7-Day Bhutan Sightseeing Tour through Thimphu, Wangdue and Paro

• Get received at Paro Airport and meet the guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

• Transfer to Thimphu (65 km / 2 hrs), the capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion, and commerce. It is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions.

Overnight in Thimphu.

• After breakfast, visit Memorial Chorten (from outside) - this stupa was built in 1974 in memory of Bhutan's third King.

• Pay a visit to the Mothinthang Zoo, Viewpoint, and Handicraft Emporium. There are various handicraft emporiums in town displaying a wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products. The National Handicrafts Emporium across the road is a government-owned emporium.

• Visit the National Library, where Bhutan's history imprinted in archaic texts is preserved.

Overnight in Thimphu.

• After breakfast, drive via the scenic Dochu La Pass to Wangdiphodrang (70 km / 3 hrs). This is the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. The higher side of Wangduphodrang valley provides rich pasture land for cattle, and it is famous for fine bamboo products, slate, and stone carvings.

Overnight in Wangdue.

• Have an early breakfast and drive to Paro (150 km / 5 hrs). The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty, and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples, monasteries, the National Museum, and the country's only airport.

• In the afternoon, go for a sightseeing tour in Paro covering Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to the 7th century, and Drukyel Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foothill. It was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. In clear weather, one can see the commanding view of Mount Jhomolhari from the village below the Dzong.

• Visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. The Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro.

• Proceed to the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district.

Overnight in Paro.

• Enjoy the viewpoint of Paro Takshang, also called Tiger's Nest Monastery.

• In the afternoon, visit a Bhutanese Farm House. Bhutanese farmhouses are very colourful and traditionally built without the use of a single nail. A visit to a farm house is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer in Bhutan.

Overnight in Paro.

• Go on a day excursion to the beautiful Chele La Pass / Haa Valley. This beautiful valley opened to visitors only in the past few years and remains a seldom-visited destination.

• The route begins with a slow climb up to Chele La Pass through a mixed forest of blue pine, cypress, larch, fir, and rhododendron. Slowly, the landscape changes to one of alpine pastures with carpets of mountain flowers, including Bhutan's national flower - the Blue Poppy. The unique architecture is reflected in the large farmhouses beautifully adorned with intricately painted cornices, frames, and three-tiered windows.

• Return to the hotel in the evening and explore the valley, visiting a colourful souvenir marketplace.

Overnight in Paro.

• Have an early breakfast and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.