Kingdom of Bhutan with TT Global Travels

Arrive at Paro International Airport (2,200m) 

You’ll be greeted with spectacular views of the Himalayas during your descent. After immigration formalities, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport. Drive to Thimphu (1.5 hours, 55 km). Enjoy the scenic drive along the Paro River and Thimphu Chhu. Stop at the Tamchog Lhakhang iron chain bridge en route. 

Depending on your arrival time, you can visit: Memorial Chorten, built in honour of the third king, a spiritual hub for locals. Evening Leisure time Stroll along Norzin Lam to explore local markets and handicraft shops. 

Overnight in Thimphu. 

 Buddha Dordenma is a massive statue of Shakyamuni Buddha located on a hill overlooking Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Standing at 51.5 meters (169 feet), it is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. 

Made of bronze and gilded with gold, the statue houses 125,000 smaller Buddha statues. It was built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and to fulfil an ancient prophecy about the spread of peace and happiness in the region. 

The site offers Panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley and serves as a spiritual landmark, drawing both locals and tourists. Buddha Dordenma symbolises compassion, peace, and prosperity, and is a must-visit site in Bhutan. 

The Takin Preserve in Motithang, Thimphu, is a wildlife reserve dedicated to Bhutan’s national animal—the takin. This unusual-looking animal, with the head of a goat and the body of a cow, is native to Bhutan and found in the eastern Himalayas. 

According to legend, the takin was created by the 15th-century saint Drukpa Kunley, the “Divine Madman,” who magically formed it from the bones of a cow and a goat. Once kept in a zoo, the animals were later released into the wild, but they stayed near the area—leading to the creation of the preserve. 

The Wangditse Hike in Thimphu is a short and scenic trail that offers panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley, ideal for nature lovers and casual hikers. The hike starts near the Broadcasting Tower above the Tashichho Dzong and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip. 

The trail passes through pine forests, peaceful landscapes, and occasional prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. The main highlight is the Wangditse Lhakhang, a historic temple originally built in the 18th century and recently restored after earthquake damage. This easy-to-moderate hike is perfect for those looking for a quick outdoor experience with cultural significance and beautiful views of Thimphu and the surrounding mountains. 

Centenary Farmers Market is the largest and most vibrant marketplace in Bhutan, located near the banks of the Wang Chhu River. The CFM brings together farmers from across the country to sell fresh organic produce, dairy, spices, dried foods and so on…  

 The market is divided into sections for vegetables, fruits, meat, and incense, and offers a great glimpse into Bhutanese daily life and food culture. It’s also a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to experience the country’s farm-to-table traditions. Clean, well-organised, and lively, the Centenary Farmers Market is a must-visit for those wanting to explore local flavours, crafts, and community spirit in the heart of Thimphu. 

Overnight stay in Thimphu.

 The journey from Thimphu to Punakha is one of the most scenic drives, which takes about 3-4 hours. Leaving Thimphu, the road gradually climbs through pine and rhododendron forests toward the famous Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters. On clear days, the pass offers breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas along with the iconic 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, making it an ideal stop for photographs and a short tea break. 

From Dochula, the road descends into the warmer and greener Punakha Valley, marked by terraced rice fields and river views. The Chimi Lhakhang, often called the Temple of Fertility, is one of Bhutan’s most unique and culturally fascinating monasteries. Located in the lush Punakha Valley, near the village of Sopsokha, this temple attracts both locals and visitors. Chimi Lhakhang was built in 1499 by Lama Ngawang Choegyel, a disciple of the famous Bhutanese saint Drukpa Kunley. Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman,” is a legendary figure in Bhutanese Buddhism known for his unconventional teaching methods. He used humour, songs, and shocking behaviour to challenge rigid religious norms and convey spiritual lessons.

According to legend, Drukpa Kunley subdued a powerful demoness in this area using what he called his “Thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom,” a symbolic reference that contributes to the temple’s strong association with fertility.

Overnight stay in Punakha 

Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten If you have time and energy, take a short hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. This chorten, located on a hilltop, offers amazing views of the Punakha valley and the surrounding mountains. The chorten itself is beautifully decorated and provides a peaceful place for reflection. River rafting in Punakha is an incredible adventure experience, offering a perfect blend of thrill and natural beauty. Punakha, located in Bhutan, is known for its stunning landscapes, including the confluence of two major rivers, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. The combination of these rivers creates ideal conditions for rafting, with both calm sections for beginners and exciting rapids for more experienced adventurers. Enjoying a Picnic lunch beside the Mochu River is peaceful and refreshing. Surrounded by green hills and flowing water, visitors relax, share local food, and enjoy the fresh air. After lunch, the journey to Phobjikha will be a scenic and memorable experience as the road winds through lush valleys, forests, and mountain passes, offering beautiful views of nature along the way. As you travel higher towards the Phobjikha, the climate becomes cooler, and the landscape opens into a wide glacial valley. The journey is peaceful and refreshing, making it as enjoyable as the destination itself. The Punakha Dzong, often called the Punakha Fortress, is one of Bhutan’s most magnificent and historically important landmarks. Officially known as Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong (“Palace of Great Happiness”), it stands at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River) in the lush Punakha Valley. The dzong houses sacred relics and is an important centre for Buddhist ceremonies. One of the most notable events held here is the Punakha Tshechu, a vibrant annual festival featuring masked dances, rituals, and community celebrations. The Punakha Suspension Bridge is one of the most famous attractions in Punakha and is considered among the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan. Stretching around 160–230 meters across the Pho Chhu (Male River), it connects the Punakha Dzong to nearby villages like Shengana and Samdingkha. 

Overnight stay in Punakha 

The Botanical Park Lamperi is a beautiful natural reserve located near Dochula Pass on the way from Punakha to Thimphu and Paro. It is Bhutan’s first botanical park, established to preserve the country’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage. The Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi is a peaceful and refreshing stop combining education, relaxation, and natural beauty in one place. Trying Bhutan’s National Attire in Paro is a memorable cultural experience that allows visitors to connect with the country’s traditions and identity. The national dress of Bhutan is the Gho for men and the Kira for women. The Gho is a knee-length robe tied at the waist with a belt called a kera, creating a distinctive folded pouch in the front. The Kira is an elegant ankle-length dress worn with a blouse (wonju) and a short jacket (toego), often made from beautifully woven fabrics with intricate patterns.

Trying on these outfits is more than just dressing up it reflects Bhutan’s deep respect for tradition. 

Paro Taktsang Hike will be the most anticipated highlight of your Visit to Bhutan, so do prepare yourself with essential Hiking items. Taktsang, which is perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters, is a sacred pilgrimage site and it is also one of the wonders of the world, which is also featured in many magazines and even documentary and cinemas. The hike takes 4–5 hours round-trip. 

Option for less experienced hikers: Stop at the cafeteria viewpoint for stunning photos without hiking the entire way. After the Completion of the hike, you can experience a Traditional Hot Stone Bath,  it is a therapeutic Bhutanese treatment involving mineral stones and herbs to relax your muscles after the long days of hard work. We would like to organise you with Bhutanese Cultural Programme for an Hour and Dinner at a local homestay. 

Overnight stay in Paro

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your departure. Take one last deep breath of the clean mountain air and reflect on your journey through Bhutan.