Bhutan - The Hidden Kingdom

After completing immigration and customs formalities, you will be received by your World Tour Plan guide and driver, who will transfer you to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style. En route, you will visit Tacho Lhakhang. According to legend, Thangtong Gyalpo was meditating at this very location when he had a vision of the spiritual horse, Balaha—an incarnation of Chenrezig Avalokiteshvara—which inspired him to build a temple. As a result, the temple was named Tacho Lhakhang, meaning “Temple of the Excellent Horse.”

After checking into your hotel, you may choose to rest or explore the remainder of the day, either by vehicle or on foot. Options include a visit to the Great Buddha Dordenma (Golden Buddha), which also offers an excellent 3 km hike with spectacular valley views, a visit to Changangkha Lhakhang, and Simply Bhutan – The Living Museum.

Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.

Note: Today’s itinerary may vary depending on your flight arrival time. Any missed sites will be included in the following days.

This morning, visit the National Library, which houses a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts. Continue to Zorig Chusum – the Institute of the 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and government holidays), followed by a visit to the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s unique national animal. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley from Sangaygang Viewpoint, and then visit the peaceful Zilukha Nunnery.

After lunch, those interested in high-quality textiles and regional art can visit the Green Weaving Center, known for its naturally dyed products and live weaving demonstrations. You may also visit the Handmade Paper Factory (open on Saturday half-days, closed on Sundays and government holidays) and the Weekend Market, a vibrant hub offering fresh produce, household items, handicrafts, and traditional clothing.

Don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll along Norzin Lam, the main street of Thimphu, home to the Craft Bazaar and great shopping opportunities. Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.

This morning, you will travel eastward by road to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. Along the way, you’ll catch a glimpse of Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of its kind in Bhutan, built in 1629 to guard the Thimphu Valley. Today, it functions as a monastery.

Your journey continues with an ascent to Dochu La Pass, where you’ll see the 108 memorial chortens (stupas), commissioned by a former Queen in honor of those who lost their lives during the 2002 military operation to remove Indian insurgents from the Bhutan–India border. On a clear day, the pass offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas. Depending on the season, the scenery ranges from snow-covered landscapes (November to March) to a vibrant display of wild blossoms and greenery (March to May).

As you approach Wangdue Phodrang, you'll spot its imposing Dzong perched above the hillside. Notice the large cacti planted below it—once used as a natural defense to deter invaders from scaling the slopes. From the road, you'll also pass Rinchengang, one of Bhutan’s oldest villages, which only gained access to water, electricity, and schooling in the early 1990s. The craftsmen of Rinchengang are highly regarded for their expertise in building Dzongs and Lhakhangs (temples).

Phobjikha is a stunning glacial valley located on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. It's not only one of Bhutan’s most scenic open valleys but also a vital wildlife preserve. Each winter (from late October to early February), it becomes the seasonal home of the rare black-necked cranes migrating from Tibet. The area is also inhabited by wildlife such as muntjaks (barking deer), wild boars, sambar deer, Himalayan black bears, leopards, and red foxes.

Potatoes are the main cash crop of the region and are largely exported to India. Dinner and overnight stay in Phobjikha Valley at a 3-star hotel.

While in Phobjikha, you will visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre and the sacred Gangtey Monastery, stroll through Gangtey village, and hike the scenic Gangtey Nature Trail. This beautiful valley offers many additional hiking opportunities, and your guide will recommend the best options based on your interests. Overnight stay in Phobjikha Valley at a 3-star hotel.

After an early breakfast, you may choose to drive to Pelela Pass (3,423m) for some textile shopping, photography, and then continue your journey towards Punakha.

After lunch, enjoy a brief orientation tour of the valley, including a visit to the serene Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Nunnery.

If time permits, you can opt for a rafting adventure on either the Pho Chhu or Mo Chhu rivers, available on a payment basis (USD $150–$200).

Today marks the highlight of your adventure—an exhilarating rafting experience in the heart of Bhutan! We'll be navigating the thrilling Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, renowned for their ideal rafting conditions.

The day begins with a scenic two-hour hike through charming villages and across a suspension bridge, ascending a ridge before descending to Samdingkha, our rafting starting point.

After a thorough safety briefing and gearing up, we’ll begin our expedition. The Pho Chhu River offers not only adrenaline-pumping rapids (Class II to IV) but also breathtaking scenery. As we paddle downstream, we'll pass the majestic Punakha Dzong, gracefully standing at the confluence of two rivers.

Rafting conditions vary by season—summer brings powerful currents and high water levels, while winter offers a gentler, crystal-clear ride.

Along the way, you’ll witness daily life in local villages, lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and a variety of exotic birdlife. A memorable highlight is rafting beneath Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, providing spectacular panoramic views of the valley.

The adventure concludes at the River Confluence, where we disembark, carrying unforgettable memories of this unique experience. Dinner and overnight stay in Punakha.

After breakfast, drive to Yabesa village and begin a scenic hike through lush rice fields to reach Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built by Her Majesty the Queen, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. Perched on a hill overlooking the river, the Chorten features exquisite Nyingmapa-style traditional paintings. Arrive early in the morning to take in the peaceful atmosphere, catch your breath, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Mo Chhu Valley.

After lunch, visit the famous Punakha Suspension Bridge—one of the longest in Bhutan, stretching 180 meters across the Pho Chhu River—connecting Punakha Dzong to the villages of Shengana, Samdingkha, and Sangkha. This is followed by a visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong, considered the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. Dinner and overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Punakha Valley.

Depart early this morning for Paro. En route, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley—also known as the Divine Madman or Mad Monk. This site is accessible via a pleasant, easy 20-minute walk across scenic paddy fields. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing) from the resident monk.

Continue your journey, once again crossing the picturesque Dochu La Pass, and arrive in Paro town in time for a late lunch at one of the local restaurants.

In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour of Paro's key landmarks, including Paro Dzong with its iconic cantilever bridge, and Kyichu Lhakhang—one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples. This sacred site boasts an orange tree that is said to bear fruit year-round. Kyichu Lhakhang is also one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. According to legend, a giant demoness lay across Tibet and the Himalayas, obstructing the spread of Buddhism. To subdue her, the king constructed 108 temples on various parts of her body. Of these, 12 were strategically placed, and the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa is believed to have been built over her heart around AD 638.

Dinner and overnight stay in Paro Valley at a 3-star hotel.

This morning, after breakfast, you may opt for a short ninety-minute hike from Tshendona to Shari (or an alternative route). The highlight of the hike is a panoramic view of Paro town and its beautiful rice terraces.

In the afternoon, drive to the 17th-century Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders in 1644. On clear days, the majestic peak of sacred Mount Jomolhari (7,314m) forms a stunning backdrop.

Next, visit the National Museum of Paro, where you can admire an impressive collection of ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, and other cultural artifacts. We also recommend a leisurely stroll along Paro's main street, which offers great opportunities for shopping, especially for traditional handicrafts and jewelry.

In the evening, you are free to explore Paro town at your own pace. Dinner and overnight stay in Paro Valley at a 3-star hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a hike to Tiger’s Nest. The trail is broad, and the uphill walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours takes you nearly a kilometer above the Paro Valley floor. You can either choose to hike or take a pony halfway up the trail. The pony service costs approximately $35.

The view of Taktsang Monastery, perched on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor, is truly spectacular. This monastery is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. According to legend, the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress (Yeshey Tshogyal) when he brought the teachings of Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th century. He meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days before subduing malicious spirits and concealing profound treasures for the benefit of sentient beings. The monastery was later built on this sacred site. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the current complex dates back to 1692.

Although Taktsang was severely damaged by fire in 1998, it has now been fully restored to its former beauty. Midway along the trail, there is a cafeteria where you can stop for refreshments or lunch before returning to Paro. Dinner and overnight stay in Paro Valley at a 3-star hotel.

In the morning, after breakfast, our guide and driver will escort you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.