Paro in 10 Days for Couples - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) hike
In Collaboration with Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Responsible and sustainable tour that explores deep inside Bhutan to meet local communities, visit sacred sites and experience the country’s cultural and natural highlights with an experienced local guide.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel, inspired by the tour 10 Days Bhutan In-depth Culture & Nature Travel Experience. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) hike
- Gangtey Monastery & Phobjikha Valley
- Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Chorten
- Trongsa Dzong and Bumthang cultural sites
- Haa Valley and Chele La Pass
- Paro National Museum (Ta Dzong) and Kyichu Lhakhang
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival to Paro and transfer to Thimphu. Afternoon short sightseeing in Thimphu including a large stupa, large Buddha statue viewpoint and a textile/weaving centre.
Arrival at Paro International Airport and transfer to Thimphu
Meet your guide and driver at Paro International Airport; drive approx. 1.5 hours to Thimphu. Time allows arrival formalities and relaxed transfer to your Thimphu hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep passports and your printed/phone copy of the e‑Visa handy for immigration and hotel check-in.
- Bring a light jacket for the drive: mornings and evenings in the Paro–Thimphu corridor can be cool even in daytime.
- Confirm your arrival flight time with the local contact the day before arrival so the driver and guide meet you at the correct terminal.
Thimphu sightseeing: National Memorial Chorten, Buddha viewpoint and weaving/textile visit
Short, curated visits to National Memorial Chorten, the Buddha Dordenma viewpoint and a local textile/weaving centre in Thimphu. Evening check-in and dinner at your hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- When entering stupas and temples remove hats and speak quietly; modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is expected.
- Allow short breaks between sites—Thimphu sits uphill from Paro, so take a few minutes to adjust and have water before walking.
- If you want a quieter photo at the Buddha viewpoint, aim for late afternoon light and ask your guide for the best vantage point.
Day 2
Full day in Thimphu then drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. Visits include the Takin preserve, National Institute for Zorig Chusum, folk heritage lunch and evening in Punakha (Chimi Lhakhang / Punakha Dzong if time permits).
Morning Thimphu visits: Takin Preserve, Zorig Chusum institute and Folk Heritage meal
Visit Motithang Takin Preserve, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (traditional arts school) and have a traditional lunch at a local Folk Heritage restaurant before departing for Punakha.
Tips from local experts:
- Takin viewing can be brief—arrive early to avoid midday feeding crowds and for better photo light.
- At traditional arts schools and workshops, ask before photographing students at work and follow the guide's instructions.
- Bring small local currency notes if you wish to buy woven samples or handicrafts directly from artisans.
Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass; visit Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong
Drive ~2.5 hours to Punakha with a stop at Dochula Pass for mountain views (weather permitting). On arrival visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) and, time permitting, Punakha Dzong and the suspension bridge.
Tips from local experts:
- At Dochula Pass it can be windy and chilly—carry a warm layer and a windproof jacket for short viewpoint stops.
- For Chimi Lhakhang be aware that many visitors buy and offer small offerings; follow your guide’s instructions for respectful behaviour.
- Punakha Dzong has steps and courtyards—wear comfortable shoes and plan a little extra time for photography and short walks.
Day 3
Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten in the Punakha valley, then transfer to Phobjikha (Gangtey) valley where you will visit Gangtey Monastery and do a valley hike.
Morning hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten (Punakha)
Early breakfast and a 1.5–2 hour round-trip hike to Khamsum Chorten on the ridge above Punakha Valley for views and to visit the stupa.
Tips from local experts:
- The trail includes short steep sections—wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water and sun protection.
- Carry small bills if you plan to buy light snacks or water at the base; there are limited facilities on the trail.
- Respect temple rules: remove hats and maintain a low voice near the chorten and any active prayer areas.
Transfer to Phobjikha (Gangtey) and visit Gangtey Monastery; short valley hike
After lunch drive ~3 hours into the forested mountains to Phobjikha Valley. Visit Gangtey (Gangtey Gonpa) and take a 2–2.5 hour walk through pine forest and open valley to observe local farmland and scenery.
Tips from local experts:
- Phobjikha can be markedly cooler than Punakha—layer clothing and bring a warm mid‑layer for late afternoon.
- If visiting in winter (Nov–Mar) keep binoculars handy for possible cranes (they roost here); ask your guide about best viewing spots.
- On the valley hike, stay on marked paths and follow your guide; some sections cross small streams and uneven ground.
Day 4
Drive from Phobjikha to Bumthang (Jakar) via Trongsa. Stop to visit Trongsa Dzong and nearby sites, then continue over Yotongla Pass to Bumthang. Evening arrival in Chamkhar (Jakar).
Transfer to Bumthang via Trongsa; visit Trongsa Dzong and Thruepang Palace
Morning drive approx. 4 hours towards Bumthang with a stop in Trongsa to visit Trongsa Dzong and, if open, Thruepang Palace and the Royal Heritage Museum viewpoints.
Tips from local experts:
- Trongsa sits at elevation and includes viewpoints with steps—wear sensible shoes and allow time to move at a measured pace.
- Breaks en route are limited—pack light snacks and water for the drive and inform your guide of any dietary needs.
- Roads over Yotongla Pass can be winding; if you’re prone to motion sickness, sit forward and let your guide know in advance for frequent stops.
Arrive Chamkhar (Jakar) and local orientation
Arrive in Jakar (Chamkhar) in Bumthang valley. Hotel check-in and a short walk around town if time permits.
Tips from local experts:
- Chamkhar/Jakar sits at moderately high altitude—drink plenty of water and avoid heavy exertion on the first evening.
- Local shops carry simple snacks and warm beverages—carry local currency for small purchases as remote ATMs may be limited.
- Confirm next day’s schedule with your guide and ask about any clothing or footwear needed for valley visits.
Day 5
Full day exploring Bumthang: Tang Valley, Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), Ogyen Choling Museum, farmhouse lunch and visits to Tamshing and Kurje Lhakhang as time permits.
Tang Valley: Mebar Tsho and Ogyen Choling Museum; farmhouse lunch
Drive to Tang Valley (around 45 minutes) to visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) and Ogyen Choling Palace Museum. Enjoy a home-cooked local lunch at a family farmhouse and learn about traditional life.
Tips from local experts:
- Mebar Tsho is a sacred site—observe silence and follow your guide’s directions when approaching the lakeshore and shrines.
- If you plan to photograph inside Ogyen Choling, ask permission first; some rooms or artifacts may be restricted.
- Inform your guide about dietary preferences ahead of the farmhouse lunch so hosts can prepare suitable dishes.
Visit Tamshing Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang (time permitting)
Return to central Bumthang (Jakar) to visit Tamshing Lhakhang and, if time allows, Kurje Lhakhang—important temples linked to Pema Lingpa and Guru Rinpoche.
Tips from local experts:
- Temples request modest clothing and quiet behaviour; women may be asked to sit separately from men during certain rituals.
- Some temple interiors have uneven floors and low doorways—watch your step and remove hats before entering inner sanctums.
- Ask your guide to explain temple practices and iconography; many sites have limited signage in English.
Day 6
Morning scenic mountain flight from Bumthang to Paro. Visit National Museum (Ta Dzong), Paro Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Afternoon free time in Paro.
Domestic mountain flight Bumthang to Paro; visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Paro Rinpung Dzong
Early transfer to Bumthang airport for a short scenic flight to Paro. On arrival visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Paro Rinpung Dzong; short walk across the traditional cantilever bridge.
Tips from local experts:
- Domestic flights in Bhutan can be affected by weather—keep flexible plans and carry essential items in a small daypack.
- Ta Dzong (National Museum) has stairs and exhibits—allow 45–60 minutes for a meaningful visit.
- Keep ID and your e‑Visa copy accessible for airport and domestic check-in; domestic check-in follows strict procedures.
Kyichu Lhakhang visit and Paro town leisure time
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang in the afternoon, then enjoy free time to explore Paro town at a relaxed pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Kyichu Lhakhang is an active temple—dress modestly and remove footwear where required.
- Paro town has small cafes and handicraft shops—carry small cash for local souvenirs and ask your guide for reliable options.
- If you’d like a quieter evening, request a table at a family-style farmhouse dinner through your guide.
Day 7
Drive from Paro to Haa Valley via Chele La Pass. Visit Chele La viewpoint and Haa’s Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo. Overnight in a heritage farmhouse lodge.
Drive to Haa Valley via Chele La Pass; Chele La viewpoint time
Early drive to Chele La Pass (highest motorable pass in Bhutan) for panoramic mountain views (weather permitting), then descend into Haa Valley.
Tips from local experts:
- Chele La is high altitude (~3,900 m): move slowly, carry water and a warm layer; altitude effects can appear suddenly.
- Roads to Chele La are steep and can be narrow—follow local staff instructions and keep seat belts fastened during drives.
- Allow 20–30 minutes at the pass for photos and short walks; weather there can change rapidly so bring waterproof gear.
Haa Valley temples (Lhakhang Karpo & Lhakhang Nagpo) and check-in at heritage lodge
Visit the two historic Haa temples, then check in at a traditional renovated farmhouse lodge (Soednam Zingkha or similar) and relax. Evening at leisure.
Tips from local experts:
- Haa temples expect quiet and modest dress—carry a scarf or shawl if needed for modesty and warmth.
- Ask lodge staff about local customs before participating in any household activities or photography at private farmhouses.
- If interested in a traditional hot stone bath, enquire at check-in about scheduling and privacy (this is an optional, locally managed service).
Day 8
Morning village exploration in Haa (Katso village and Katsho Monastery). After lunch return to Paro. Optional short hike to Kila Gonpa from Chele La if time and interest allow.
Katso village visit and Katsho Monastery in Haa
Leisurely morning visiting Katso village to meet local farmers and a visit to Katsho Monastery overlooking the valley.
Tips from local experts:
- When meeting farmers, accept invitations politely and follow your guide on how to present small gifts or greetings.
- Village terrain can be uneven; wear shoes with good grip and be prepared for short unpaved paths.
- Bring bottled water and snacks for longer village walks—local shops may be basic and limited in selection.
Return drive to Paro; optional Kila Gonpa hike if time allows
After lunch depart for Paro. If time and energy permit, stop at Chele La and do the approx. 1.5‑hour hike to Kila Gonpa (nunnery) with valley views; driver picks up at the trail base.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm the Kila Gonpa hike with your guide before leaving Haa—trail length and pickup logistics will be arranged locally.
- Carry layered clothing for the hike and a light daypack with water, sunscreen and a hat.
- Plan for a relaxed evening in Paro after the return drive; the guide will confirm exact pickup location at the end of the hike.
Day 9
Full-day hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery. Afternoon farmhouse visit with home-cooked cuisine and optional hot stone bath.
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery
Early start for the Taktsang hike. Typical round-trip hiking time for most visitors is 4–5 hours; start early to avoid midday heat. Option of a one‑way horse ride to the viewpoint is available locally.
Tips from local experts:
- Start the hike early (before mid-morning) for cooler temperatures and quieter trails; carry snacks, water and sun protection.
- Horses are available up to the mid-point for those who wish to avoid part of the ascent—discuss suitability with your guide if required.
- Taktsang is a sacred site: dress modestly, follow temple rules (no large bags inside certain areas) and be respectful of worshippers.
Farmhouse visit and home-cooked dinner; evening at leisure
Late-afternoon farmhouse visit to enjoy a home-cooked meal and local hospitality. Option for a traditional hot stone bath at the farmhouse (locally arranged).
Tips from local experts:
- Inform your guide in advance about any food allergies or dietary restrictions so the farmhouse can prepare suitable dishes.
- Hot stone baths are managed by farmhouse owners—ask your guide to confirm availability and privacy arrangements upon arrival.
- Evening farmhouse stays can be rustic; pack a small personal kit (toothbrush, basic medicines) as some rural guest spaces are simple.
Day 10
Breakfast and transfer to Paro International Airport for departure. Guide assists with exit formalities and check-in.
Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure
After breakfast you will be transferred to Paro International Airport. Your guide will assist with exit formalities and a timely drop-off at the terminal.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your international departure time with your guide the evening before and allow recommended check-in time for international flights.
- Keep passport and original e‑Visa copy accessible during airport check-in and security; photocopies in your daypack are helpful backups.
- Plan luggage packing the night before; drivers can help load vehicles and will wait at the agreed pickup time to avoid last-minute delays.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 10 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 13 |
| Total Places | 13 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Culture, Outdoor, Neighborhood, Experience |