Nestled in a broad valley dotted with rice paddies, Paro is Bhutan’s gateway, home to the country’s only international airport and the clifftop Tiger’s Nest. Whitewashed farmhouses, crimson roofed dzongs, and pine scented hills set a picture perfect first impression.

Distance: ≈ 55 km Driving time: 1.5–2 hrs

After clearing formalities at Paro Airport, meet your guide and enjoy a picturesque drive to the capital, Thimphu. Check in, then visit the colossal Buddha Dordenma statue for grand valley views. An evening stroll around Clock Tower Square and local markets lets you sample street snacks and handicrafts.

Overnight: Thimphu

Bhutan’s only capital without traffic lights, Thimphu blends monastic tradition and modern cafés beneath snow tipped peaks. Monks mingle with suited bureaucrats, weekend markets buzz with colour, and cultural centres safeguard the kingdom’s “Gross National Happiness” ethos.

Spend the day unwrapping Thimphu’s highlights: spin prayer wheels at the Memorial Chorten; meet Bhutan’s quirky national animal at the Takin Preserve; gaze over the city from BBS Tower; drop into tranquil Zilukha Nunnery; interact with artisans at Simply Bhutan; watch students master the 13 crafts at the Institute for Zorig Chusum; and, if lucky, cheer a friendly archery match. As golden hour sets in, tour the illuminated Tashichho Dzong, seat of the King’s throne room.

Overnight: Thimphu

Dochula’s windswept crest, strewn with 108 snow white chortens, frames giant Himalayan peaks, while balmy Punakha Valley—Bhutan’s former winter capital—unfolds in terraced rice fields flanked by the turquoise Pho and Mo rivers.

Distance: ≈ 75 km  Driving time: 2.5–3 hrs

Climb to Dochula Pass (3,100 m) for tea and postcard panoramas. Continue down rhododendron lined roads to Punakha. Wander majestic Punakha Dzong, an architectural gem at two rivers’ confluence, then amble over the Punakha Suspension Bridge for photo worthy valley views.

Overnight: Punakha / Wangdue

Bhutan’s oldest fortress, Semtokha Dzong, guards the approach to Thimphu, while Tachog Lhakhang’s 600 year old iron chain bridge arcs poetically across the Paro River amid emerald hills and fluttering prayer flags.

Distance: ≈ 130 km  Driving time: 4.5–5 hrs

Drive west, pausing at 17th century Semtokha Dzong. Near Paro, cross the medieval style Tachog Iron Bridge built by saint engineer Thangtong Gyalpo. A riverside stop offers photo breaks before a final descent into Paro Valley. Enjoy free time exploring its handicraft shops and cafés.

Overnight: Paro

Option A – Tiger’s Nest Hike

Tackle the rewarding 4–5 hour round trip hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, perched 900 m above the valley floor. Prayer-flagged trails, pine forests, and ringing bells culminate in a jaw dropping vista—an indelible Bhutan memory.

Option B – Paro Sightseeing + Chelela Pass

Tour Rinpung Dzong and cross its photogenic cantilever bridge; browse Bhutan’s cultural treasures inside Ta Dzong (National Museum); then drive to windswept Chelela Pass (3,988 m), often festooned with vibrant prayer flags and, on clear days, views to sacred Mt. Jomolhari.

Overnight: Paro

After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport, bid your guide a fond tashi delek, and board your onward flight—heart full, camera brimming with Himalayan memories.