Day 01: Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu

Congratulations on your wedding and welcome to Bhutan! We hope that you and your spouse will have an unforgettable honeymoon in the Land of Happiness.

After landing at Paro International Airport (2,300m), your guide will drive you to Thimphu (2,400m) – Bhutan’s capital, meanwhile exploring several interesting sites on the way. You will first stop at Tachogang Lhakhang (Temple of The Excellent Horse). This quaint temple is one of the finest works of Thangtong Gyalpo (1385-1464), a great figure in Bhutanese culture. Enjoy the peaceful ambience and serene mountain view of the temple. 

Once you arrive in Thimphu town, time for check-in. The room will be decorated to welcome newlyweds. We hope this small gesture may take away for tiredness after a day of travelling.

Then, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten and the Buddha Point. The National Memorial Chorten is a sacred place, which was built to pray for peace and prosperity and later serves as the memorial to Bhutan’s Third King – His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. You and your spouse can say your prayers while turning the 5 red wheels at the chorten.  

Buddha Point (Buddha Dordenma) is the tallest statue in Bhutan, at 51,5m. The statue is believed to bestow blessings, peace, and happiness on the world. Standing from this location, you can admire the astounding sight of the valleys. 

You are encouraged to go exploring the town if you’re up to it. Thimphu town boasts a dynamic atmosphere in the evening, with many bazaars and interesting stores to visit. You can buy souvenirs for friends and families after coming back from this honeymoon trip.

You will stay overnight at the hotel for the first night.

Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing

On the second day in Bhutan, you will visit Cheri Goemba, the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Textile Museum, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, and Tashichho Dzong. These sites all hold special roles in promoting Bhutanese culture and beliefs. 

Cheri Goemba is the first monastery in Bhutan and is now a place for Buddhists to meditate and receive blessings. You will do a short hike to get to the monastery. The path runs through a lust forest of blue pine and fir. Use all your senses to see the forest’s calming green, listen to its soothing breath and absorb the tranquillity of nature. Hiking side by side with your spouse will make this experience even more unforgettable. The monastery is serene and beautiful, and the view from here is also nothing short of mesmerizing. 

The Folk Heritage Museum, a restored three-storey house, built with rammed mud and timber, replicates a rural household and is furnished as it would have been in the mid-19th century to provide an interesting glimpse into rural Bhutanese life.

The National Textile Museum is where you can learn about the weaving skills and the diverse materials used by Bhutanese. It is interesting to observe the process of making traditional Bhutanese clothes, which consists of many steps and requires time. 

Next, the National Institute of Zorig Chusum offers an understanding of another aspect of Bhutanese life – their arts. The institute teaches 13 traditional arts, and you may watch students practicing them. 

The last site today will be Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of The Glorious Religion) – a marvel of Thimphu. This landmark has a long history and now houses the offices of the King and the Home Affairs and Finance departments. Right on the bank of Wang Chhu, it is an astonishing sight to behold. 

The evening will be free time, so you may simply enjoy your private time or hang out in the town.

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Thimphu for the second night. 

Day 03: Thimphu to Gangtey

• Altitude in Gangtey: 2,900m
• Distance: 160km
• Estimated travel time: 6hrs

Travelling from Thimphu to Gangtey, you will come across one of the most wonderful mountain passes – the famous Dochula Pass. Standing from this point, you will be awarded a stunning panoramic view. The scenery of 108 chortens gracing the green hillside with the backdrop of the snow-laden Himalayas is unforgettable. Make sure you take many photos with your loved one at the Dochula Pass to celebrate this special trip.

After 5 hours of driving, you will arrive in Gangtey valley and visit Gangtey Goemba. Dating back to the 17th century, the monastery has a Tibetan architectural style. Thanks to its prime location on a forested hill, you can take in the picturesque view of the entire valley.

Later, you will check into your hotel and relax after a day spent mostly driving. 

Day 04: Gangtey to Punakha

• Altitude in Punakha: 1,300m
• Distance: 87km
• Estimated travel time: 3hrs

Gangtey Nature Trail is an experience that a traveller can’t miss. And it is a wonderful couple activity. Together, you will take a pleasant walk through tranquil meadows and blue pine forests. Once getting to the viewpoint, your guide may set up a small tea table, so both of you can enjoy the tea with a lovely view of nature. The hike will end at the spectacular building of Khewang Lhakhang (Khewang temple).

On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility). This is where Bhutanese women come to wish to have children or to receive blessings for their newborns. You two can say your wish at the temple if you want to meet your first child soon. 

Afterward, you will check in at your hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha sightseeing

Punakha is well-known for its dzongs and chortens, so you will spend the day visiting some of the town’s special places. 

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, which overlooks the tranquil Punakha valley, houses many statues of Bhutan’s important figures. The 14-foot-high statue of Avalokiteshwara here is also one of Bhutan’s largest statues. Moreover, this building is also a learning and meditation center for nuns.

Punakha Dzong is an unmissable destination if you are in the town. There is hardly any word that may describe its beauty. The dzong stands proudly at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu, offering an incredible view of the water. With three courtyards and several buildings connected by a long hall with exquisite murals, you will definitely be awe-inspired. 

Pho Chhu suspension bridge is 160m long, and it offers nice views of Pho Chhu valley. Walk through Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge and enjoy the sights of colorful prayer flags gracing its length. 

The last visit – Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten is considered a high point in Bhutanese architecture. Its exceptional structure was established by Her Majesty the Queen Mother for the wellbeing of the whole country as well as for the long life of our beloved King. 

Later when you are back in the town, you and your spouse can do a little exploration to enjoy Punakha’s night vibe.

You will spend the night at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 06: Punakha to Paro

• Distance: 125km
• Estimated travel time: 4hrs

Today you will travel to Paro. Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of The Heap of Jewels) is a striking sample of Bhutanese architecture. You may already see its towering walls from afar but walking along them to admire the dzong is a superb experience. 

Right on top of the hill above Paro Dzong is the National Museum of Bhutan (or Ta Dzong). Its mission was to be a watchtower protecting Paro Dzong. Here, the guide will tell you more about Bhutan and its people. The vast collections demonstrate details of their past, culture and daily life. 

You and your spouse will do a leisure hike to visit Zuri Dzong. This will be the time to refresh your mind with splendid views of Paro valley, the breezy air, and feel the serene atmosphere as you walk through forests of cypress and pine trees. 

Dated back in the 12th century, Zuri Dzong is one of Bhutan’s oldest fortresses. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated here in the 8th century. Now the dzong is popular for its panoramic sight of Paro. The valley’s picturesque landscape is dotted with lush rice fields and traditional houses. 

Cool pubs and excellent food shops scatter around Paro town. So, in the evening, you can celebrate your honeymoon trip and discover the dynamic nightlife of Paro. If you need recommendations, your guide will be happy to help.

You will stay the night at the hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Paro sightseeing

You will hike to the Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest) in the morning. This is probably the most sacred site in Bhutan, a must-visit place for any pilgrimage in the kingdom. The hike will be around 4-5 hours. But you will have stunning views along the way and breaks so you and your spouse can refresh or take photos together. The unparalleled scenes might be among your most precious memories of this Bhutan honeymoon tour.

Kyichu Lhakhang will be the last site to see in Paro. It is believed that the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo had built 108 temples in the Himalayas in the 7th century, and Kyichu Lhakhang was one of them. Visitors are intrigued by the temple’s extraordinary architecture.  

The best way to relax your body after a day of hiking is to enjoy a traditional hot stone bath at the farmhouse. Bhutanese believe that the water’s heat, the rock’s minerals, and the local herbs combine have many benefits for your health. 

The special dinner will be with a local family. You may learn about Bhutanese family life, activities, and cuisine. If you wish, they would be excited to teach you how to cook some traditional dishes. This way, you and your spouse can make Bhutanese at home together and recall the wonderful time you have here. 

You will stay the night at the hotel in Paro.

Day 08: Depart Paro

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will accompany you to the airport for the flight to your onward destination. 

Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck). Thank you for choosing Bhutan for your honeymoon trip and we wish you a happy married life ahead. We hope to welcome you to Bhutan again!