5 Nights - 6 Days Bhutan Tour Itinerary From Phuntsholing

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Buddha Dordenma, a massive 51-meter-tall statue of Buddha that overlooks the Thimphu valley. It's a great spot for panoramic views and a serene atmosphere.
Late Morning: Explore the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is a central point for daily prayers and circumambulation for Thimphu residents.
Afternoon: Visit the National Folk Heritage Museum, which provides a fascinating look into the traditional rural life of Bhutanese people. Afterward, head to the Takin Preserve to see the unique national animal of Bhutan, a goat-antelope hybrid with a fascinating legend.
Evening: Witness the grandeur of Tashichho Dzong, the "fortress of the glorious religion." This is the seat of the Bhutanese government and the summer residence of the Chief Abbot. Visitors are allowed to enter after office hours.
Overnight: Thimphu.

Dochula Pass: Depart from Thimphu in the morning and begin your ascent towards Dochula Pass, a scenic mountain pass located at an altitude of approximately 3,100 meters (10,170 feet).
Attraction: The pass is home to the stunning Druk Wangyal Chortens, a complex of 108 memorial stupas built to honor Bhutanese soldiers. On a clear day, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan range.
Time: Allocate about 30 minutes for a coffee break and to take in the views and the serene atmosphere.
Afternoon: Exploring the Punakha Valley
Punakha Dzong: Descend from Dochula Pass into the warmer Punakha Valley, which sits at a lower altitude of around 1,200 meters (3,940 feet). The main attraction is the majestic Punakha Dzong, also known as "The Palace of Great Happiness."
Attraction: This is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River). Its striking architecture and historical significance make it a must-visit. It served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955.
Time: Plan for 1 to 2 hours to explore the courtyards, temples, and intricate artwork within the dzong.
Punakha Suspension Bridge: Located near the dzong, the Punakha Suspension Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, spanning the Pho Chhu river.
Attraction: The bridge offers spectacular views of the river and the surrounding valley. Crossing it is an exciting experience.
Time: A short walk of 20-30 minutes is enough to cross the bridge and take photos.
Chimi Lhakhang (The Fertility Temple): Drive to the nearby village of Lobesa to visit this unique temple.
Attraction: Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, the "Divine Madman," a revered Buddhist saint. The temple is famous for its phallic symbols and is believed to bless those seeking children. The walk to the temple through picturesque rice fields and villages is an attraction in itself.
Time: The visit and hike will take approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Alternative and Additional Activities
Hiking to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: If you have more time, consider a hike to this beautiful chorten, which offers stunning views of the Punakha Valley. The trail takes you through rice fields and across an iron suspension bridge.
River Rafting: For the adventurous, rafting on the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers is a popular activity.
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery: Located on a hilltop overlooking the Punakha and Wangdue valleys, this nunnery provides a tranquil setting and showcases beautiful Bhutanese architecture.

Morning: Enjoy a scenic drive from Thimphu to Paro. The journey is short, approximately 50 km, and takes about 1.5 hours.
Late Morning: Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong), which is housed in a circular watchtower. The museum showcases an impressive collection of Bhutanese artifacts, thangkas (scroll paintings), and natural history exhibits.
Afternoon: Descend from the museum to visit Rinpung Dzong, "the fortress on a heap of jewels." This impressive fortress is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and houses the administrative offices of the district.
Evening: Stroll through the charming streets of Paro town, known for its traditional wooden houses and shops.
Overnight: Paro.

Morning: Today is dedicated to the highlight of your trip: the hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. This sacred monastery is perched precariously on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley.
Hike Details: The trek takes approximately 5-6 hours round trip, including time for rest and exploring the monastery. You can also ride a horse up to a certain point (additional cost). The view from the top is breathtaking and the spiritual significance of the site is immense.
Afternoon: After descending from the hike, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century.
Evening: You can opt for a traditional hot stone bath (at an additional cost) to relax your muscles after the long hike.
Overnight: Paro.

Morning: After breakfast, begin your drive back to Phuntsholing from Paro. The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours.
Late Morning/Afternoon: Enjoy the final leg of your journey, with a final glimpse of the beautiful Bhutanese landscape.
Afternoon: Upon arrival in Phuntsholing, you will complete the immigration exit formalities.
Departure: Your tour concludes as you cross the border back to India.