Search
Tour

Highlights of Bhutan (7 days)

Tour Operator
andBeyond Bhutan

Thimphu, Bhutan to Paro, Bhutan

Valid for Departures Now Through: 07 Nov 2025
Virtuoso Benefits
Promotion(s)
For availability and pricing:

This itinerary has been carefully designed to give you a taste of the exciting, endless possibilities and can be tailored to suit your exact preferences.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ITINERARY:

Breath-taking mountain views from Do chu La pass.

The spectacular fortress of Thimphu and Punakha.

The iconic hike to ‘Tigers Nest’

Itinerary

Day 1
Thimphu, Bhutan

Hotel: Taj Tashi, Thimphu
Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Snack

This morning board your flight to Paro (Bhutan), Bhutan’s only international airport. The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas; offering dazzling scenic views of some of world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter the Paro valley, you will pass forested hills with the slivery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley below with the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) on the hill above the town.

As you exit from the arrival hall of Paro airport, you will be met by your guide and chauffeured to your hotel in Thimphu (1 hour drive). En-route stop to visit the Tamchogg Lhakhang and marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links from the famous Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyelpo.

Drive onwards to your hotel for check in and a short rest. After lunch, drive for an archery session.

Next drive to visit the Folk Heritage Museum - a three storied, 19th century traditional house which provides a glimpse into Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households. You will come across typical household objects, tools and equipment.

Followed by a visit to the Institute of Zorig Chusum which Is also commonly known as Arts and crafts school or painting school. The institute offers courses ranging from 4 to 6 years on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

Later in the evening, drive to visit Tashichho Dzong (open from 4 PM till 5:30 PM on weekdays) known as the "Fortress of the Glorious Religion" it was initially built in 1641. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. The Dzong also functions as a winter residence for a central monastic body. The National Assembly hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river from the Dzong.

Spend two overnights in Taj Tashi, Thimphu. Your accommodation will be in Deluxe room on Half board (breakfast + dinner) basis.

Day 2
Thimphu, Bhutan

Hotel: Taj Tashi, Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack

Begin the day with a short hike to the Tango Goenpa. Situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes about 30 minutes’ of driving time and an hour long walk through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery. The site of the monastery was founded in 12th century and later Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madman) established the present building in 15th century. Tango currently functions as a Buddhist university with 280 monks studying there.

On the way back visit the National Memorial Chorten. This landmark of Thimphu was built in 1974 in the memory of third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. It is a four-storey tall white building, containing statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings and serves as an important place of worship for Thimphu residents, as well as from other parts of the country.

Return to the hotel for lunch or try a local restaurant.

Then drive to visit the Buddha Dodernma - a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue. The statue is filled with over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which like the Buddha Dodernma itself, is made of bronze and gilded in gold. At a height of 51.5 metres, it is one of the tallest Buddha statues on the world.

Onwards, drive to visit the traditional medicine Institute. The traditional medicine institute was introduced in Bhutan in 1978. The institute is also a training institute for traditional medicine practioners and equal emphasis is given to traditional medicines as well. The visit to the institute will give the insight into various traditional medicinal plants grown in the country.

Followed by a visit to the National textile Museum. Under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Azhi Sangay Choden, Bhutanese textiles have reached new heights as one of the most visible distinct art form. There is usually a small group of weavers working their looms inside the shop.

Later return to your hotel

Day 3
Punakha, Bhutan

Hotel: COMO Uma in Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack

Early this morning, post breakfast, you will be chauffeured to Punakha (3 hours 30 minute drive). The road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees, to Dochula pass (10,000 feet). The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, and then descends into the fertile valley of Punakha (4,430 feet).

Stop at Dochu La to visit the 108 stupas built on this 3,150 meter high pass in honor the fallen Bhutanese soldiers. Later visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, built by Queen mother Her Majesty Ashi Dori Wangmo Wangchuk and was built in honor of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Well before reaching Punakha stop en route and hike about 30 minutes to Chimi Lhakhang, which is on a small hilltop. The temple was dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century, known as Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine madman.” He is known for dramatizing Buddhist teachings using songs. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility.

Afterwards, you can stop for lunch at the Chimi Lhakhang cafeteria which is surrounded by paddy fields.

Then proceed towards Punakha and en-route stop to visit the Punakha Dzong. Constructed in 1637, this was the second of Bhutan’s Dzong and for many years its seat of government. From this spectacular setting you can look back to see the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Temple perched on the hillside far in the distance.

Check into the hotel and rest.

Spend two overnights in Uma, Punakha. Your accommodation will be in one bedroom villa on Half board (breakfast + dinner basis).

Day 4
Punakha, Bhutan

Hotel: COMO Uma in Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack

After breakfast, drive to the suspension bridge from where you will begin the hike of about 45 minutes to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. This three storey lhakhang was built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon for the protection of the country. It has an impressive view of the Punakha valley and is worth the climb to the top. The deities represented here belong to a teaching cycle of Dudjom Rinpoche, a great Nyingmapa master (1904-87). The functions of the deities are to subjugate enemies and harmful influences, and also to spread peace and harmony.

Afterwards drive back to the hotel or try a local restaurant for lunch.

After lunch, drive to visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees gleams the magnificient structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

After visiting the nunnery, you can walk down to the Punakha Dzong, following the ancient trail used by early travelers. This 2-3 hours walk will lead you along the Nobgang village, where four queen mothers of Bhutan were born.

Day 5
Paro, Bhutan

Hotel: Amankora, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack

This morning, post breakfast, drive to Paro (1 hour drive).

Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and the country's only airport. Mount. Jhomolhari (7,314m) reigns in its white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

On arrival in Paro drive to the hotel for check in and settling down.

After lunch, you can drive to visit the National Museum. It used to be in the old watch tower- Ta Dzong but it has been temporarily moved to a newer administration building close by. It gives a very good insight into the art and culture of the country. It also has a small but interesting Natural History section.

Later, drive to visit a Local Farmhouse. It is a traditional village house. The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of old fashioned farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to Farm House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer. You can try a traditional hot stone bath and also play traditional Bhutanese Archery at the Farmhouse. If you are adventurous try the traditional Bhutanese meals which are prepared very hot, and the local wine known as “Ara” in Dzongkha.

Spend two overnights in Uma, Paro. Your accommodation will be in one bedroom villa on Half board (breakfast+ dinner) basis.

Day 6
Paro, Bhutan

Hotel: Amankora, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack

After a hearty breakfast, take a short drive to the north of Paro Valley to Ramthankha, and start your hike to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Bhutan flew from Eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings with him and meditated here on this cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world.

This hike is takes about 5hrs with a 900 meters approximate gain in altitude.

Afterwards hike down to the car park before returning to the hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 7
Paro, Bhutan

Hotel: Amankora, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack

This morning, you will be transferred to the Paro airport to board your onward flight

Virtuoso Benefits

Promotion(s)

To secure a promotion, contact your travel advisor.
  • Anniversary Offer

    Valid for Travel Now Through 27 Feb 2026

    SAVE 20% ON YOUR ACCOMMODATION

    Cherish the years you’ve shared together with this incredible accommodation deal

    Treasure your loved one in styleSave when commemorating your ‘milestone’ anniversary with us

    Celebrate your anniversary with us and receive a 20% discount on your &BEYOND accommodation when staying at any one of our lodges or camps. Our Milestone Celebrations Offer is applicable for the following wedding anniversaries: 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 60.

    This offer is valid for six (6) months before or after your event date – simply provide your wedding certificate as proof.

    WHAT'S INCLUDED
    • Standard &BEYOND lodge and camp inclusions
    WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
    • Standard &BEYOND lodge and camp exclusions
    • Any airport taxes and surcharges
    • All international and regional flights
    • Travel Insurance - should you be interested we can introduce you to our recommended partners
    CONDITIONS
    • Offer is only applicable to new &BEYOND bookings
    • Minimum of two (2) guests
    • Applicable for the following wedding anniversaries: 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 60
    • Valid for six (6) months before or after your event date – simply provide your wedding certificate as proof
    • The 20% discount on your &BEYOND accommodation only applies to one (1) room per two guests sharing (i.e. the anniversary couple) - any additional rooms booked can apply for any of our other offers
    • Valid for all room types at all &BEYOND lodges and camps:
      • South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia when booked on a 1-to-5-night rate
      • All other regions when booked on a 1-to-3-night rate
      • Excluding the &BEYOND Galapagos Explorer luxury yacht and Ngala Treehouse Experience
    • Travel dates excludes:
      • &BEYOND Punakha River Lodge: 01 March to 30 April
      • &BEYOND Vira Vira: Easter period 24 March to 12 April and 01 December to 31 January
      • All other &BEYOND lodges and camps: Easter period 24 March to 12 April, 01 July to 31 August and 21 December to 10 January
    • This offer may not be combined with any other existing &BEYOND offer or long stay rates
    • Standard lodge and camp rate inclusions and exclusions apply
    • Subject to availability
    • &BEYOND Trading Terms apply
Product Terms & Conditions

Contact Supplier for detailed terms & conditions



The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo and SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. Virtuoso CST#2069091-50. California CST# 2069091; TA# 808 - Registered Iowa Travel Agency; Washington UBI # 601 554 183. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.