Experience the best of Bhutan on this 9-day journey from Paro to Thimphu and Punakha, blending cultural highlights with a scenic village trek through Lingmukha and Samtengang. Discover iconic landmarks like Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong, the Memorial Chorten, Dochula Pass, and the stunning Punakha Dzong, then finish with the unforgettable hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched high above the Paro Valley. Along the way, enjoy local encounters at traditional arts schools, farmers’ markets, and weaving centers, plus breathtaking Himalayan views and peaceful countryside. If you’re looking for a balanced Bhutan vacation with culture, nature, and a touch of adventure, this itinerary is a perfect fit.
General Information
Start/ End: Paro/ Paro
Duration: 9 Days/ 8 Nights
Tour Route: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – (Trek: Lingmukha – Samtengang) – Punakha – Paro
Tour Customizable: Definitely! ( Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Paro – Thimphu (Paro sightseeing)
Day 02: Thimphu Tour
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (Dochula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang)
Day 04: Punakha – Lingmukha Village (Trek starts)
Day 05: Lingmukha Village – Samtengang Village
Day 06: Samtengang Village – Punakha (Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten)
Day 07: Punakha – Paro (via Dochula Pass & Thimphu; weaving center)
Day 08: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Day 09: Depart Paro
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu, 54 km, 1 hour.
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peak in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by the guide. If your flight is in the morning or afternoon, you will have some sightseeing in Paro. Head to the 17th century Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, showcasing a range of artifacts and exhibits related to Bhutanese culture and history. Next visit the Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels". You will then drive to Thimphu, the capital city. If you wish you can spend free time strolling through Thimphu town. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Tour.
Visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972. Then drive to Kuenselphodrang where the giant 169ft Buddha statue is located. It is supposedly the largest bronze statue in the world. Followed by a visit to the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School).
Have your lunch and after lunch visit the Takin Preserve to see Takins, the national animal of Bhutan. End the day with the popular farmers market, the largest vegetable market in the country. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu-Punakha, 76 km, 2 hours.
Begin your journey to Punakha via Dochula La at 3,100 meters. On a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayan mountains. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir, and hemlock.
On the way you will stop at Chimi Lhakhang Temple, the temple dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley, or the "Divine Madman," who is believed to bless women who seek fertility. After the visit, you will continue driving to Punakha. Check into the hotel on arrival.
After settling in, head to the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha Dzong - Lingmukha Village (trek starts)
Distance 12 km, Time 6 – 7 hours, Ascent 948m, Descent 81m, Camp Elev 2147m.
After breakfast at your hotel, drive to the hike start point. The trail heads east towards Lingmukha. Initially, the trail winds through paddy fields and then climbs relatively steeply until reaching a chorten (stupa) which marks the highest point on today’s hike.
Enjoy a picnic lunch and scenic views of the valleys to the north here. After lunch, the trail leads into the pretty Lingmukha valley, with the last hour or so of today’s hike being along the feeder road; there is also an option to drive to your camp.
You will visit the Lingmukha Lhakhang (temple), built by the great discoverer of treasure Terton Dorjee Lingpa. After your visit to the temple, head to your campsite.
Day 5: Lingmukha Village - Samtengang Village
Distance 13.85 km, Time 7 – 8 hours, Ascent 935m, Descent 1133m, Camp Elev 1950m.
After breakfast at camp, rejoin the trail heading east towards Samtengang. The trail rises from deep in the Lingmukha Valley, climbing steeply through dense forest until it reaches a rest stop built at a ridge-top.
From the ridge-top, you will descend sharply, enjoying panoramic views of the Shar Valleys. Stop on the way to visit the Chungse Azhe Gyalzom Lhakhang (temple) if time permits.
The trail will pass by small farming villages perched on steep slopes and Lhakhang Thangkha (temple) as it climbs towards Samtengang, where you will find your campsite set up for overnight.
Day 6: Samtengang Village, drive back to Punakha.
After breakfast at camp, spend some time relaxing at the camp. Today you will head back to Punakha. Then drive to the north of Punakha to the hike start point of Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten. It is short 30 minutes hike to the delightful 3-story chorten that looks down on the upper Punakha Valley.
The views of the valley and the surrounding snow-capped mountains are stunning. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 7: Punakha – Paro, 124 km, 3 hours
Today you will drive to Paro through Dochula Pass and Thimphu again. Stop for lunch in Thimphu. As this is your last time in Thimphu, you may explore the city on your own and get some last-minute shopping done. Late in the afternoon you will drive to Paro.
After the Thimphu gate stop at Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre, here you can observe weavers at work. The store also has large selection of hand-woven textiles as well as amazing, unstitched clothing and some stitched materials. Then continue driving to your hotel. Check into the hotel on arrival. Evening is at your leisure.
Day 8: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Elev 3180m.
5km, 4-5 hours, 900M ascent.
Morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. It is absolutely breath-taking, situated at 3100 meters and perched on the edge of a steep cliff about 900 meters above the Paro Valley.
Lunch is served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, you will hike down to the valley floor. Evening is at leisure. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 9: Depart Paro.
Morning, you will drive to Paro airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell. We hope you enjoyed your trip to the Himalayan Kingdom with us!
