Thimphu and Paro

Drive About 1.5 hrsAltitude about 2,320 m

Your guide and driver meet you at Paro airport for the drive to the capital, stopping at Tachog Lhakhang and its iron chain bridge for tea. After a Bhutanese lunch, rest and adjust to the altitude. Late afternoon, see the great Buddha at Buddha Point in the golden light, then Tashichho Dzong as the working day ends.

• Tachog Lhakhang
• Tashichho Dzong

Altitude about 2,320 m

A leisurely breakfast, then light a butter lamp at the National Memorial Chorten and walk the rounds with local elders. Meet the takin and have lunch at the Simply Bhutan living museum. After some rest, make your own stamps at the Postal Museum, try on a gho or kira at the handicraft market, and stroll the town before dinner at our family home.

• National Memorial Chorten
• Takin Preserve
• Simply Bhutan

Drive About 1.5 hrsAltitude about 2,200 m

At a traditional art school, print your own prayer flag and try your hand at Bhutanese painting. After lunch, drive to Paro for the National Museum and a walk down to Rinpung Dzong and its covered bridge. The evening is free.

• Choki Traditional Art School
• National Museum (Ta Dzong)
• Rinpung Dzong

Hike about 2–3 hrs up, 3,120 m at the topAltitude about 2,200 m

The hike to Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest, taken slowly with plenty of stops and tea halfway. A pony can carry you uphill if you’d like. After visiting the monastery, lunch faces it across the valley. On the way back, Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, then rest. A hot stone bath before a farewell dinner.

• Tiger’s Nest
• Kyichu Lhakhang

After breakfast, the drive to Paro airport and a warm farewell from your guide and driver. With an afternoon flight, there’s time for a last stroll in Paro town.