6-Day Bhutan Cultural Tour through Thimphu, Punakha and Paro

• Meet your tour guide at a predecided location.

• After breakfast, proceed to Thimphu on an approximately 6-hour drive. The road climbs steeply through mountainous ranges along zig-zag mountain routes.

• Stop at Kharbandi Gompa monastery, built by the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedon, in 1967. Enjoy splendid views of Phuentsholing and the Indian plains from the monastery gardens filled with tropical plants and flowers. Have lunch en route.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

• After breakfast, visit Kuensel Phodrang, where a big Buddha statue has been built, and walk into the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. From here, you will get one of the best views of the Thimphu Valley with the mountains behind.

• See the Motithang Takin Preserve, also known as the Mini Zoo, where you will see Bhutan's national animal. Then visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to connecting people with the Bhutanese rural past through its exhibitions.

• Enjoy lunch, then visit the Handmade Paper Factory, where you will see how traditional Bhutanese handmade paper is made, and the Crafts Bazaar, where you will find authentic Bhutanese-made crafts.

• Walk along Norzin Lam, the main downtown street of Thimphu.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

• After breakfast, drive towards Punakha via Dochula Pass, located at an altitude of 3150 m above sea level - probably the best-known mountain pass in Bhutan. On a clear day, you will enjoy incredible views of the Himalayan peaks. Another feature at the pass is the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.

• Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kuenly, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviour. He is also considered a symbol of fertility, and many childless couples go to his temple for blessings. It is about a 30-minute hike across the fields, where you will find paintings of phalluses on the houses.

• See Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 and named Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). You will enjoy its scenic location between the two rivers of Pho (male) Chhu and Mo (female) Chhu.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

• After breakfast, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten for picturesque views of the rice terraces along the river.

• Then visit Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Also visit the longest suspension bridge across the Dzong.

• Enjoy lunch, then drive back to Paro and walk around Paro street.

Stay overnight in Paro.

• Hike to Taktsang Monastery, whose wooden structure stands bravely on a cliff in the upper Paro Valley. The walk will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours one way. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and established this monastery when he brought the teachings of Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th century.

• Have lunch, then visit the Paro National Museum.

• See the Paro Rinpung Dzong.

• Enjoy your evening at a farmhouse to experience traditional Bhutan, taste Bhutanese cuisine, and dip into traditional hot stone baths as well.

Stay overnight in Paro.

• Eat your breakfast.

• Drive to Phuentsholing and proceed to your onward destination.