Highlights of Bhutan

Welcome to Bhutan! You will arrive in Paro and then travel to Thimphu, the capital city, which is about an hour and a half away. Spend your day exploring the city. First, visit the Tashicho Dzong, a large fortress that is both a Buddhist monastery and the home of the Bhutanese government. Next, see the Memorial Chorten, a monument built to honor a former king. Finally, go to the Great Buddha Dordenma statue, where you can watch the sunset over the valley.

Today, you will explore Bhutanese culture in Thimphu. Start with a half-day tour of the city. Visit museums, a traditional medicine hospital, convents, monasteries, the weekend market, and a wildlife sanctuary. After that, travel to Punakha, about three hours away. Drive through a dense forest and ascend gently to the Dochu La Pass, which is 10,000 feet (3,050 meters) high. Enjoy the stunning mountain views to the north before descending into the warm Punakha Valley. There, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, located at the meeting point of two rivers. In the afternoon, check out the market in town and join an evening prayer ceremony at the nunnery.

Wake up early for an easy hike to Chimi Lhakhang temple. This temple is dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, a unique Buddhist leader. Sometimes called the "fertility temple," it has many phallic symbols meant to protect against evil spirits. Many Bhutanese visit this site, especially those hoping to have children.

After the visit, drive back through Dochu La Pass to see stunning views of the Himalayan peaks along the Tibet border.

Next, head to Lungchutse Lhakhang, a temple on a hilltop about 1,640 feet (500 meters) above Dochu La Pass. Trek for two hours through moss, birch, hemlock, and rhododendron trees to reach the temple.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the fresh mountain air. Then, walk downhill to the meditation center at Trashigang Goemba. From there, you will be picked up and driven back to Paro for the night.

This morning, you will start a full-day hike to Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery. This 17th-century temple is set into the mountainside. You'll climb a steep path for one to three hours to reach it. If you still have energy, you can go further uphill to see more monasteries that are less known. Enjoy the stunning views of Paro Valley, and on your way back down, stop at Bhutan's oldest temple, Khyichu Lhakhang. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner with your guide.

Spend your last morning in Paro at your own pace. Visit the National Museum, explore Rinpung Dzong, or check out Dumtse Lhakhang temple, which has some of Bhutan's best murals. After that, go to the airport for your flight. Safe travels!