The Best Bhutan Tour - 4 Nights/5 Days

You will arrive at Paro International Airport (2,200 m), the only international airport in Bhutan. The valley welcomes you with crisp air, pine-covered hills, and Bhutanese traditional architecture. Your guide will welcome you with a traditional khada (white scarf). After customs formalities, you begin your drive to Bhutan's capital, Thimphu (2,334 m).

The ride is over green hills and meadows along the Paro Chu and Thimphu Chu rivers. You pass through small villages, roadside chortens, and prayer wheels. You can halt at the 15th-century iron bridge Tamchog Lhakhang, built by the legendary Thangtong Gyalpo.

On arrival in Thimphu, check into your hotel. Take a brief rest and then explore the city. Visit the massive Tashichho Dzong, the Bhutanese administrative and monastic fortress. Walk around the Memorial Chorten, built to commemorate King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. People tend to spin prayer wheels here while reciting mantras.

In the evening, take a relaxing walk through Thimphu’s main street. The town of Thimpu blends tradition with the modern lifestyle of the people. In Thimpu, you’ll see handicraft shops, cafes, and local eateries. If time permits, visit the Buddha Dordenma (2,600 m), a 51-meter statue overlooking the city. From this hilltop, enjoy beautiful views of the entire Thimphu valley.

Finish the day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. You can try ema datshi, the Bhutanese chilli and cheese national dish. An overnight stay in Thimphu prepares you for more sightseeing the next day.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel in Thimphu (2,334 m). Your day excursion takes you to Punakha (1,250 m), the old capital of Bhutan. During the journey, go across Dochula Pass, a stunning pass at 3,100 m.

Stop at Dochula to witness the 108 memorial chortens, referred to as Druk Wangyal Chortens. If it's a clear day, take in the view of the eastern Himalayas and Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m), the highest point in Bhutan.

Descend through changing vegetation belts, from alpine to subtropical forest, to Punakha Valley. Stop just short of town at Chimi Lhakhang (1,400 m), a 15th-century fertility shrine. The shrine is in honor of the Divine Madman, a celebrated Buddhist saint who preached unorthodox teachings.

After lunch, go to Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness," which is located at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers. This fortress was the venue of Bhutan's royal wedding in 2011. Its traditional Bhutanese architecture is reflected in its wooden carvings and whitewashed walls looming above.

Walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan, in the afternoon. It offers beautiful views of the river and valley.

Punakha is lower in altitude and has a warmer, tropical climate. You can search for jacaranda flowering trees or rice terraces, depending on the season.

Rest in your riverside hotel and dine facing the valley. Sleep peacefully in the tranquil setting of Punakha.

Begin your day in Punakha with a proper breakfast. Then begin your drive back to Paro (2,200 m). The road back comes through Dochula Pass (3,100 m). You will again halt to have tea and final mountain views.

The scenic drive climbs gradually from the warm Punakha Valley to cool pine groves. Midway, you can break your journey to visit Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi (2,700 m) and view its series of different rhododendrons and Himalayan flora.

Proceed driving down to Paro Valley. After you check into your Paro hotel, enjoy a local lunch. Then begin sightseeing in this beautiful valley.

Tour Rinpung Dzong (2,200 m), an architectural gem serving as both a monastic and civil complex. At its base flows the picturesque Nyamai Zampa, a cantilever bridge of the past.

Then tour the National Museum at Ta Dzong, a former watchtower. The museum houses artifacts that reflect Bhutanese history, religion, and culture.

You can also go to Kyichu Lhakhang (2,300 m), the oldest temple of Bhutan. It is said that Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo built it in the 7th century.

Stroll around Paro town in the evening after lunch. Explore local handicrafts, textiles, and traditional products. Dinner is at the Paro restaurant.

Overnight in Paro. Sleep well for the hike tomorrow.

Breakfast ready, set out for Bhutan's most celebrated hike. Drive to the trailhead of Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger's Nest, at 3,120 m.

The hike begins at 2,600 m, through pine forests and fluttering prayer flags. Steady climb for about 2-3 hours. Break at the halfway viewpoint and café to stop for tea and views.

As you ascend, expansive views of the monastery are visible. The final section consists of climbing stone steps over precipitous rocks.

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche rode on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave. The monastery is built around that sacred cave.

Inside, observe the shrine rooms and absorb the serene energy. The silence and mountain air create a serene atmosphere.

Take time to see and appreciate the dramatic scenery. After visiting, come back the same trail. Back to Paro by late afternoon.

Evening at leisure at a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath (optional, extra cost). They use heated river stones and medicinal herbs. These are ideal for tired muscles after the trek.

Enjoy a farewell dinner of local food and cultural music. Overnight in Paro, amidst peaceful mountain scenery.

Following breakfast, your guide will escort you to Paro International Airport for your departure. Saying goodbye to Bhutan with happy memories of its landscapes, traditions, and hospitality.

Your journey ends, but the spirit of Bhutan will stay with you.