Six-Night Himalayan Explorer: A Luxury Journey Through Bhutan
Experience the best of Bhutan in just 7days 6 Nights – a perfectly crafted itinerary to explore stunning landscapes, ancient culture, and unforgettable moments with Deya Bhutan Tours and Travel.
Bhutan Trip Itinerary
Embark on the ultimate luxury adventure with our Six-Night Himalayan Explorer itinerary, designed to immerse you in the rich Buddhist culture, breathtaking landscapes, and serene beauty of Bhutan. This exclusive journey, featuring stays at COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha—both celebrated in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Resorts—combines guided explorations, cultural discoveries, and unparalleled relaxation.
Your journey to Bhutan begins as you touch down at Paro International Airport, one of the most scenic airports in the world. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in the serene beauty and warm hospitality of this magical kingdom.
Highlights of Your Arrival Day
- Warm Welcome at Paro Airport
- Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the friendly staff from COMO Uma Paro, who will assist you with the 10-minute transfer to the resort.
- Check-In at COMO Uma Paro
- Settle into your luxurious room or suite, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Take some time to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the resort.
- Afternoon Sightseeing in Paro
- Paro Town: Embark on your first exploration of Bhutan with a visit to Paro Town. Stroll through its charming streets, browse local shops, and get a feel for the town’s unique character.
- Temple Visit: Visit one of Paro’s ancient temples, such as Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred sites. This serene temple offers a peaceful introduction to Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.
- Acclimatization and Orientation
- This gentle afternoon excursion allows you to acclimatize to the altitude and begin to connect with your Bhutanese guide, who will be your companion and storyteller throughout your journey.
- Overnight at COMO Uma Paro
- Return to the resort for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a delicious meal at the resort’s restaurant, featuring a blend of Bhutanese and international cuisine.
Today, you’ll embark on a breathtaking journey from COMO Uma Paro to COMO Uma Punakha, with a stop in Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital. This day is a perfect blend of cultural immersion and scenic beauty, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn.
Highlights of Your Journey
- Thimphu: The Heart of Bhutan
- Location: Thimphu, sprawled across the wooded western hillside of the Wang Chhu River, is Bhutan’s center of government, religion, and commerce.
- Immersive Tour: Explore some of Thimphu’s major attractions, including:
- Buddha Dordenma Statue: A towering 169-foot bronze statue of Buddha, offering panoramic views of the valley.
- National Memorial Chorten: A revered religious site where locals gather to pray and circumambulate.
- Trashi Chhoe Dzong: The fortress of the glorious religion, housing the throne room and offices of the King of Bhutan.
- Folk Heritage Museum: A glimpse into traditional Bhutanese rural life, housed in a restored farmhouse.
- Scenic Drive to Punakha
- Dochu La Pass: After leaving Thimphu, the drive to Punakha takes you over the 3,000-meter-high Dochu La Pass.
- 108 Chortens: Marvel at the 108 Buddhist shrines built on the pass, a tribute to Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.
- Prayer Flags: Walk through forests of fluttering prayer flags, adding a spiritual touch to the landscape.
- Himalayan Views: On a clear day, enjoy sweeping views of the Himalayan range, including peaks like Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
- Dochu La Pass: After leaving Thimphu, the drive to Punakha takes you over the 3,000-meter-high Dochu La Pass.
- Arrival at COMO Uma Punakha
- Duration: The drive from Thimphu to Punakha takes approximately 3 to 4 hours (126 km).
- Overnight: Settle into your luxurious room at COMO Uma Punakha, nestled in the serene Punakha Valley.
Today, you’ll immerse yourself in the lush and fertile Punakha Valley, a region known for its spiritual landmarks, historic fortresses, and stunning landscapes. From the sacred Chimi Lhakhang to the majestic Punakha Dzong and the serene Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, this day is designed to connect you with the heart and soul of Bhutan.
Highlights of Your Day in Punakha
- Morning: Visit Chimi Lhakhang – The Fertility Temple
- Location: Begin your day with a short walk through farmhouses and rice paddies to reach Chimi Lhakhang.
- History: Built in the 15th century, this temple is dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Madman,” a Tibetan Buddhist saint known for his unconventional teachings.
- Significance: The temple is a pilgrimage site for couples seeking blessings for fertility and is surrounded by a peaceful, picturesque landscape.
- Midday: Discover Punakha Dzong – The Palace of Great Happiness
- Location: As you head further down the valley, the 300-year-old Punakha Dzong comes into view.
- History: Built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan, this fortress once housed the country’s government.
- Significance: Today, it serves as the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the head abbot of Bhutan, and is home to 1,000 monks.
- Experience: Marvel at the dzong’s intricate architecture, vibrant murals, and serene courtyards.
- Lunch: A Taste of Bhutanese Cuisine
- Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring traditional Bhutanese dishes, made with fresh, local ingredients.
- Afternoon: Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- Location: After lunch, embark on a scenic walk through homesteads and farmland to reach the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.
- History: This shrine was recently built by the royal family and is dedicated to peace and harmony.
- Experience: Enjoy the serene surroundings and panoramic views of the Punakha Valley.
Today, you’ll retrace your steps from Punakha Valley back to Paro, with opportunities to explore fascinating cultural landmarks and enjoy the stunning scenery of Bhutan. This journey is a perfect blend of scenic beauty, spiritual discovery, and local experiences, ensuring your day is both enriching and memorable.
Highlights of Your Journey
- Dochu La Pass: A Second Chance for Himalayan Views
- Location: As you drive back over the 3,000-meter-high Dochu La Pass, take another opportunity to admire the 108 chortens and the sweeping views of the Himalayan mountain range (weather permitting).
- Chuzom: The Confluence of Rivers
- Location: At Chuzom, where the Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu rivers meet, you’ll find three unique shrines.
- Significance: Each shrine is built in a different architectural style—Nepali, Tibetan, and Bhutanese—and serves to ward off evil spirits.
- Tamchog Lhakhang: A Temple of Engineering and Devotion
- Location: If time permits, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced suspension bridges to Bhutan and Tibet.
- Significance: The temple is accessible via one of these historic bridges, offering a unique blend of spirituality and engineering marvels.
- Scenic Drive Through Paro Valley
- Route: The final leg of your drive takes you through apple orchards and rice paddies, showcasing the agricultural beauty of the Paro Valley.
- Evening at COMO Uma Paro
- Activities: Spend your evening trying something from the resort’s activities menu, such as archery, Bhutan’s national sport, or simply relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Today, you’ll embark on a captivating journey through Paro, one of Bhutan’s most enchanting valleys. This day is a perfect blend of cultural immersion, spiritual discovery, and scenic exploration, offering you a deeper connection to Bhutan’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights of Your Journey
- Ta Dzong – Bhutan’s National Museum
- Location: Perched high above Paro Valley.
- Experience: Explore the circular watchtower, now home to Bhutan’s National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts, thangka paintings, and historical treasures.
- View: Enjoy panoramic views of Paro Valley, a perfect backdrop for photos and quiet reflection.
- Rinpung Dzong – Fortress on a Heap of Jewels
- Location: At the base of Ta Dzong.
- Significance: This majestic fortress-monastery is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and a center of spiritual and administrative life.
- Experience: Wander through its courtyards, temples, and prayer halls, where the air is filled with the scent of incense and the hum of monks chanting.
- Nyamai Zam – The Traditional Covered Bridge
- Location: Crossing the Paro Chhu River.
- Experience: Walk across this picturesque bridge, a perfect spot for photos and a moment of tranquility as you listen to the river flow beneath you.
- Ugyen Pelri Palace and Paro Town
- Location: En route to Paro town.
- Experience: Stroll past the serene Ugyen Pelri Palace, surrounded by lush gardens, and explore the vibrant streets of Paro town. Interact with friendly locals, browse handicraft shops, and soak in the town’s laid-back charm.
- Kyichu Lhakhang – A Sacred Temple with a Magical Orange Tree
- Location: A few kilometers north of Paro.
- Significance: One of Bhutan’s oldest temples, Kyichu Lhakhang is a place of deep spiritual energy.
- Highlight: Marvel at the temple’s magical orange tree, which bears fruit year-round, symbolizing divine blessings.
- Drukgyel Dzong – A Historic Fortress
- Location: Further up the Paro Valley (time permitting).
- Significance: Built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this fortress was designed to protect the northern route to Tibet.
- Experience: Explore the partially ruined structure, which offers a fascinating glimpse into Bhutan’s storied past and stunning views of the surrounding valley.
Today, you’ll embark on one of Bhutan’s most iconic and unforgettable experiences—a visit to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. Perched dramatically on a cliffside, this sacred site is not only a masterpiece of architecture but also a symbol of Bhutan’s spiritual heritage. Combined with the natural beauty of Paro Valley, this day promises to be a highlight of your journey.
Highlights of Your Journey
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery – A Sacred Cliffside Wonder
- Location: Nestled on a cliff 900 meters above Paro Valley.
- Legend: According to Bhutanese folklore, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) flew to this site on the back of a tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.
- Experience: Begin your day early to avoid the midday sun and embark on a 2-hour hike through lush forests and past a cascading waterfall. The trail offers stunning views of the valley and the monastery, making it a photographer’s paradise.
- Spiritual Connection: Explore the monastery’s sacred halls adorned with beautiful murals, prayer wheels, and statues. If time permits, venture further up to visit remote temples for a deeper spiritual experience.
- Lunch with a View
- Option 1: Enjoy a prepared picnic at a scenic spot along the trail, surrounded by nature.
- Option 2: Dine at the charming Taktsang Cafeteria, which offers breathtaking views of the monastery and valley.
- Return to COMO Uma Paro – Relaxation and Rejuvenation
- Activities: After your hike, return to the luxurious COMO Uma Paro to unwind. Recharge with a dip in the swimming pool, a session in the steam room, or a workout in the gym.
- Indulgence: Treat yourself to a rejuvenating COMO Shambhala treatment, designed to soothe your body and mind after the day’s adventure.
As your unforgettable journey through Bhutan comes to an end, we ensure your departure is as seamless and comfortable as your arrival. Your final moments in the Land of the Thunder Dragon will be filled with warm memories and a promise to return.
Highlights of Your Departure Day
- Seamless Transfer to Paro Airport
- Timing: Your 10-minute transfer to Paro International Airport will be arranged according to your flight schedule.
- Experience: Enjoy a stress-free ride, reflecting on the incredible experiences and memories you’ve gathered during your time in Bhutan.
- Fond Farewell
- As you board your flight, take one last look at the snow-capped peaks and lush valleys of Bhutan, knowing that this magical kingdom will always welcome you back with open arms.