutanese handicrafts. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Time to say farewell today! Based on your flight schedule, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport promptly and see you off. Hope you bring home the peace and tranquility of Bhutan!