Paro to Thimphu Sightseeing Tour

• Touch down in Paro! Representative from Bhutan Mystical Tours will receive you in the airport.

• Drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On the way see Tamchog Monastery built by Thangthong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder who came to Bhutan in 1433 looking for Iron Ore. He also built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which 8 were built in Bhutan. 

• On reaching Thimphu, drive uphill to Kuensel Phodrang where sits a massive sized Statue of Buddha Dordenma. It is made of bronze and is 169 ft. tall. You can get a spectacular view of Thimphu valley from this point.

• Next, visit to National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

• Later, head to Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), which houses the throne room of the king and the offices of the government.

• Overnight in Thimphu

Explore Thimphu’s Cultural Highlights

• Dive deeper into the Thimphu city.

• Your day begins with a visit to the National Zoo which where the Takins, Bhutan’s national animal is preserved.

• While returning, you may visit to Dupthop Lhakhang which is known to be one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

• Visit the National Library to see a vast collection of ancient texts and scriptures. The library is a treasure trove for those interested in Bhutanese history and culture. 

• Later visit the National institute for Zorig Choesum (13 traditional arts) the painting School is on your next list. Bhutanese tradition has been preserved through painting and sculptures. Thangkas, the sacred Buddhist religious scrolls are either painted or embroidered on high-quality fabrics.

• Walk for a minute to Folk Heritage Museum which offers visitors the Bhutanese folk heritage and craftsmanship of Bhutan’s rural past. 

• Driving further to the city, visit National Postal Museum, which is worth a visit for you can get your own picture on Bhutanese stamp right then and there. Get a photo clicked then and there or give a photo of your dear ones and you will get personalized stamps in 5 minutes.

• Explore Centenary Farmers Market if you’re there on a weekend, this bustling market is a great place to experience local life and try fresh produce.

• Overnight in Thimphu

Scenic Drive to Punakha Dzong

• Take a scenic drive to Punakha, En route, stop at the Dochula Pass (3116m) for panoramic views of the magnificent range of the Higher Himalayas.

• Visit the Royal Botanical Garden, the Royal Botanical Park, also known as the Rhododendron Garden at Lamperi, located half hour drive towards Punakha/Wangdue valleys. 

• On reaching Punakha, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley also known as “The Divine Madman”, in the year 1499. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.

• Visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River). War materials captured during the various battles with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha served as a capital of Bhutan till the year of 1955.

• In the evening, walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 m). The bridge is the longest of its kind and connects the two sides of the Pho chu river. You will get a great view of the river, valley, temple, and a good boost of adrenaline as well.

• Overnight in Punakha

Visit Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley

• As you leave Punakha, the road ascends through the picturesque valleys of the Wangdue Phodrang district. 

• On reaching, visit Gangtey Gompa founded in 1613. It is a Nyingma monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingma monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang.

• Explore the beautiful Phobjikha valley, where you will be able to see the rare, Black-Necked Crane, especially during wintertime. For more information on this magnificent bird, you can also visit the Crane Information center, under the supervision of the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature.

• The farmhouse stay in Phobjikha is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the serene beauty of the valley. It will allow you to experience traditional Bhutanese hospitality with home-cooked meals made from fresh, local ingredients. Spend time with the family, learning about their way of life, participating in farming activities, traditional crafts, or even cooking sessions.

• Overnight in Gangtay

Travel Through Trongsa to Bumthang

• After breakfast approach the Pele La Pass, standing at an elevation of 3,390 meters. This pass is often shrouded in clouds, offering a mystical atmosphere. Here, you can spot the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, a symbol of Bhutanese spirituality. The pass serves as a natural boundary between the western and central regions of Bhutan.

• En route, visit Trongsa Dzong (fortress), the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong.

• Just a minute from the fortress, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower which currently serves as a museum. Drive further to Bumthang. 

• Overnight in Bumthang

Tharpaling Thongdrol 2026 Festival Experience

• Bumthang is the spiritual heart of Bhutan, and today is the highlight of your trip as you attend the Tharpaling Thongdrol 2026 festival at Tharpaling Monastery. This sacred event features the unfurling of the giant Thongdrol, traditional mask dances, and rituals that offer a deep insight into Bhutanese spirituality and culture.

   

• Experience the vibrant energy as locals and visitors gather to witness this profound ceremony, believed to bring blessings and protection to all present. The festival’s lively masked dances and spiritual performances create a mesmerizing atmosphere you won’t forget.

   

• After the festival, explore nearby cultural treasures like Jakar Dzong, known as the “Castle of the White Bird,” with its stunning murals and architecture.

• Also visit Jambay Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple famous for its sacred relics and the vibrant Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival.

  Later, stop by Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred site housing the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche, the revered bringer of Buddhism to Bhutan. Spend the evening soaking in the peaceful town atmosphere of Bumthang.

• Overnight in Bumthang

Bumthang Excursion and Cultural Sites

• Following the Tharpaling Thongdrol 2026 Festival, explore Bumthang’s cultural gems starting with Membar Tsho (“The Burning Lake”), a sacred site linked to Guru Rinpoche’s treasures.

   

• Visit the peaceful Tang Valley and the Ogen Choling Palace Museum to learn about Bhutanese noble life and history.

  End your day in Chamkhar town with a visit to Bumthang Brewery, where you can taste local craft beers including Bhutanese wheat beer.

• Overnight in Bumthang

Mountain Flight and Paro Sightseeing

• Drive to the airport as scheduled. Our guide will receive you in Paro international airport and check into your hotel.

• The day starts with a visit to Rimpung Dzong (fortress) also known as “Heap of Jewel” built in the year of 1646 as the Centre of administrative and religious authority in this valley.

• Visit Ta Dzong built in 1656 and renovated in 1968, an ancient watchtower, which now has been converted as the National Museum.

• Later, a visit to the Drukgyel Dzong which was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1644 to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders. In the evening, free to stroll in the town for leisure and photography.

• Overnight in Paro

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

• Dedicate your final day to a delightful excursion to the Tiger’s Nest, locally known as Taktsang Monastery. Reaching Takshang Monastery is as much an adventure as the destination itself. 

• On returning to the base, a Bhutanese cuisine experience in the woods is a celebration of both food and nature. It offers a unique way to engage with Bhutan’s rich culinary traditions while
  surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of the natural world.

• At the end of the day, we recommend you have a Traditional hot stone bath to get relaxed after a tiring day. It is not only practiced as a comforting leisure but also to treat various diseases.

• You can stroll down the Paro town where you can always find Bhutanese authentic handicrafts which can be good souvenirs and remembrances of this exotic and serene Himalayan Kingdom ‘Bhutan’.

• Overnight in Paro

• Our guide will drop you at Paro international airport as per your flight schedule. Farewell for your onwards journey.