Bhutan Cultural Highlights Tour - 6 Days

Fly into Paro International Airport, experiencing one of the world's most breathtaking mountain flight approaches. Meet your licensed Bhutanese guide and driver in traditional dress. Take a scenic 1.5-hour drive along the Paro and Wang Chhu rivers to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Check into your hotel and take an evening walk around the clock tower square.

Spend the day discovering Thimphu's cultural gems: the massive 51.5-meter bronze Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuensel Phodrang, the National Memorial Chorten surrounded by circumambulating elders, the Motithang Takin Preserve (home to Bhutan's unique national animal), the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (painting and sculpture school), and the grand Tashilhunpo/Tashichho Dzong, seat of government and central monastic body.

Drive towards Punakha crossing Dochula Pass (3,100m), where 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens stand against the backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Descend through rhododendron and magnolia forests into the warm subtropical Punakha valley. Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father) and Mo Chhu (Mother) rivers.

Take a gentle, picturesque morning walk through terraced rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the 15th-century fertility temple dedicated to the revered saint Drukpa Kunley (the Divine Madman). After lunch, drive back across Dochula Pass to Paro. Visit Rinpung Dzong ("Fortress on a Heap of Jewels") and Ta Dzong (National Museum).

The highlight of your Bhutan adventure! Embark on the 4 to 5-hour roundtrip pilgrimage hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery), miraculously perched on a vertical granite cliff 900 meters above the valley. Legend states Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, accompanied by our guide and driver with traditional farewell wishes (Tashi Delek).