7 Day Bhutan Cultural Tour from Kathmandu – Paro, Thimphu, Punakha & Phobjikha

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu for the morning Drukair/Bhutan Airlines flight to Paro International Airport.

Enjoy one of the world's most scenic mountain flights, taking in aerial views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga.

Complete Bhutanese immigration and customs formalities at Paro Airport and receive a traditional silk scarf (Tashi Khaddar) welcome from your licensed Bhutanese guide and driver.

Embark on a scenic 1 to 1.5-hour drive along the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu river valleys to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital.

Transfer to your hotel to check in, unpack, and freshen up.

Afternoon orientation stroll around Thimphu town center, Clock Tower Square, or a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (flight arrival timing permitting).

Welcome dinner featuring authentic Bhutanese cuisine (including Ema Datshi) and overnight stay in Thimphu.

Breakfast at the hotel before beginning a guided cultural tour of the capital.

Drive up to the colossal bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point) overlooking the Thimphu Valley.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, where local elders circumambulate and spin prayer wheels in daily devotion.

Explore the Motithang Takin Preserve to observe Bhutan's unique national animal, the Takin.

Tour the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts Institute) to watch students mastering the 13 traditional Bhutanese arts.

Browse the local handicraft market and Centenary Farmers Market for regional textiles, thangkas, and woodcarvings.

Conclude the day with a visit to the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the fortress of the glorious religion that houses the throne room and government secretariat.

Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.

Morning departure climbing through pine and hemlock forests to the crest of Dochula Pass (3,100 m).

Admire the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and take in 360-degree views of the snow-capped Eastern Himalayan peaks (weather permitting).

Descend through changing sub-tropical vegetation into the fertile Punakha Valley (1,250 m).

Take an easy, scenic walk through terraced rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang (the Divine Madman’s Fertility Temple).

Visit the historic Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

Walk across the adjacent Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in Bhutan draped in prayer flags.

Dinner and overnight stay in Punakha.

Wholesome breakfast before driving east through winding mountain passes into the glacial valley of Phobjikha.

Arrive in the Gangtey region, renowned for its open alpine marshes and rural pastoral landscapes.

Tour the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Sangngak Chöling), an important seat of the Peling Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Embark on the gentle 1.5 to 2-hour Gangtey Nature Trail, walking from the monastery through pine woods, bamboo meadows, and open wetlands.

Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to learn about the endangered cranes that migrate here from Tibet each winter.

Experience the peaceful atmosphere of traditional Bhutanese rural life.

Dinner and overnight stay at a local lodge in Phobjikha / Gangtey.

Morning breakfast with sweeping views of the mist rising over the Phobjikha valley basin.

Board private transport for the overland journey back west toward Paro, crossing mountain passes and river valleys.

Relaxing transit day designed without rushed detours to allow for roadside viewpoints and comfortable travel pacing.

Arrive in the historic valley of Paro in the mid-to-late afternoon and check into your hotel.

Visit the circular watchtower of Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan) and the fortified monastery of Rinpung Dzong overlooking the Paro Chhu.

Stroll through the charming, wooden-fronted shops and cafes of Paro town.

Dinner and overnight stay in Paro.

Early morning breakfast before driving to the trailhead at the base of the Paro Valley.

Embark on the iconic 4 to 6-hour round-trip hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), clinging to a granite cliff 900 meters above the valley floor.

Stop at the halfway cafeteria for butter tea and panoramic views of the monastery.

Climb stone stairs carved into the rock, cross the waterfall gorge, and enter the sacred cave shrines where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century.

Descend back to the valley floor and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest 7th-century temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Optional Experience: Relax tired hiking muscles with a traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath infused with river stones and wild Artemisia herbs (available at extra cost).

Farewell dinner and overnight stay in Paro.

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel in Paro.

Transfer to Paro International Airport with your Bhutanese guide and driver to complete exit departure formalities.

Board the scheduled Drukair / Bhutan Airlines flight back to Kathmandu, enjoying final aerial panoramas of the Himalayan chain.

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, clear immigration, and retrieve your luggage.

Private airport meet-and-transfer to your hotel or onward international transit terminal with Om Holidays Tour & Trek.