Bhutan | Temples in the Sky
 Prayer bells in Bhutan |
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9 days / 8 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Paro | 2 |
| Punakha | 2 |
| Thimpu | 2 |
| Paro | 2 |
Day 01 Arrive Paro (2,200M)
Fly into Paro with spectacular views of Everest, Khangchendzonga (formally Kanchenjunga) and other famous Himalayan peaks. The remainder of the day is at leisure except for a short guided walk in the afternoon in and around your hotel for orientation and acclimatisation (D).
Paro (Choice of category)
Day 02 Paro
Today start with a visit to the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artefacts provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lies the dominating Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, walk across Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and continue on to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings. This afternoon is at leisure (B,L,D). Paro (Choice of category)
Day 03 Paro – Punakha (1,300M)
An early departure and an awe-inspiring drive following the course of the Paro Chhu (Paro River) and Wang Chhu (Wang River) on to the high mountain pass of Dochu La with its forests of fluttering prayer flags. Sights on the way include one of Bhutan’s first fortress monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, and ancient wall paintings at the Hongtsho Goemba monastery. The journey continues over the 3,140m-high mountain pass where on a clear day, towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The descent into Punakha Valley along the Kingdom’s only east-west highway, loops through the scenic village of Wangdue for a visit to the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and Radak Naktshang, the village temple (B,L,D).
Punakha (Choice of category)
Day 04 Punakha
The day in Punakha Valley begins with a visit to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a three-storey monument housing beautiful and complex paintings. Following the hike you will drive back up the valley towards Khuruthang passing Punthsho Pelri Palace and several other winter homes of the royal family before reaching the impressive Punakha Dzong. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the Punak Chhu, before visiting Bhutan’s second oldest dzong, Druk Pungthang Decchen Phodrang (the Palace of Great Happiness). It is arguably the country's most attractive, served as the seat of the Kingdom's government until the time of the second King and today is the winter home of Je Khempo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks. An afternoon stroll through the quaint bazaar at Wangdue Phodrang to visit its dzong rounds off the day. Founded in 1638 by the Shabdrung, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is located on a high promontory overlooking the Punak Chhu river (B,L,D).
Punakha (Choice of category)
Day 05 Punakha – Thimphu (2,400M)
Retrace your steps back over the Dochu La pass for another wonderful view of the Himalayan range. Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan is a bustling town where traditional ways mingle with modern customs. This afternoon explore the city. Highlights include the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the Painting School, where students study the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, the National Memorial Chorten, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum before completing your tour with a panoramic view of the city. Time will also be given to shop for Bhutanese handicrafts and jewellery and a visit to the local market (Friday, Saturday and Sundays only) (B,L,D).
Thimphu (Choice of category)
Day 06 Thimphu
Today head north to view Tashichoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and Royal offices, and visit Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic astrologer training school. Walk across one of the country’s oldest cantilever bridges leading to the Goemba where the Kingdom’s first monk community is based (B,L,D).
Punakha (Choice of category)
Day 07 Thimphu – Haa Valley – Paro
Today leave the capital and drive to the Haa Valley. Only recently opened to visitors, it remains one of Bhutan’s most pristine areas. At the Chuzom confluence, the road ascends the dramatic Wang Chhu valley where there is time to view the Dobji Dzong and, if time permits, hike around its high ramparts. The road into Haa winds up through quaint villages and thick conifer forests before leading into a valley carpeted with fields of millet, barley, potato and wheat. The patchwork fields are dotted with farmhouses all adorned with intricately painted cornices and door and window frames. Visits to both Chhundu Lhakhang and Lhakhang Karpo provide an insight into the history of the valley. There are arrangements to see the Wangchulo Dzong as well. The winding road then ascends through pastureland past grazing yaks, before reaching the 3,900m Cheli La Pass. Descending into the Paro Valley, the scenery transforms from sub-alpine pasture brilliant with wildflowers, to lush forests of blue pine, cypress, larch, fir and rhododendron. This afternoon you are free to enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Perhaps try the Bhutanese national sport of archery or maybe a traditional hot stone bath (B,L,D).
Paro (Choice of category)
Day 08 Design Your Day – Paro
Tailor the day to suit. Choose one of the following activities. Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery) to see one of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan. Perched on the side of a cliff face the monastery seems to defy logic, gravity and reason. Legend has it that this cliff side was where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism from Tibet to Bhutan. The climb takes about two hours to the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint where you then descend steeply, passing a waterfall, before climbing up to the monastery. Or for something a little less strenuous, a drive to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet. The route is picturesque, and the site of the dzong magnificent. On the return to Paro, pay your respects at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magic orange tree which bears fruit all year round (B,L,D).
Paro (Choice of category)
Day 09 Depart Paro
Bid your farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon as you depart this charming country (B).
Optional Extensions
From Paro you can fly to Kolkata or Delhi and combine your Bhutan holiday with one of our private journeys throughout India:
India | Splendours of Rajasthan
India | Temples & Tigers
India | Himalayan Sojourn
India Extensions | Amritsar: Visit to the Golden Temple
India Extensions | Leh: Foothills to the Himalayas
India Extensions | Shimla: Himalayan Retreat
a complimentary massage per person is included when staying at either Amankoro Paro, A&K’s Platinum accommodation or Uma Paro, A&K’s Gold accommodation.
Festivals & Events
A must on any journey to Bhutan is the opportunity to experience the spiritual tradition, colour and excitement of one of its festivals or national holidays.
January – Winter Solstice – celebrated in Western Bhutan
February – Losar (New Year) – celebrated Nationwide
February – Punaka Dromche – celebrated in Punakha
March – Paro Tshechu – celebrated in Paro
April – Shabdrun Kuchoe – celebrated Nationwide
September/October – Thimphu Drupchen & Thimphu Tshechu – celebrated in Thimphu
Choice of Accommodation
| City | Platinum | Gold |
| Paro | Amankora Paro | Uma Paro |
| Punakha | Amankora Punakha | Zangtopelri Hotel |
| Thimpu | Amankora Thimpu | Taj Tashi |
