ESSENTIAL BHUTAN TOUR

Breathe in the fresh mountain air and take in views of forested ridgelines. After meeting your local English speaking guide, Beyond The Borders tour leader and local driver, begin your scenic drive to Thimphu.

Stop at Chuzom to see three unique stupas - Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese - marking the spiritual convergence of rivers and traditions. Nearby, visit Tachogang Lhakhang to walk across a 15th-century iron bridge.

Arrive in Thimphu and check into your hotel. Later, visit Simply Bhutan for an immersive introduction to Bhutanese culture, from traditional crafts to everyday life and customs.

Head up to Buddha Point for sunset views and a moment of stillness beneath Bhutan’s largest statue.

Return to the hotel in the evening for a traditional Bhutanese dinner.

Begin your drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, offering sweeping views of the eastern Himalayas and the 108 chortens.

After checking into your hotel, visit Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress, located between two rivers.

In the afternoon, walk through fields and villages to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple. Learn about its fascinating legends and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

After breakfast, begin a scenic hike along the Mo Chhu River. Walk through fields of chillies, cabbages and rice to reach Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten, built by the Queen Mother and consecrated in 1999. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the Punakha Valley.

Later, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, perched high on a pine-covered ridge. The temple houses a 14-foot statue of Avalokiteshvara and several other sacred figures. It also serves as a training centre where nuns study religion and learn life skills such as tailoring and thangka painting.

If you are feeling adventurous, and do not mind the cold, try river rafting on the Mo Chhu or Pho Chhu rivers. The rivers offer both gentle and thrilling rapids, with stunning views all around.

Leave Punakha and drive back to Paro.

On the way, visit Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest dzong, which now serves as a Buddhist institute.

In Paro, explore Ta Dzong, a watchtower turned museum with artefacts ranging from ancient armour to traditional masks.

Afterwards, depending on the group’s preference, we will either walk down to Rinpung Dzong, the “fortress of the heap of jewels,” renowned for its painted wooden galleries and murals, or enjoy free time in Paro town for browsing and souvenirs.

Rise early for your hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched 900 metres above the valley floor. The five-hour round-trip hike (with ponies available up to halfway) is the highlight of any journey through Bhutan.

After returning to Paro, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, a soothing post-hike experience where heated river stones warm mineral water infused with local herbs.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide and driver, and share your reflections on your journey through Bhutan.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight home. Your journey concludes with lasting memories of Bhutan’s culture, nature and Himalayan landscapes.