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Arrive
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Day 1 Paro to Thimphu, Buddha Dordenma
Arrive in Paro today where you will be met at the airport for the 90-minute drive to Bhutan's capital city of Thimphu. Here you will be staying in a sanctuary of peace and wellness, the Six Senses, which is set on a hillside surrounded by pine forests looking out over Thimphu. After time to freshen up, set out with your guide to visit the city's most iconic landmark, Buddha Dordenma, a towering gilded bronze statue that guards the entrance to the Thimphu Valley. The statue itself is filled with 125,000 miniature statues, and is one of the largest Shakyamuni Buddha representations in the world. Spend as long as you wish enjoying the surroundings before returning to your hotel. This evening you may wish to venture into central Thimphu to try one of its authentic local restaurants.
Overnight: Six Senses Thimphu
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Day 2 The Trans Bhutan Trail from Dochula to Toeb Chandana
After breakfast, you'll drive to Dochula Pass, where - on clear days - you can take in stunning views of the Himalayan range. From here, you'll join the Trans Bhutan Trail, descending into a nearby valley to begin the Divine Madman Trail.
This route follows the path of Drukpa Kuenley, a legendary 16th-century Buddhist master known for his unorthodox ways and powerful teachings. Along the trail, you'll pass temples and landmarks tied to his story, including Thinleygang Lhakhang, where you'll stop for a picnic lunch.
You'll continue on to Toeb Chandhana Lhakhang, said to be where Kuenley's arrow landed after he fired it from Tibet to choose his path and where the nearby hills are believed to be the knees of a demoness subdued by the temple's power. Next door, you'll visit the house of Toeb Tshewang - where legend tells of Kuenley's divine trickery and a miraculous knotted sword. This short walk weaves together myth, history, and Bhutan's unique spiritual heritage
Tonight will be spent in simple yet comfortable camp at Toeb Chandhana.
Overnight: Trans Bhutan Trail Signature Camping
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Day 3 The Trans Bhutan Trail from Toeb Chandana to Punakha
After a night under canvas and breakfast at the camp, you will depart Toeb Chandana following the scenic ascent towards Sew Drangsa. Arriving here you will find a clearing marked with prayer flags - the usual lunch stop for the monks following this ancient route - and this is where you will also stop for a picnic before resuming your final section of the Trans Bhutan Trail. This is a spectacular descent towards Punakha Dzong, taking in magnificent views of the Punakha Valley along the way. Arriving at the dzong - one of the country's most beautiful - you will be able to take a fascinating tour with your guide, learning about its significance in Bhutanese history, as well as its resilience (it has survived fire, floods, Tibetan invasions and a glacial lake burst). Later this afternoon, check in to the fabulous Pemako Punakha.
Overnight: Pemako Punakha
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Day 4 Exploring, Hiking and Rafting
After breakfast, embark on a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning representation of traditional Bhutanese architecture and artistry. The moderate, hour-long trail winds through pine forests and gently climbs toward the Chorten, offering sweeping views of the Punakha Valley along the way.
Perched on a ridge, this four-story temple commands a panoramic view across the Mo Chhu River and up towards the majestic peaks of Gasa. Built over nine years under the guidance of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, the Chorten was constructed according to sacred texts with the intention of dispelling negative forces and fostering peace, stability, and harmony in an ever-changing world. It stands as a spiritual beacon dedicated to the wellbeing of Bhutan, its people, and all sentient beings.
In the afternoon, enjoy a rafting adventure down the serene Mo Chhu River, paddling toward the iconic Punakha Dzong just before the river meets the more turbulent Pho Chhu. Of Punakha's two rivers - Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) - the latter is favored for its calm, gentle flow, making it ideal for first-timers, families with children, and older travelers. In contrast, the Pho Chhu is known for its stronger currents and is recommended only for the more adventurous.
Total rafting time: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on water levels
Overnight: Pemako Punakha
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Day 5 Punakha to Paro
Bidding farewell to Punakha today you will travel to Paro in private vehicle (a journey of around four hours). There will be ample time to explore Paro this afternoon, visiting the point where the Thimphu River meets the Paro River, crossing the ancient iron suspension bridge and visiting the National museum. Then settle in for the night at the COMO Uma Paro, a delightful hotel boasting sweeping views over the Paro Valley, superb cuisine and an excellent spa.
Overnight: COMO Uma Paro
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Day 6 Morning Climb to the Tiger's Nest - Afternoon at Leisure
Complete your Bhutanese adventure with a hike to one of the country's most revered icons, the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang). Typically taking around four to five hours in total, the walk includes a spectacular ascent some 1000 metres past prayer wheels and pine forests to Taktsang. More than just a monument, a small number of monks still inhabit the monastery and you will have plenty of time to contemplate the site and admire the views before returning to the COMO Uma Paro this afternoon. The spa here is one of the best in the country, so spending a couple of hours here could be a soothing pastime for your final afternoon in Bhutan.
Overnight: COMO Uma Paro
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Day 7 To Paro Airport for onward flight
Your driver will meet you at your hotel for your transfer to Paro Airport, in plenty of time for your flight home.
Overnight: Home
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Day 8 To Paro Airport for onward flight
Your driver will meet you at your hotel for your transfer to Paro Airport, in plenty of time for your flight home.
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Depart
