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7. Places to visit in Punakha Bhutan
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  • Bhutan Punakha suspension bridge 1097574620 Website 1920x1080 fill gravityauto
  • Chimi Lhakhang, Bhutan
  • Dochu La Pass
  • Dochu La Pass
Bhutan9 days

Bhutan: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro — 9 Days

Western Bhutan from capital to Tiger's Nest, with Phobjikha Valley's glacial basin and national activities.

This nine-day route traces Bhutan's primary population centers and monasteries across three valleys. Beginning in Thimphu, the itinerary continues to Punakha, then to Phobjikha before returning to Paro for the Tiger's Nest hike. The sequence moves through royal sites, vernacular architecture, and the country's national sports—archery and river rafting. Accommodation is in established hotels; all meals and private vehicle transfers are included, as are entrance fees and an English-speaking guide.

Best time to go: mar/ apr/ may/ jun/ sep/ oct/ nov

Highlights

  • Nature trail walk from Changangkha to Kuenselphodrang, home to the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan
  • Dochula Pass, with views across the Himalayan foothills
  • Punakha Dzong, fortress-monastery at the confluence of two rivers
  • 30-minute hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten, a whitewashed chorten perched above the Punakha Valley
  • River rafting on the Mo Chhu, followed by archery (Bhutan's national sport) and riverside picnic
  • Phobjikha Valley, a glacial basin with seasonal black-necked cranes and monastery visits
  • Cycling through Phobjikha's cultivated fields and horse riding across open grassland
  • Tiger's Nest Monastery, reached by a hike from Paro
  • Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, dating to the 7th century

Day by day

1Arrival at Paro, Transfer to ThimphuParo International Airport to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport. Transfer by private vehicle to Thimphu, 50 kilometers south.
2Thimphu: Nature Trail to Buddha Statue, Museums & MarketsTraditional Arts & Craft School · Folk Heritage Museum · Takin Zoo · Craft Bazaar · Kaja Throm farmers market · Tashichhodzong · Changangkha to Kuenselphodrang
A nine-kilometer walk from Changangkha ascends to Kuenselphodrang, Bhutan's largest Buddha statue. Visit the Traditional Arts & Craft School and Folk Heritage Museum in the morning. The afternoon covers Takin Zoo, Craft Bazaar, and Kaja Throm farmers market, with free time before evening at Tashichhodzong.
3Punakha Valley: Dochula Pass & DzongPunakha via Dochula Pass · Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple · Punakha Dzong · suspension bridge
Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, visiting Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple. After check-in, visit Punakha Dzong and cross the suspension bridge.
4Punakha: Khamsum Chorten, River Rafting & ArcheryKhamsum Yulley Chorten · Mo Chhu river valley · by the water
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten above the Mo Chhu river valley, then raft downstream. Picnic lunch by the water includes a try at archery, Bhutan's national game, and fishing.
5Phobjikha Valley: Wangduephodrang Dzong & Gangtey MonasteryPhobjikha · Wangduephodrang Dzong · Gangtey Monastery · grassland
Drive 82km to Phobjikha, visiting Wangduephodrang Dzong en route. Visit Gangtey Monastery, meet the Royal Society for Protection of Nature staff, ride horses across grassland, and gather for an evening bonfire.
6Phobjikha Valley: Cycling, Horse Riding & Herbal Bathrye fields · herding settlements · grassland
Cycle through rye fields and herding settlements, then ride across grassland. Afternoon thermal soak with medicinal herbs.
7Paro: Kyichu Lhakhang & Taa Dzong MuseumParo · Kyichu Lhakhang · Taa Dzong Museum
Return to Paro (170km, 5 hours). Visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, then Taa Dzong Museum. Stroll town and shop.
8Paro: Tiger's Nest Monastery HikeTiger's Nest Monastery
Hike through forest to the cliff-clinging monastery.
9Departure from Paro
Hotel checkout and airport departure.

Where you go

Map: Bhutan: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro — 9 Days route
Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
  1. 1Traditional Arts & Craft School
  2. 2Takin Zoo
  3. 3Kaja Throm Farmers Market
  4. 4Tashichhodzong
  5. 5Punakha Dzong
  6. 6Wangduephodrang Dzong
  7. 7Gangtey Monastery
  8. 8Paro town
  9. 9Kyichu Lhakhang
  10. 10Tiger's Nest Monastery

Included

  • Accommodation at 5* rated hotels
  • All meals (Breakfast & Dinner at hotels, Lunch at restaurants)
  • English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Private vehicle transfers
  • Entrance Fees to attractions
  • Activities as per itinerary

Not included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions
  • SDF payable to the government
  • Visa fee $40 per person
  • Disclaimer:
  • For Indian Nationals, SDF fees are INR.1200/person/night. Please contact us for applicable price if you are of Indian nationality.
  • Please contact us for specific requests on luxury accommodation as prices may vary.
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