Bhutan Explorer: 6-Day Fly-In Adventure

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, clear customs and immigration—be sure to have your visa clearance letter handy for a smooth process. Afterward, meet your friendly guide and driver outside the terminal, who will assist you with your transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital city. En route, take in the stunning landscapes as you travel through lush valleys and picturesque mountain views.

Meet your guide & driver and transfer to Thimphu.

Sightseeing:

• Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) – one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
  
• Memorial Chorten – a stupa built in memory of the Third King, symbolizing peace and compassion.
  

Evening: Leisure stroll around Thimphu city (time permitting).

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Trashichhoedzong, a stunning medieval fortress and monastery that houses Bhutan’s government offices, the King’s Throne Room, and serves as the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. The architecture and scenic surroundings make it a must-see. Next, explore the National Library, home to an extensive collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts, and scriptures, offering a glimpse into Bhutan’s deep spiritual heritage.

Visit:

• Trashichho Dzong – fortress/monastery housing the King’s Throne Room, government offices & summer residence of the Chief Abbot.
  
• National Library – home to ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
  
• Arts & Crafts School (Zorig Chusum) – where students learn traditional thangka painting and crafts.
  

Afternoon:

• Handicrafts Emporium – a wide assortment of Bhutanese handwoven & crafted products.
  
• Memorial Chorten – offering deep insight into Buddhist philosophy through its paintings and statues.
  

Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

On your journey, stop briefly at Dochula Pass, the highest point on the road, to take in the breathtaking views. Admire the chorten, mani wall, and colorful prayer flags that decorate this sacred site. On clear days, the majestic Himalayan peaks come into full view, including Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), and Zongphugang (7,060m). In the distance, you can see Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak at 7,497m, and the striking Table Mountain of Lunana, an isolated region that adds to the pass’s magical allure.

Visit:

• Punakha Dzong (1637) – strategically built at the confluence of Pho Chhu (male) & Mo Chhu (female) rivers, serving as an important religious and administrative center.
  
• Wangduephodrang Dzong & Local Market – the district is known for bamboo work, slate, and stone carvings.
  

Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, begin your journey to Paro, stopping en route to visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan, built in 1627. This impressive structure now houses the School for Religious Studies and is an important cultural and spiritual landmark. Take some time to explore the dzong’s beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Upon arrival in Paro, visit the Ta Dzong, which was originally constructed as a Watch Tower in the 17th century. Since 1967, it has served as the National Museum of Bhutan, showcasing a fascinating collection of Bhutanese art, artifacts, thangkha paintings, and even exquisite postage stamps that depict the country’s rich heritage.

In Paro, visit:

• Ta Dzong (National Museum) – originally a watchtower, now displaying art, artifacts & thangka paintings.
  
• Rinpung Dzong (1646) – “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels,” home to monastic bodies and district offices.
  

Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, drive north of Paro Valley to visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress where Bhutanese forces successfully repelled several Tibetan invasions. Nearby, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse for a glimpse into the local lifestyle. Next, embark on an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, or “Tiger’s Nest,” one of Bhutan’s most iconic monasteries. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the caves. The hike to the monastery takes approximately 5 hours round trip. On your return to Paro, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Morning:

• Excursion to Drukgyel Dzong (ruins) – once defended Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.
  
• Visit a traditional farmhouse to experience rural Bhutanese lifestyle.
  

Highlight:

• Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) hike (approx. 5 hrs round trip) – Bhutan’s most iconic cliffside monastery, associated with Guru Rinpoche.
  

Evening:

• Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and holiest temples.
  

Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your flight to your onward destination. As you depart, take a final moment to reflect on the beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and spiritual experiences you’ve encountered during your time in Bhutan.