Glimpse of Bhutan

Arrival at Paro International Airport: Arrive in the Himalayas and meet your guide from BhutanBird Tour.

Warm Welcome: Receive a traditional Bhutanese greeting and a brief introduction to Bhutan’s culture and itinerary.

Scenic Drive to Thimphu: Enjoy a 50-kilometer drive with scenic views of Bhutan’s landscapes and architecture. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, Thimphu Dzong, and, if it's a weekend, explore the Centenary Farmers’ Market. Later, head to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park to see the towering 169-foot Buddha Dordenma statue.

After dinner, take a stroll through Thimphu town and soak in the local atmosphere.

Overnight Thimphu

Paro – Punakha. It's an early start as we travel the road to Punakha, climbing up through pine, oak and rhododendron forest to reach Dochu La Pass (3050m). After a short break we continue onto the spectacular Punakha Valley, where we enjoy a scenic 1.5 - 2 hour walk up to Chimi Lhakhang Temple - dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (also known as the Divine Mad Monk).

After, we visit the impressive Punakha Dzong an exemplary masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture built at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. Later this afternoon we head to our campsite on the banks of the Mo Chu River, where there's free time to relax and explore the natural surrounds. In the early evening you can opt for a hot stone bath served with local drinks, followed by dinner.

Punakha Valley – Thimphu. After an early breakfast, we drive along the shores of theMo Chu River and hike (approximately 2 - 2.5 hours) up through rice fields to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning temple located on a hill with impressive views of the valley below. After exploring the area, we drive to the picturesque villages of Talo scattered along a ridge above the Punakha Valley.

This afternoon, we stop for a picnic lunch before visiting Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Punakha and Wangdue Valleys. In addition to religious training, the nuns are also taught skills such as embroidery, tailoring and statue making. After our visit to the nunnery, we drive to Paro.

Early Morning Breakfast: Tiger’s Nest Monastery, officially Taktshang Pelphung Monastery is regarded as one ofthe most venerated and famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. It is located on the face of asheer 900m cliff above the floor of Paro Valley. Today, we embark on a scenic hike (approx. 4 -6 hours) to view this spectacular and unmissable sight. The monastery is only accessible by foot (you can ride a pony part of the way, but this must be arranged in advance by your guide). Once inside the Monastery, there are a temple to see and the monks that reside. After exploring the monastery we retrace our steps and return to Paro.

Lunch at the Cafeteria: On your return hike, stop at the cafeteria halfway down the trail to rest and enjoy the views of Tiger’s Nest from a different perspective.

Return Hike: Descend back to the trailhead. The return hike is usually faster but can be tough on the knees, so take your time.

This evening we enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner at a farm house, giving you the opportunity to interact with a local family and learn about the local cuisine of Bhutan.

Farewell at Paro International Airport: Your guide will escort you to the airport, assist with final arrangements, and bid you farewell.