Glimpse of Bhutan

Your adventure begins with one of the world’s most breathtaking flights, gliding past snow-capped Himalayan giants before descending into the lush Paro Valley. At the airport, a Ling Travel Bhutan representative will greet you.

After lunch, begin exploring Paro with a visit to Ta Dzong Museum, home to sacred relics, thangka paintings, and intricate handicrafts that introduce Bhutan’s history and spiritual traditions. Continue to Rimpong Dzong, a fortress-monastery famed for its depiction of the great saint Milarepa. Cross its traditional wooden cantilever bridge before driving alongside the Pachu River to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu (approx. 1.5 hrs). Overnight in Thimphu.

Nestled in a fertile river valley, Thimphu blends old-world charm with modern vibrancy. Your full-day tour includes the National Memorial Chorten, built as a monument to world peace, and the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, with sweeping valley views. Visit Drubthob Monastery, home to the Zilukha Nunnery.

Discover Bhutan’s heritage at the School of Arts and Crafts, the National Library with scriptures dating to the 8th century, and the Traditional Paper Factory. At the Folk Heritage Museum, step inside a reconstructed medieval farmhouse.

If time allows, see Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, and explore Tashichhodzong, the seat of government and monastic authority. On weekends, stroll through Thimphu Market to sample local produce, spices, and handmade crafts. Overnight in Thimphu.

Travel over the Dochu-La Pass (3,100 m) for sweeping Himalayan vistas before descending into the warm, subtropical Punakha Valley (approx. 3 hrs). In spring, towering rhododendrons paint the hillsides with bursts of crimson and pink.

In Punakha, tour the Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness", set at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers. This architectural masterpiece was the site of Bhutan’s first royal coronation. Later, walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Madman,” revered for his unconventional teachings. Overnight in Punakha or Wangduephodrang.

After breakfast, hike through terraced rice fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a jewel of Bhutanese artistry built to promote peace. Enjoy a riverside picnic before visiting Wangduephodrang Dzong, dramatically perched at the meeting of two rivers.

Return to Thimphu for a short stop at handicraft shops, then continue to Paro, visiting Semtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan, en route. Overnight in Paro.

Today’s highlight is the hike to Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic site. The trail winds uphill through pine forests to a viewpoint overlooking the cliffside monastery, a place where Guru Rimpoche is said to have meditated in the 8th century after arriving on the back of a flying tigress.

Enjoy tea at the viewpoint café before descending. In the afternoon, visit Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate Bhutan’s 17th-century victory over Tibetan invaders. On clear days, Mount Jomolhari (7,314 m) rises magnificently in the distance. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Tashi Delek – may your memories of Bhutan stay with you always.

Step into Bhutan’s timeless beauty with Ling Travel Bhutan, where every moment is an invitation to connect with nature, tradition, and the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality.