Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, our representative and tour guide will welcome and escort you to your designated hotel in Paro or Thimphu, as per the final itinerary. The drive to Thimphu, the world's smallest capital, takes about an hour along a well-paved road following the Paro River downstream to its confluence with the Wang Chu, then upstream to Thimphu. 

Overnight in Thimphu.

We’ll begin our sightseeing tour at Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the 3rd King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1952–1972). Next, we’ll visit the National Library, which houses ancient manuscripts, followed by Zorig Chusum—the 13 Arts & Crafts Institute-where students practice traditional skills like sculpting, Thangka painting, and wood carving. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Textile Museum, Handicrafts Emporium, and Crafts Bazaar, where Bhutanese textiles and handicrafts are showcased and available for purchase. The evening is free for a leisurely walk through Thimphu, the world’s smallest capital and the only one without traffic lights, offering a glimpse into Bhutanese life.

Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Dochula Pass (3,088m/10,130 ft), stopping briefly to enjoy the panoramic views, chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags. On clear days, you can see peaks such as Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Zongphugang (7,060m), and Gangkar Puensum (7,497m), Bhutan’s highest peak.

Continue sightseeing with a mild hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the "Temple of Fertility," passing through the scenic valley of Sopsokha and its terraced rice fields.

On the way back, stop for lunch at a cafeteria before heading to Punakha. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel, then visit Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress vital to Bhutan’s history, followed by a stroll through the local market.

Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast, we will drive to Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, home to around 150 nuns, where you can enjoy a scenic view of the Punakha Valley. From there, we will continue our journey to Paro.

Upon arrival in Paro, we will have lunch at a restaurant designated by Bhutan Inbound. Afterwards, we can explore the city, including a visit to Dumtse Lhakhang, a unique temple believed to be built on the nose of a hill resembling a frog to counteract Sadag (earth-owning spirit) and Lunyen (powerful naga spirit).

In the evening, you can take a leisurely stroll through Paro town before settling in for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Today is a special day as you experience one of Bhutan’s most anticipated festivals—the Paro Mask Dance Festival.

You’ll see locals dressed in their elegant traditional attire - “Gho” for men and “Kira” for women - adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors. The festival comes alive with mesmerizing mask dances, rhythmic folk music, and the playful antics of Atsaras (clowns). These jesters, whose name originates from the Sanskrit word Achariya (meaning "master"), entertain the crowd with humorous gestures, props, and a distinctive phallus hanging from their masks, adding an element of satire and fun.

The festival showcases a variety of traditional mask dances, each telling unique stories from Bhutanese mythology and history. You’ll also witness beautiful folk dances performed in colorful costumes. As you mingle with the locals, you might find yourself so captivated by the spectacle that you won’t want to put your camera down!

Later, head into town for a delightful lunch at a restaurant designated by Bhutan Inbound.

In the afternoon, you can either return to the festival for more performances or opt for additional sightseeing in Paro.

Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, embark on a hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad, and the uphill walk of approximately two hours takes you nearly a kilometer above the Paro Valley floor. For those unable to hike, we can arrange a horse transfer up to the viewing point. The sight of Taktsang Monastery, perched on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor, is truly spectacular.

The monastery is also an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. According to legend, the great Guru Rinpoche and his consort meditated in a cave here for three months when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th century. After their meditation, they manifested as Guru Dorji Drolo and a tigress to subdue demons in the valley below. The cave, where the monastery was later built, is said to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Nearby, there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch.

In the afternoon, drive to the nearly reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. The original monument, which was destroyed by fire in 1951, was built by Zhabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather, the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7,314 m) provides a stunning backdrop.

On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in the Paro Valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

A representative of our company and the tour guide will see you off at the exit gate. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey. See you next time!