Day 3 | Fly to Paro Bhutan: After an early breakfast, you’ll board your short Himalayan flight to Bhutan and arrive at Paro airport. When you first arrive at Paro International Airport, you will be met by one of our delightful tour guides just outside the arrival hall. At 7,333 feet above sea level, the first thing you will likely notice is the effect of the high altitudes, so we will give you time to acclimate as we take a short drive to Thimphu and check into your hotel. Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and the perfect location to transition from your familiar lifestyle to this unique country that is like no other place on earth. Here you will begin to appreciate local customs as you get your first glimpse of monks dressed in traditional red robes, men in striped ghos and women in brightly colored kiras. Once you settle into your hotel, we will begin to unlock the mysteries of Bhutan by touring Thimphu’s most important sites. The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) was built in 1974 to memorialize Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the third king of Bhutan (1928-1972). 

Day 4 | Explore Punakha: The journey to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, is a spectacular one. Today we travel along the narrow, winding Dochula Pass, which provides stunning 360-degree views of the Himalayas.

The peak offers an impressive panorama that includes the Dochula Pass and Punakha Dzong. The dzong was built in 1637 and is considered one of the most beautiful sites in Bhutan. It sits at the fork of two rivers, and it’s considered a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture. Inside the fortress, there are three large courtyards that house bodies preserved as mummies from previous rulers.

Punakha Dzong is a stunningly beautiful dzong, which was built between 1649-1652 by the Drukpa Kagyupa order. The building style is distinctly Tibetan, with its tall walls and dark color palette. It is one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan and is home to several important Buddhist shrines.

The Punakha Dzong was built as a monastery for the Drukpa Kagyupa order. It was originally called Pungthang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang, which means “Drukpa Kagyupa Monastery at the top of the mountain.” This monastery served as a retreat center for the order’s members who lived in the Himalayas.

Today Punakha Dzong is an active monastery that houses hundreds of monks and nuns from all parts of Bhutan. It is also open to visitors who wish to explore its beautiful grounds and historic architecture during their stay.

Day 5 | Journey to Paro: When you drive into Paro, the first thing you’ll notice is the mountain. Mount Jomolhari (7,300m/ 23622 ft) is at the northern end of the valley. Its glacier water forms the Pa Chhu flowing through the valley.

Kyichu Lhakhang – Also known as Kyerchu temple or Lho Kyerchu, it is the oldest temple in Bhutan. Just like Jambhay Lhakhang in Bumthang, it is one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue and pin down an ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. According to legend, all 108 temples were built in a single night. Go back in time and history and visit the seventh century Kyichu temple.

Day 6 | Trek up to Tiger’s Nest (optional): On our final day in Bhutan, we trek to Taktsang Monastery (or Tiger’s Nest), one of the most recognizable sites in Bhutan. Built precariously on a hillside cliff, it sits more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Accessible only by foot, we follow a steep trail decorated with colorful prayer flags along the way to protect travelers from evil spirits. Built over the caves where Guru Padmasambhava meditated, this eighth-century father of Bhutan Buddhism is said to have been brought there on the back of a tigress. One of the most sacred sites in Bhutan, it offers breathtaking views to those energetic enough to make it to the top. On our way up, we stop for lunch at a traditional house or cottage where we enjoy traditional dishes and interact with local people who share their story about why they chose this place as their home. Overnight at Paro Hotel.

Day 7 | Fly back to Kathmandu: Upon arrival back in Kathmandu, meet up with your guide at the airport and be chauffeured to your hotel before heading over to explore the ancient streets of Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing some of the oldest temples in Nepal. The city was established during the 8th Century AD, when a Hindu king named Vishwakarma built the first temple and started worshiping Buddha. You will see many different temples and shrines as you wander through this ancient city.

Your guide will take you on a walking tour through Bhaktapur, pointing out landmarks as you go. You’ll visit some of the oldest temples in Nepal including Pashupatinath Temple, which houses an important Buddhist image of Buddha; Boudhanath Temple, where pilgrims come from all corners of the world; and Gyaneshwor Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Stopping by local shops along the way will allow you to buy souvenirs from Bhaktapur before continuing on your journey back to Kathmandu!