
7-Day Dzong Discovery Tour in Bhutan
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Thimphu
- Arrival at Paro International Airport with a scenic flight over the Himalayas.
- Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong – a perfect introduction to dzong architecture.
- Drive to Thimphu (1.5 hrs).
- Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Exploration
- Visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong – seat of government and monastic leadership.
- Optional: Visit National Library and Folk Heritage Museum for architectural context.
- Explore local crafts at the Weekend Market.
- Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha (via Dochula Pass)
- Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (stunning 108 chortens and Himalayan views).
- Visit Punakha Dzong – arguably the most beautiful dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers.
- Walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge nearby.
- Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha – Trongsa
- Scenic drive to Trongsa (approx. 6 hours).
- Visit Chendebji Chorten en route.
- Arrive and explore Trongsa Dzong – the largest dzong and ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family.
- Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 5: Trongsa – Bumthang
- Drive to the spiritual heartland of Bumthang (approx. 2.5 hours).
- Visit Jakar Dzong – known as the “Fortress of the White Bird.”
- Explore monasteries like Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Goemba.
- Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang – Paro (Flight or Drive)
- Option to fly back to Paro or drive (approx. 9 hours).
- Evening free for strolls around Paro town.
- Optional: Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
- Overnight in Paro.
Day 7: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
- Half-day hike to Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic cliff-side marvel.
- Reflect on the spiritual and architectural journey.
- Farewell dinner with traditional Bhutanese cuisine.
- Overnight in Paro or departure.
Tour Highlights
- 6 Dzongs: Paro, Tashichho, Punakha, Trongsa, Jakar, and optional Wangdue.
- Optional add-on: Attend a Tsechu festival at one of the dzongs.
- Full cultural immersion with guides explaining the symbolism and history of each site.