Bhutan: Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

Fly into Paro for Thimphu, Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong and the hike to Tiger's Nest.

Your route

1. 1 Thimphu 2 nights
2. 2 Punakha 1 night
3. 3 Paro 2 nights

1. Day 1 Thimphu

   Fly into Paro, drive to Thimphu.

   Welcome to Bhutan. Indian nationals do not need a visa, and an entry permit is issued at Paro airport on showing a valid passport or voter ID card. A Sustainable Development Fee of ₹1,200 per person per night applies. Flying into Paro, between high mountains, is a thrilling experience. Your guide meets you and drives to Thimphu, about 55 km and one hour. Check in and take an easy evening walk around the clock tower square. Carry your passport or voter ID. Overnight in Thimphu.

2. Day 2 Thimphu

   Buddha Dordenma and the capital.

   A full day in Thimphu, the capital. Visit the Buddha Dordenma, a giant gilded statue sitting above the valley, and the National Memorial Chorten, where locals circle in prayer all day. See the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan's national animal, the Folk Heritage Museum and the textile museum. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the government. On weekends, browse the farmers' market and the handicraft market. Dress modestly when visiting dzongs, with long sleeves and long trousers or skirts. Overnight in Thimphu.

3. Day 3 Punakha

   Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong.

   Drive to Punakha, about 75 km and three hours. Stop at Dochula Pass, at about 3,100 metres, where 108 memorial chortens stand against a view of Himalayan peaks on clear days. Descend into the warm Punakha valley and visit Punakha Dzong, a beautiful fortress at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Walk across the long suspension bridge nearby, and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. Punakha is lower and warmer than Thimphu, with rice fields along the rivers. Overnight in Punakha.

4. Day 4 Paro

   Back over the pass to Paro.

   After breakfast, drive to Paro, about four hours, back over Dochula Pass. Stop at the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi, a peaceful forest of rhododendrons, oaks and firs, with walking trails and a lake. Continue through Thimphu to the Paro valley. Check in to your hotel and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Walk along Paro's main street, lined with painted wooden shops. In spring, the rhododendrons bloom in shades of red and pink across the park, a lovely sight. Overnight in Paro.

5. Day 5 Paro

   Tiger's Nest and Paro Dzong.

   A day of Paro's treasures. Hike up to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery clinging to a cliff about 900 metres above the valley, two to three hours one way, with a cafeteria halfway. Ponies are available for part of the climb. Those who prefer can enjoy the view from the viewpoint below. Later, visit Rinpung Dzong, the fortress of Paro, and the National Museum. Wear good shoes and carry water. Start early to avoid the midday heat on the trail. Overnight in Paro.

6. Day 6 Paro

   Departure.

   After breakfast, check out and transfer to Paro airport, a short drive from town, for your flight home. Flights from Paro usually leave in the morning, as winds can affect afternoon flying, so be ready on time. Pick up Bhutanese tea, incense or a handwoven scarf before you leave. Indian rupees are accepted in Bhutan, but small denominations are best for shopping. Your journey through Bhutan ends here, with memories of dzongs, prayer flags, mountain passes and the Tiger's Nest on its cliff.

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