Upon arrival to Bangkok, a representative will greet you after exiting the plane and escort you through special fast track services, avoiding the potentially long queues at the immigration counter. Please note: Guests using fast track services should wear appropriate attire and avoid wearing short pants, slippers or similarly casual attire to ensure a smooth process with Thai immigration authorities.

You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.

You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.

Board a flight from Bangkok with direct service to Paro, Bhutan. Approximate flight time is 4 hours.

Upon arrival in Paro, you will be required to present two passport photos to the immigration official for your Bhutan visa (included), which will be stamped into your passport. Once you pass through customs your guide and driver will be waiting for you.

For your added comfort, your guide will be waiting for you outside the customs area with a sign with your name on it. Your guide will assist you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.

You will be met on arrival at Paro airport by a local guide. Once you have completed all airport formalities, you will begin your drive toward Thimphu. This is a scenic journey and takes roughly 1.5 hours. On arrival in Bhutan's modern capital, you will check in at your hotel.

Immerse yourself in Thimphu’s spiritual heritage, living traditions, and local crafts with your private guide. Visit the 12th-century Changangkha Lhakhang, home to a revered image of Chenrezig, then explore the General Post Office and discover Bhutan’s distinctive stamps and postcards. Connect with local traditions at the arts and crafts school and Traditional Medicine Institute before visiting the Motithang Takin Preserve. If time permits, stroll through Thimphu’s streets to uncover Himalayan textiles and local treasures. Conclude with a private transfer to your accommodation.

Dining at Le Meridien Thimphu brings together international flavours and local character. Choose Western-inspired buffets and a la carte favourites at Latest Recipe, or uncover Bhutanese flavours at Sese Shamu, where an inventive Asian menu and relaxed outdoor setting offer a deeper taste of the region.

Immerse yourself in the spiritual traditions, culture, and time-honoured crafts of Bhutan as you explore the Thimphu Valley with your private guide. Begin at Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery, where you may connect with nuns devoted to Buddhist practice. Continue with a gentle hike to Cheri Monastery, pausing for meditation and quiet reflection. After a local lunch, uncover Bhutanese craftsmanship through traditional paper-making and the Handicraft Bazaar, then visit Memorial Chorten for a deeper glimpse into the country’s Buddhist heritage. Conclude with a private transfer to your accommodation.

Explore Thimphu at your own pace as evening settles over the valley. Stroll along Norzin Lam, browse local crafts and snacks around Clock Tower Square, and admire the illuminated Tashichho Dzong. Venture into a local cafes for Bhutanese tea, sample street food, or listen to live music before a relaxed evening return.

Please note no guide or transfers are included.

After an early breakfast in Thimphu, you will drive up to Dochula Pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly to take in the view and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all of their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

On arrival in Punakha, check-in at your hotel. After lunch, hike up to the Chimi Lhakhang (temple) which is on a small hilltop. It is a pleasant 30 minute hike through rice paddies and a small village. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi from the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as the ‘Divine madman’ in the west. He preached in an unusual way for the time and dramatized the teachings using songs and outrageous sexual humor. Bold Phallus symbols and paintings on the houses or temples are as a result of his influence. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. A popular pilgrimage spot for the Bhutanese, it is frequented by childless couples and parents who have difficulty raising children from all over the world.

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it is the winter the seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Blessed with a temperate climate and fed by the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country. Today, you will begin with a hike up through the fields of rice along the banks of the Mo Chu to the upper end of the valley to see the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. Following the hike you will drive towards Khuruthang, passing Punthsho Pelri Palace and several other winter homes of the royal family before reaching the impressive Punakha Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the present monarch. It is open for visitors during the Punakha festival (early spring) and in the summer months, after the monks body has returned to Thimphu. The Dzong is placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. A picnic lunch will be served on the banks of the Punak Chu. In the evening, take a relaxing stroll around town.

With your rafting guide, float along the Mo Chu River in Punakha this morning, passing fields and the royal palaces. Look out for Mahseer fish in the water, said to grow up to 3 meters in length. Some locals even claim to have seen Gangetic fresh-water Dolphins here, although there isn’t any photo evidence that they can be found in Bhutanese rivers. As you reach near the Punakha dzong, spot the old house of Changi-bum Galem (dated 1637 or earlier), and learn about the 18th Century folklore of Changi-bumi Galem & Gasa Lamai Singye, whose tragic love story had been dubbed the “Bhutanese Romeo-Juliet”. Today's rafting will feature gentle rapids of Class 2-2+, suitable for beginners.

This morning, set off for Paro after an early breakfast and en route visit Semtokha Dzong, “the place of profound tantric teaching”, which stands on a hill a few kilometers out of town. On arrival in Paro, check in at your hotel.

Discover dining at Naksel Olive Restaurant, where you can savor Bhutanese specialties, Indian favourites, Asian-inspired dishes, and Western flavours. Relax by the indoor fireplace with views of Jumolhari, enjoy the aroma of fresh espresso and homemade pastries, or bring a book and sip a velvety latte in a welcoming setting.

After lunch today, you will visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses Bhutan’s National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore, such as the legend of the four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas. Along the way you will also see the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the evening visit a traditional farmhouse for an opportunity to interact with a local family and gain insight into the local lifestyle and cultures.

Enjoy Bhutan’s fresh air and stunning scenery today on a half-day cycling adventure. Venture outdoors with your specialized biking-guide, and choose a cycling option to suit your interests. Our recommended routes include;

Downhill Biking at Chelela Pass

Standing at around 13,000 feet, Chelela Pass attracts both serious and casual cyclists with its dramatic views of distant snow-capped peaks and an adrenaline-inducing decent. Travel by vehicle to the top of the Pass, and then ride the uninterrupted 21-mile descent back down towards Paro. This nonstop, downhill adventure is perfect for thrill seekers.

Drukgyel Dzong Cycling

Head to Drukgyel Dzong, an important 17th century fortress that now lies in ruins. The paved road to the Dzong and the return trip along an unpaved farm road makes for a lovely 19-mile loop.

Jemina to Ta Dzong Bike Ride

From the Town Square bike along the Paro–Thimphu Highway until Khasadrap- chhu, where you’ll cross a bridge and follow the road through the narrow Jemina valley. This logging road ascends to Jedekha, where the actual biking trail begins. The trail follows gentle terrain and ascents to the Jele Dzong Pass, where it bends sharply and heads up to meet a farm road. The farm road ends near the Ta Dzong gate, from where you’ll loop back to Paro along the paved road. This mountain biking trail lies between an altitude of 7,480–11,811 feet above sea level, with the surrounding vegetation changing as it elevates. Blue Pine forest is prominent in the lower section, mixed Coniferous forest in the middle range, and both Fir and Juniper forests around the upper Pass. The ground topography from the Pass to Ta Dzong is generally mild, with some occasional steep slopes.

Today you will embark on an excursion to view the spectacular and famous Taktsang monastery. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest with many trees festooned with Spanish moss and the occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. The hike will take you past a small cafeteria if a break is needed. Built in 1600’s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. It is believed that, in the 8th century Guru Rimpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. Guru Rimpoche is believed to have meditated here for three months and this place is considered as a ‘Mecca’ for Buddhists. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After the hike, you will visit Dungtse Lhakhang. The uniqueness of this temple lies in the fact that it is in the form of a chorten, one of the very few that exists in Bhutan. The lhakhang was built in 1421 by the famous Tibetan lama, Thongten Gyelpo (1385-1465) who was also known as Changzampa or the builder of iron bridges. It is believed that a demoness was terrorizing the Paro valley and the very hill that the temple is built on turned out to be the demoness’s head. So he built a chorten shaped temple over the demoness’s head or the hills to overpower her, as chortens most of the time play the part of a nail that immobilizes a demon. This evening, once back to your hotel, you can take a leisurely guided walk of the town of Paro.

Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese traditional hot stone bath at Naksel.

Your guide will escort you to the airport for departure from Paro.

Enjoy your flight from Paro to Bangkok. The flight duration is approximately four hours.

You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.

You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.

After checking your luggage and passing through Security, make your way to the VIP Airport Lounge in Suvarnabhumi Airport. Here you’re invited to relax and unwind, enjoying a range of amenities including food, beverages, select alcoholic drinks, Wi fi access, newspapers and magazines, among other features.

An oasis of convenience as the only official airport hotel in Bangkok, the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport offers 612 guest rooms and suites designed with tasteful Thai influence. Excellently located only a five-minute walk via underground air-conditioned walkway from the airport, the hotel also offers a convenient complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle from gate 4 of the arrivals level of the terminal. The rooms showcase sophisticated living spaces decked out in rich elements such as contemporary Thai art and colorful silk cushions evoke a sense of cultured refinement. The seven on-site restaurants and bars introduce culinary journeys that draw out the best from Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia. You can also workout in the state-of-the-art gymnasium, have a bracing dip in the swimming pool, relax at the solarium or pamper yourself at the sauna. Rooms feature Wi-Fi Internet, cable and satellite TV, work desk, electronic safety deposit box, alarm clock, coffee and tea making facilities, mini-bar and hairdryer. This is an idea spot for transiting guests looking for a moment of relaxation before a flight.

Le MÉridien Thimphu is centrally located in the heart of Bhutan's capital city with convenient access to Buddha Dordenma, Clock Tower Square and Changangkha and Phajoding Monasteries. Each of its 78 elegant guest rooms and nine suites boast authentic Bhutanese-style furnishings and stellar amenities such as a flat-screen TV, free high speed WIFI internet access, a marble bathroom, an ergonomic workspace and uncompromising views of the city and local hillsides. Guests will enjoy onsite dining options, an indoor swimming pool and spa and complimentary WIFI internet access through the hotel.

Dhensa Boutique Resort pays homage to the simple moments allowing you to retreat, revive your senses and immerse yourself in the peace and beauty of nature at its most brilliant. Dhensa Punakha marries contemporary design with this Himalayan kingdom’s ancient and alluring ways. The property is set in the heart of the verdant and lush Punakha Valley. Flanked by thick pine forests, it overlooks the Punakha river and hundreds of paddy fields that stair-step down the valley floor. The resort is also surrounded by plentiful walking and trekking trails. The cuisine at Dhensa is a celebration of the great things in life with a menu of nourishing foods brought to you from farm to table. Your passionate hosts at Dhensa Boutique Resort invite you to embrace the purity of Bhutan.

Naksel, a community-based project that is eco friendly and Energy Saver efficient, blends the heritage of traditional Bhutanese architecture and the comfort of modern amenities. Elaborate hand-carved pillars and beautiful stonework exemplify the essence of Bhutan while tapered mud-brick walls provide insulation and restful silence.