Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and tour guide, who will escort you on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the world’s smallest capital.

En route, stop at Tachhog Lhakhang, also known as the Iron Chain Bridge, a temple situated across the famous iron bridge that spans the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). The cool breeze and brightly colored prayer flags create an invigorating atmosphere, while the entire setting is a feast for the eyes.

Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in to your designated hotel and enjoy lunch. Afterward, visit the National Memorial Chorten, which depicts the Buddhist faith through paintings and statues. The temple was initially built by the Third King as a safeguard against the negative influences of modernization and as a monument to world peace. Later, the Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King, who passed away in 1972. 

In the evening, visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress that houses the secretariat, the throne room of His Majesty the King, and various government offices. It also serves as the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and the central monastic body. Before entering the Dzong, witness the serene Flag Lowering Ceremony.

Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive to Kuenselphodrang, where the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statue (169 feet) overlooks the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Thimphu city. Continue your drive uphill to the BBS Tower for another stunning perspective of the city, opposite Kuenselphodrang.

Next, visit the Royal Textile Academy and the Folk Heritage Museum to gain insight into Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. Stop by the General Post Office, where you can create a personalized postage stamp with your own photo, which can be used for mailing within Bhutan.

In the evening, in the evening, you’ll have some leisure time to explore the capital city of Thimphu.

Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Depart from Thimphu early in the morning after breakfast. Drive towards Gasa, which is approximately 132 kilometers (82 miles), 4 – 5 hours of drive, depending on road conditions and stops.

Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside, passing by picturesque valleys, terraced fields, and charming villages. You can make stops along the way to admire the landscapes and take photographs.

Arrive at Gasa by lunch time and check-in to your accommodation (homestay/guest house). There are plenty of things to do in Gasa. You can either visit the household who hosted Zhabdrung when he came to Gasa as the household proudly display gifts given by Zhabdrung in form of his footwear and other relics and visit Gasa Dzong which is said to be built by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal in 1640s above the cave meditated by a Tibetan saint Terkhungpa.

You can go for Gasa Tshachu/hotspring which is situated near the bank of the Mo Chu at an elevation of 2100 metres. It is considered by many as one of the most beautiful hotspring in the country. According to visitors, the hot spring provides excellent healing properties from many diseases.

Or you can also go for Bjagay menchu/mineral springs. It is believed that Gasa is blessed with 108 menchus.

Bjagay Menchu is only about 15-20 -minutes’ walk from Gasa Tshachu. Bjagay Menchu is believed to cure arthritis and joint pain. Its history is similar to that of Bjagay Menchu in Paro. It is believed that a vulture, having erroneously swallowed a metal piece placed in the torma (ritual cake), was suffering from severe choking. It was healed after it was soaked in the water of Bjagay Menchu for a few days. The Menchu was thereafter named Bjagay Menchu.

Overnight stay in Gasa.

After breakfast continue drive towards Tongchudra/Tongchuzampa which is approximately a distance of 20kms, around 2hours drive. Road to Tongchudra is not black topped and well maintained, so you will have to switch your vehicle to bolero camper (pickup truck) from Gasa.

From Tongchudra road end point, you start your hike to Laya, which is approximately 4 – 5 hours of walk at an average walking pace. For 2 – 3 hours, it will be a gradual climb and could get steeper as you near Laya.

By late afternoon you will reach Laya and check-in to your accommodation (homestay) and relax.

Overnight stay in Laya.

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your accommodation. Participate in the opening ceremony of the Laya festival, featuring traditional music, dance performances, animal parade and cultural shows.

Witness Buelwa, a traditional gift or offering given on special occasions and important ceremonies. It is a gesture of respect, gratitude, and good wishes. The offering typically consists of symbolic items such as grains, fruits, traditional food, religious artifacts, monetary donations, and sometimes livestock. Buelwa plays a significant role in religious ceremonies, festivals, weddings, births, and other important events in the community.

Witness Auley, a traditional epic poem/song recitation tradition originating from the time of Zhabdrung Rinpoche in Bhutan. It began during Zhabdrung Rinpoche's reign and continues in the community of Laya. Auley is a way for the community to show loyalty and respect to successive monarchs, expressing admiration for their dynamic and visionary leadership. The tradition involves reciting epic poems/songs that celebrate the qualities and achievements of the kings, highlighting their contributions to the nation. It signifies the deep bond between the people of Laya and the monarchy, emphasizing shared values and aspirations for a prosperous Bhutan.

Attend the sacred religious ceremonies and blessings performed by revered local monks and feel the spiritual energy.

Visit the household who first hosted Zhabdrung in 1616 when he came to Bhutan through Laya in self-imposed exile. The household proudly display gifts given by Zhabdrung (in form of pots, precious stones etc).

You also have an option of taking a leisure walk around the village and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

You can visit Tashi Lhakhang also known as Omchu Lhakhang, Jagchhey Lhakhang, Jangchubcholing Lhakhang and Zogchencholing Lhakhang, all with rich histories, cultural significance, own unique story, legends, and historical context.

Overnight stay in Laya.

After breakfast, check-out from your accommodation and hike back to Tongchudra and drive to Gasa, then continue your drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan.

Overnight stay in Punakha.

After breakfast, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, also known as the “Palace of Great Happiness.” Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, this architectural marvel stands proudly at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Pho Chhu (Father River). Serving as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monastic body, the dzong is not only a spiritual sanctuary but also a powerful symbol of Bhutan’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Next, enjoy a gentle walk through lush rice fields and traditional village homes to reach Chimi Lhakhang, the renowned Temple of Fertility. Dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, affectionately known as the Divine Madman, this sacred site reflects his unorthodox, often humorous approach to spirituality. Revered for his irreverent wisdom, Drukpa Kuenley’s legacy continues to inspire, and the temple draws pilgrims—especially childless couples—who seek his blessings.

After lunch, continue your journey to Yabesa Village and set out on a scenic hike through vibrant rice terraces to reach Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Commissioned by Her Majesty Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, this elegant shrine was built to promote peace, harmony, and protection. Perched atop a hill overlooking the valley, the Chorten is adorned with intricate paintings in the Nyingmapa tradition, and rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the Punakha countryside.

Overnight stay in Punakha.

After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Paro to visit the National Museum of Paro (Ta Dzong), once a watchtower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during the 17th-century inter-valley wars. Inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968, it houses a fascinating collection of art, religious relics, thangka paintings, and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.

Next, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, meaning “Fortress on the Heap of Jewels.” This majestic fortress, with its intricate architecture and rich history, is an important religious and administrative center in Paro.

In the evening, you’ll have some leisure time to explore the charming town of Paro, relax, and prepare for tomorrow’s exciting hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan's most famous landmarks.

Overnight at your hotel 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!