Day 01: Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu

  – Distance: 55km

  – Estimated travel time: 1.30hrs

Welcome to Bhutan, a magical land where breathtaking landscapes and a rich cultural legacy transport you to a realm of tranquility.

As your plane gradually lands at Paro Airport, take a deep breath and let the soothing energy of nature wash over you, melting away all your stress and worries. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan and one of the country’s most fertile valleys, which one may easily observe from their plane. 

Upon your arrival, your guide will welcome you and then drive you to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The 3rd Jigme Dorji Wangchuck declared this vibrant city the capital in 1961. Today, it is the administrative and economic center of the country, hosting Bhutan’s most politically important buildings, including the Dechencholing Palace (the King’s official residence) and the National Assembly building. Despite the rise of restaurants and internet cafes, Thimphu has maintained its unique Bhutanese identity with old fortresses, monasteries, and woodlands. If you venture beyond the city limits, you will be met with endless greenery from tranquil blue pine forests.

The highway from Paro leading to Thimphu follows the tranquil Pachu river, offering a glimpse into the unspoiled nature of Bhutan. Enjoy the serenity of the surrounding lush greenery and the river’s pristine waters, and feel the new energy that nature gives you.

After arriving in Thimphu, you will check in at your hotel and start the adventure at one of the capital’s most visible landmarks, the National Memorial Chorten. This building is a place of daily worship for the Bhutanese. The striking stupa with golden spires seems to glow under the sun, catching visitors’ eyes from afar. The Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, initially constructed the chorten to pray for world peace, and now it also serves as a memorial to the Third King.

Then, you will visit Tashichho Dzong (or Thimphu Dzong), one of the most famous landmarks in the capital. This impressive fortress is located north of the city on the western bank of the Wang Chhu River, providing a lovely view of a waterfall and terraced farms. The complex was initially built in 1641 and was reconstructed in 1965. The tranquil atmosphere of the lush gardens and green hills surrounding the Dzong makes it an ideal peaceful destination.

Before returning to the hotel, walk through the old forests near Thimphu on the Wangditse Nature Hike. The trail gradually ascends for approximately 10 minutes and then descends gently through oak, blue pine, and rhododendron trees until you arrive at the Wangtse monastery. From there, you can admire the panoramic view of the valley’s verdant greenery and majestic mountain ranges.

You will spend the first night at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu to Gangtey

  – Altitude in Gangtey: 2,900m

  – Distance: 160km

  – Estimated travel time: 6hrs

Departing Thimphu in the morning, the journey will take you to the central Bhutanese valleys of Gangtey (or Phobjikha). Gangtey is associated with a goemba standing on the ridge of the valley. This area is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and its role as a wildlife reserve. The region features various landscapes and supports a diverse range of flora and fauna. One rare species residing here is the black-necked crane, which migrates from the north to Gangtey during the winter months.

On the way to Gangtey, you will visit the Dochula Pass (3,050m), one of Bhutan’s most stunning mountain passes. The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens commemorate the soldiers who died in the battle against Indian rebels. They were built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. The pass offers a splendid panoramic view of the snow-laden Himalayas – a sight that can take your breath away!

The second stop after you are in Gangtey will be Gangtey Goemba. It was the only Nyingmapa monastery in the Black Mountain region in 1613 and is still the biggest in the western territory today. This remarkable building provides a spectacular view of Gangtey Valley, featuring lush green farms, pristine forests, and towering mountains.

To end the day, you will hike the Gangtey Nature Trail to explore the picturesque landscape. The trail begins at a small peak above Gangtey Goemba and winds through lovely meadows before descending to Semchubara hamlet. Heading on, you will enter a dense forest of blue pines, where you can observe the local wildlife and appreciate the wonders of nature. 

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Gangtey.

Day 03: Gangtey to Punakha

  – Altitude in Punakha: 1,300m

   – Distance: 123km

   – Estimated travel time: 4.30hrs

Today, we will travel from Gangtey to Punakha – the old capital of Bhutan. It is praised as one of the most picturesque destinations in the country, with verdant paddy fields, forested hills, and breathtaking Himalayan views. This region is steeped in history, lined with various precious historical landmarks, and surrounded by enthralling Bhutanese cultures.

En route, you will embark on a hike to Beyul Langdra Neykor. This is a moderate hike with an elevation gain of 1,589m and will take 3-4 hours to finish. “Ney” means holy, and “kor” is a visit in Bhutanese, so this will be a spiritual journey leading you through beautiful landscapes and several important temples. When exploring these sites, you can see the visible marks of Guru Rinpoche – one of the most respected figures in Bhutan. 

The total driving time will be about 2 hours. After passing through Wangdue, follow a dirt road to the left that leads to Chuzomsa.

As you approach Kathok Yoesel Samtenling Monastery – the hike’s starting point, you will notice a large Cypress tree – believed to be Guru Rinpoche’s walking stick. It is adorned with the intricate handiwork of revered lamas. From a certain angle, you can see the fork at the top of the tree, which serves as a resting place for one’s palm on the stick. The tree is said to hold sacred relics and bestow blessings equivalent to those of 5 monasteries. Every year, on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Bhutanese calendar, the tree is honored as part of “Tsenden tsechu” in honor of Guru Rinpoche.

At the trailhead are two prominent temples: the higher one, a meditation retreat, and the lower one, Kathok Yoser Namseling Lhakhang, a two-story temple with exquisite statues of Guru Rinpoche’s eight forms. 

You will hike from Kathok Yoesel Samtenling Monastery for 1.5 hours to reach Beyul Langdra. You will go uphill most of the way. The path is quite steep, but there are resting points, so you can take your time and enjoy walking through ancient forests and vast meadows with prayer flags, breathing in fresh air, and admiring the beautiful scenery.  If you’re lucky, you could even spot a White Langur or two.

Following the trail, you will pass numerous temples through the beautiful forests, including the historic Zhabja Lhakhang, which has a defined right footprint of Guru Rinpoche and exquisitely carved hand-made wall paintings. You will also walk through a cave where water is dripping through the roof from an unknown source. 

Beyul Langdra is a three-story temple on a cliff edge overlooking the valley below. Its name means “the hidden treasures in the ox rock”, which is linked to the legend that Guru Rinpoche defeated a malicious spirit disguised as a red ox and placed 60 religious treasures in the temple’s rock wall. This rock also has Guru Rinpoche’s palm print and an outline of a protective scorpion. A prophecy says that a future ‘terton’ (treasure discoverer) will uncover these hidden treasures. Hundreds of devotees come to Beyul Langdra every year to receive blessings from the sacred monuments. 

You will spend the night at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha sightseeing

After breakfast, we will drive 30 minutes to Chorten Nyingpo monastery. It is the starting point of the Kabji Hoka Tsho Hike. 

Kabji Hoka Tsho is under the Kabje gewog of Punakha Dzongkhag at 2,100m above sea level, one of the largest lakes in Bhutan. The hike is about 9km in total and takes 3-4 hours from Chorten Nyingbo monastery on foot.

From the road, you will first pass a red mud path sloping uphill through the nearby small villages before arriving at Chorten Nyingbo monastery. The route from the monastery follows a man-made integration channel almost all the way to the beautiful lake. 

As you ascend, you will pass some steep hills amid lush, ancient forests teeming with giant trees and abundant foliage that gradually thickens.  The cool, fresh air is infused with an earthy scent, and the tranquil sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves create a lovely natural melody. It is easy to mistake the scene before your eyes for a picture taken out of a fairy tale. Such a beautiful forest bathing experience, with the destination being the tranquil Kabji Hoka Tsho Lake, is the reason why this is one of the most recommended excursions in Punakha. 

When you get to the lake, you can take a short trail that leads down to the tranquil waters, offering breathtaking views of Kabji Hoka Tsho. The lake is embraced by pristine mountains and welcomes visitors with a cool breeze. This is a favorite spot for camping and fishing among locals, where one can unwind, enjoy the serene scenes, and engage in small chats with their companions. 

Legend has it that this lake never overflows since water continuously drains through an aperture made by the lake’s deity. After a demon threatened to flood the area, the opening was created. The name ‘Hoka Tsho’ literally means “lake with a hole or opening.”

You will descend on a different path that is less steep than the ascent. Upon arriving at Chorten Nyeabu village, you can enjoy a delightful picnic lunch at a quaint farmhouse on the hillside, offering breathtaking views of the valley beyond. Take in the stunning scenery from the family room as you savor some ngaja with the locals. Afterward, continue for the final hour of the journey to reach the pickup point.

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha to Thimphu

   – Altitude in Thimphu: 2,320m

   – Distance: 80km 

   – Estimated travel time: 2.30hrs 

After a hearty breakfast in the morning, you will visit Punakha Dzong (The Place of Great Happiness) – one of the most striking fortresses in Bhutan. It was the second dzong to be built in Bhutan and served as the seat of the government until the early 1950s.

The gorgeous Dzong stands gracefully at the confluence of two major rivers in Bhutan, the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu, which meet in this valley. On sunny days, the sunlight bounces off the river and onto the building’s massive buttressed walls, making it even more stunning. The renowned Punakha Tshechu is held in the Punakha Dzong on the 10th day of the first lunar month.

Next, you will go from the spectacular dzong to the Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge, the longest of its kind in Bhutan, with a length of 160m. The bridge provides a beautiful view of Punakha Dzong and the verdant Pho Chhu valley.

In the afternoon, you will leave Punakha and return to Thimphu. You will travel to Dochula Pass to do the Lungchutse Hike. The hike is relatively easy — about 3.5 km one way, with an elevation gain of 516m. You can complete it within 1.30 – 2 hours. This trail is best hiked from April through June and October through February. With blooming flowers and lush woodlands, springtime offers the best scenery. Also, the Himalayas can be seen magnificently in the winter while hiking or from the Lungchutse Lhakhang temple.

There are two trails to take on this hike; you can pick one you prefer.

     Trail 1: Dochula Pass –  Lungchutse Lhakhang – Trashigang Goemba

Embarking from the mesmerizing Dochula Pass, you will be surrounded by the 108 “Druk Wangyal Chortens”, a tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the battle against Indian rebels. At an altitude of 3,050m, the panoramic view of the snow-kissed Himalayan peaks is a sight to behold.

From here, the trail unfolds, guiding you through ancient forests of spruce, rhododendron, hemlock, and juniper trees. The misty aura on certain days brings you to a world akin to fairy tales. Zigzagging through the forest trails, your journey leads to the historic Lungchutse temple. Constructed in the 16th century and renovated in 2008 by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the Lhakhang is a testament to the nation’s rich heritage. With blooming rhododendrons painting the green canvas and the Himalayan giants like Jumolhari and Gangkhar Puensum framing the horizon, the view is ethereal!

Descending from the temple, the path beckons you to Trashigang Goemba. Established in 1786 by the 12th Je Khenpo, this monastery at 3,300m altitude overlooks the quaint Hongtsho village. A brief sojourn here will let you soak in the tranquil vibes of this meditation hub.

    Trail 2: Dochula Pass – Lungchutse Lhakhang – Dochula Pass

As you set forth from Dochula Pass, the trail leads straight to Lungchutse Lhakhang. The forested path, with its moss-draped rhododendrons, towering hemlocks, fragrant junipers, and bamboo undergrowth, is a sensory delight. The songs of rare birds and glimpses of wild mushrooms further enrich the trail’s charm.

Upon reaching Lungchutse Lhakhang, the serenity of the place is palpable. If you travel during spring, you can see the awe-inspiring scene of the monastery’s surroundings burst into color with rhododendrons in white, yellow, and pink hues. After exploring the monastery and soaking in its peaceful ambiance, you will continue the hike. From the monastery, your steps will guide you to an expansive open meadow. With its vibrant flora and panoramic views, this natural haven is the perfect place to rest and reflect on the journey.

The hike will end at Dochula Pass. Once returned, our driver will take you back to the dynamic town of Thimphu.

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. 

Day 06: Thimphu sightseeing

You will spend the day hiking to a unique site – Domendrel Tsho, at 4,000m. The Domendrel Tsho Hike is one of the best short-day trips from Thimphu. 

From the city, we will drive toward Dodena, to the base of Tango-Cheri Monastery. The hike is about 13km one way, with an elevation gain of 2,359m. The walk is expected to be completed within 5-6 hours. 

The first 30-minute stretch of the hike will get you near the Tango Monastery. But instead of heading inside, you will take a right, walk past local houses, and make your way uphill. Continue, and you will find yourself on a forest trail. Giant brown oak, hemlock, and rhododendron trees line most of the path. The towering trees shield out the sunlight, so you can enjoy the coolness and admire the colorful pictures of flowers along the trail. You will ascend most of the time and take short breaks in between. 

Once you pass the Dzongkhag Meditation Centre, the view opens up, showing the fertile Thimphu valley below. If the day is clear, you can catch a glimpse of the distant Gasa Dzong and Punakha. Along your walk, you will sometimes see unknown, colorful wildflowers, small forest animals, or herders and their yaks. 

As you approach the altitude of 4,050m, the quiet Domendrel Tsho will come into view. According to legend, Desi Tenzin Rabgay and his sister Jetsen Tenzin Ma meditated in the mountains long ago. After achieving self-realization, the local deities gifted Desi Tenzin Rabgay with a hill, which he named Domendrel, meaning “offering of rocks in the shape of a mendrel” in Bhutanese. 

Some sacred wonders you may encounter are two lakes (Lha Tsho) of God and Naga; the meditation houses of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye’s parents; and a temple on the hilltop above the lake.

The calm lake and the quiet surroundings make this a special spot, perfect for a moment of reflection. Take this chance to embrace the tranquil ambiance fully, engage with your emotions, and seek inner serenity. Then, you will hike back on the same path and return to Thimphu.

You will stay the night at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 07: Discover Thimphu

If Domendrel Tsho Hike rewards us with spectacular valley views, then today’s hike – Jigme Langtsho Hike — offers beautiful trails amid dense forests and picturesque streams and waterfalls. This is not only a hike for the scenery but also a forest bathing experience that you’d appreciate.

From Thimphu, we will drive for 1 hour (20km) to Tselung Ney – the starting point of the Jigme Langtsho hike. You may hike to the lake in 4-5 hours (about 9km), and the elevation gain is 1,006m. There will be some flat parts, but mostly, you will ascend continually to the lake at the top of the mountain.

Embark on the hike, you will first cross a wooden bridge with hanging prayer flags, then go deeper into the forests. The more you walk, the more the lush rhododendrons and pine forests open up, welcoming visitors to a different world. 

It feels like the green gets denser, grazing every part of the trail you come across. En route, you will also cross many beautiful streams, which only amplify the beauty of the nature scene for your admiration. Moreover, touching the cool water and feeling the blast from their cool “breath” makes them connect deeper with the nature around you.

2.5 hours later, you will reach the first meadow and enjoy a short break here. Continuing, you will come to a large stream and a broad view of the picturesque surroundings with majestic mountains, wild forests, and crystal clear stream water. Remember to take some photos for memory keeping!

Once you are only 15 minutes away from reaching the lake, you will see a lovely waterfall. You can see how huge it is with a first glimpse of Jigme Langtsho Lake. At an altitude of 4,000m, the lake is almost twice as big as a football field. The most famous animal in the lake is the giant trout, so see if you can see some in the water. 

The lake is like a giant mirror, reflecting the sight of the forests, the mountains, and the blue sky above. Sitting by the lake and admiring its tranquility can soothe your mind, making the only thing you focus on the charm of nature. 

You will hike back on the same path, and our driver will take you back to the centre of Thimphu.

You will stay the third night in Thimphu. 

Day 08: Explore Thimphu

Today, you will explore another hike in Thimphu – Pumola Hike. In the past, the Pumola trail served as a vital connection path between Thimphu and Paro, and its charm remains intact to this day, beckoning travelers to experience its scenic beauty.

Your journey will begin with a brief 10-minute drive to Motithang, a serene north-western suburb of Thimphu. From there, another short drive will take you above Motithang, where your hike truly begins. 

As you start your hike, you will be surrounded by a blend of blue pine trees and vibrant rhododendrons. Finish the first 10 minutes, and you will stand at the junction that leads to Pumola (on the left) and Phajoding (on the right). Turn left, and the path will take you across gentle stream rivers before gradually introducing you to the lush forests of spruce and hemlock trees. Surrounded by such pristine nature, you will feel more energized to reach the summit.

Approximately 2.5 hours into the hike, you will reach Pumola, which stands at an elevation of 2,720m. Here, takes a moment to explore the historic Pumola monastery. Nearby, there is a swing that offers an incredible view of the verdant valley. This is a must-try at Pumola since it is the swing at the highest altitude in Bhutan.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Pushing forward, you will reach the summit of Pumola at 4,010m. If the skies are kind and clear, you will be treated to panoramic views of landmarks like Phajoding monastery in Thimphu, Jela Dzong in Paro, and the sprawling Thimphu valley. Looking up, it feels like you can almost touch the sky and the clouds above!

The final leg of your journey will be a descent, leading to Kuensel Phodrang at 2,520m. This 17km hike, with an elevation gain of 1,174m and a descent of 2,520m, can be completed comfortably within 4-5 hours.

At Pumola monastery, you will have 2 options:

   – Option 1: You can hike up to the top of Pumola, then hike down to Kuensel Phodrang, and return to the hotel in Thimphu, and you will spend another night in the capital.

   – Option 2: You can hike from Pumola monastery to Paro. The hike will follow an ancient pedestrian trail between Thimphu and Paro, which can be completed within 2 hours (7km). 

This path has been restored by the Trans Bhutan Trail with the goal of letting Bhutanese again walk in the footsteps of their ancestors and explore the incredible stories that each trail holds. 

From Pumola monastery, you will descend 250m to reach Tshaluna village. Located at an elevation of 2,388m, Tshaluna is a village in the Paro district of central-western Bhutan, situated 7km away from Thimphu city.

You will walk between lines of beautiful blue pine, fir, and rhododendron trees. Passing Tshaluna, the path will go up 750m towards Jela Dzong. This Dzong perches on top of the mountain. At an altitude of 3,590m, this secluded site offers a stunning view of the picturesque Paro valley. And that’s not all. If you get lucky with the weather, you will also be able to enjoy the striking view of Mount Jomolhari (7,314m) or Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m).

Drela Samten Tshemo (Jela’s original name), was constructed by Lam Ngawang Choegyal, the 14th holder of Druk Ralung and the brother of Drukpa Kuenley. In ancient times, this monastery was an important center for Bhutan’s dual system of governance. Zhabdrung Rinpoche visited Paro on a pilgrimage when he was 24 years old but had to travel to Jela due to the Tibetan invasion. While there, he received a prophecy that he would defeat the Tibetans. Since then, the temple’s name has changed from Drela Samten Tshemo to Jela.

 From Jela Dzong, 400m descend down towards Damchena village, where your car will be waiting to take you back to the hotel in Paro.

Day 09: Thimphu to Paro

*For those who choose to extend their hike on Day 8, you will already be in Paro. So you can spend the morning exploring the neighborhood or ask your guide to start today’s excursion earlier. 

After 3 days in Thimphu, you will head back to Paro – where this adventure begins. This lovely town sits by the banks of the Paro (or Pa) Chhu River and is home to some of the world’s oldest monasteries and temples. Their history dates back to the 7th century, and they are steeped in myths and folklore.

In the afternoon, you will explore Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels), praised as the finest example of Bhutanese architecture. The grand complex comprises courtyards, temples, offices, and an accommodating area. No matter where you are in Paro, you will always be able to see the towering white walls of the dzong. Paro Rinpung Dzong is where the renowned Paro Tsechu is held annually.

Next, you will head to the National Museum of Bhutan (or Ta Dzong). It was a watchtower during the war and later became the National Museum. The collections here are among the most impressive ones visitors can find in the country, from Bhutan’s thangkas to festival masks for Tshechu dances, textiles, weapons, armor, and so much more.

You will hike 3km (about 1 hour) along the forested hillside from the National Museum to explore Zuri Dzong, the last stop today. The hike has an elevation range of 2,400m – 2,560m, with an ascent of 160m and a descent of 160m. Zuri Dzong, dating back to 1352, is one of the oldest dzongs and houses the valley’s local protector. There is a cave on the premises where it is believed Buddha meditated in the 8th century. You will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the lovely valley from the fortress.

Afterward, it is time to return to the main town. Paro is an excellent place to explore on foot and a delightful way to conclude a day of sightseeing. You should spend an hour or two meandering around and admiring the sights.

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Paro. 

Day 10: Discover Paro

In Paro, there is also an exciting hike that brings you to a peaceful destination like the Domendrel in Thimphu. It is the Drakey Pangtsho Hike. While the elevation gain is only 819m, you will hike for 5-6 hours in total. This is because the trail is more challenging with rocky paths.

Drakey Pangtsho Lake’s original name is Drake Phamtsho, which means “Lake on Juwo Drake’s lap.” Juwo Drake is the Paro protecting deity and the main deity of Ragoe Ney. According to another legend, the original name is Dragay Phangtsho, which refers to a lake at the base of a cliff.

The lake is considered spiritual since the deity Jowo Drakey gifted it to Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century to house sacred treasures. Hence, the lake is sometimes referred to as Treasure Lake.

You may see some of these wonders depending on your trail: the spiritual treasure lake Drake Phamtsho; Yumtsho Lake; Gora Tsho and Zimpon Tsho; Meditation cave of Karma Pelbar, Dharma Master of Shaladrago.

There are two paths that can take you to Drakey Pangtsho:

• Trail 1: From Drukgyel Dzong and Bjana Goenpa

You will start with a 30-minute drive from your hotel to the historic Drukgyel Dzong. After an hour’s journey on a bumpy road, you will arrive at the tranquil setting of Bjana Goenpa, also known as Charee Tshen Goenpa. Here, you may seek blessings from the monastery before hiking to the enchanting Drakey Pangtsho.

The first 6km of the trail winds through challenging terrain with steep slopes and rocky paths. As you navigate this route, which takes about 4-5 hours uphill, keep an eye out for the vibrant Himalayan mountains. Continue ascending until you reach the Laptsa, where you will discover the first small lake, Yumtsho.

The descent back to the Goenpa, though quicker at around 3-4 hours, is equally captivating and offers a different perspective of the surroundings.

• Trail 2: From Paro Norbuling Rigter College and Bumdra

For those intrigued by alternative paths to Drakey Pangtsho, starting your journey from Paro Norbuling Rigter College or Bumdra presents unique experiences. Starting from Bumdra, you will find yourself at the lake in roughly 3 hours, while the trail from the college takes about an hour longer.

A highlight of the college route via Shaladra is the sight of two stunning lakes, Gora Tsho and Zimpon Tsho. This path also offers a glimpse into the meditation cave of Karma Pelbar, the revered Dharma Master of Shaladrago. Each step on these trails brings you closer to the lake and deepens your connection with the rich tapestry of Bhutan’s natural and spiritual heritage.

The best part of the hike is when you are welcomed by the teal-blue lake and its serene surroundings. Located at 4,390m and surrounded by rugged mountains with cloud-covered peaks, the lake offers scenery that seems out of this world. 

Throughout the day, Drakey Pnagtsho Lake has a breathtaking display of colors. The tranquil sounds of rustling trees and soaring birds enhance its peaceful atmosphere. At sunset, the sight of rippling waves gently touching the pristine shore is simply mesmerizing. Take your time to enjoy the stunning scenery at Drakey Pangtsho Lake.

Later, return to the starting point to travel back to Paro.

You will spend the night at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11: Paro sightseeing

You will embark on a morning hike to Taktsang Monastery (or Tiger’s Nest), one of Bhutan’s holiest sites and the most famous landmark in the area. Perched atop a towering cliff that rises 900 meters above the ground, the monastery affords breathtaking vistas of the Paro Valley and the Himalayan Alps. While the hike may take up to 3-4 hours, the stunning landscape and the chance to delve into this revered site make it an unforgettable experience worth relishing during your trip.

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche rode a tigress and landed on a cliff to meditate, emerging in eight manifestations (incarnations). The monastery buildings are connected by staircases carved into the rock, providing unparalleled views of the valley. You can walk around and admire the rich interior design, including a gold-plated dome, a golden god, and deity figurines.

After exploring the Tiger’s Nest, you will head to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed in the Himalayas. Legend has it that the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo built these monuments in only one day to capture the demon tigress attempting to stop Buddhism’s spread in the Himalayas. In the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava also paid a visit to the historic temple. Kyichu Lhakhang is among the most spectacular temples in the kingdom.

The beautiful temple will be the last attraction on this trip. In the afternoon, you will join a cooking class and dine with a local family at their farmhouse. This is an excellent chance to socialize while sampling traditional Bhutanese cuisine, such as Ema Dashi, red rice, Jasha Maru, and Phaksha Paa. Experiencing a country’s cuisine is a great way to understand more about its culture.

You can also indulge in a hot stone bath, a traditional relaxation method for Bhutanese people after a long day at work. The bath incorporates herbs in the water, which react with minerals in the stones to promote good health.

You will spend the night at the hotel in Paro.

Day 12: Depart Paro

It’s time to say farewell to Paro and the lovely country of Bhutan. We hope that, with the assistance of our guide and driver, you have had a great trip. We hope to welcome you back to our country. Tashi Delek!