7-Day Bhutan Sightseeing Tour from Paro to Haa Valley with Tiger's Nest

The flight to Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering some of the most scintillating scenery of the world's highest glacial peaks.

• Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel through the fascinating valley of Paro.

• Later, visit Rinpung Dzong, the "fortress of the heap of jewels," built in the 17th century. It traditionally served as the office of the district governor and the living quarters for monks.

• Visit Ta Dzong, located about five and a half kilometres from the main town of Paro. Built in a circular shape, the seven-storied structure resembles the gemstone of wealth, while its outer spherical wall stands as a protective enclosure.

• Later in the evening, enjoy a hot stone bath prepared in the traditional way.

Dinner and overnight stay at Paro.

• After breakfast, hike to Taktshang Monastery. It takes about 15 minutes to drive to the starting point, from where the hike begins. The uphill walk to the monastery takes about 2 hours. Lunch will be served at the Taktshang cafeteria.

• In the afternoon, visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong, the site of the historic war between Tibet and Bhutan in the 17th century.

• Stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century during the reign of the first Tibetan king.

• Later in the evening, visit a farmhouse to experience the unique daily way of life here.

Dinner and overnight stay at Paro.

• After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's modern capital town, which has about 90 thousand inhabitants. Check into the hotel.

• Later, visit the Late King's Memorial Stupa, built for world peace.

• Travel to Buddha Point, home to one of the largest Lord Buddha stupas ever made in Bhutan.

• Explore Takin Zoo to see the national animal of Bhutan.

• Visit the Zulekha Nunnery, which overlooks the majestic Thimphu Valley.

• Look into the National Library for insights into the history of Bhutan. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also houses modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.

• After lunch, visit the National Handicraft Emporium, one of the best places to look for various products from Bhutan. Continue to the painting school, commonly known as the Arts & Crafts School or Painting School. The institute offers a six-year course in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, and visitors can see students learning the various skills taught there.

• Check out the Traditional Medicine Institute.

• Later in the evening, visit Tashichhoe Dzong, also known as "the fortress of the glorious religion."

• Then, drive to enjoy dinner in a private house with local wine.

Dinner and overnight stay at Thimphu.

• After breakfast, proceed to Punakha across Dochu La Pass. The pass offers spectacular views over the greater eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest peak. Stop for a tea break at a cafe.

• After the tea break, continue your journey towards Punakha Valley. En route, make a short excursion of about an hour to the Temple of the Divine Madman, also known as the Temple of Fertility. It is fascinating to walk through villages and rice fields.

• Visit Punakha, the capital city of Bhutan until 1955, where the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot, still resides during the winter season.

• Visit Punakha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638, situated at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.

Dinner and overnight stay at Punakha.

• After an early morning breakfast, drive north for a short excursion to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten. This chorten is dedicated to the present Crown Prince and world peace, and it features fascinating paintings and statues related to tantric teachings. The hike takes around 45 minutes both ways.

• Later, drive to Paro via Thimphu. Visit the post office to collect various kinds of Bhutanese stamps.

• Enjoy a free walk in Thimphu City, one of the best places to buy souvenirs from Bhutan.

• Drive to Paro for an overnight stay. Lunch will be served in Thimphu. Check into the hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay at Paro.

• This morning, drive to Haa Valley via Cheli La Pass. The picturesque Haa Valley is an isolated valley south of Paro and was opened to tourists in 2001.

• Explore Haa Valley, which has many scattered monasteries and is reputed to have the oldest nunnery. The staple crops in this large fertile valley are millet, wheat, barley, and potatoes.

• Later in the evening, drive back to Paro for an overnight stay.

Dinner and overnight stay at Paro.

• After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward destination, depending on your flight timing.