Bhutan Classic — Thimphu, Punakha & Paro

Highlights

• Buddha Dordenma & Tashichho Dzong
• Punakha Dzong & suspension bridge
• Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike

Day by day

1. Day 1Arrive Paro, drive to Thimphu

   Entry formalities at Paro, then an easy ninety minutes to Thimphu along the river. Time enough to notice that there are no traffic lights, no billboards, and that the whole valley is quieter than you expected.

2. Day 2Thimphu Sightseeing

   A day in the capital. The Buddha Dordenma sits enormous and gilded on a hillside looking out over the whole of Thimphu; Tashichho Dzong holds both the government and the monastic body behind whitewashed walls; and the handicrafts market is where the weaving and carving actually changes hands.

3. Day 3Thimphu to Punakha

   Up over Dochula Pass, where a bank of chortens stands against the Himalaya on a clear morning, then down into a warmer valley for Punakha Dzong — arguably the most beautiful building in the country, set where two rivers meet. And out onto Bhutan's longest suspension bridge, which sways rather more than you would like.

4. Day 4Punakha to Paro

   The drive back to Paro, unhurried, with the afternoon free to wander a town of painted timber houses along a single main street.

5. Day 5Tiger's Nest Hike & Departure

   An early start for Taktsang. The Tiger's Nest clings to a cliff nine hundred metres above the valley floor and the walk up takes a few hours, which is exactly why it is worth it. Then down the mountain and on to the airport.

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