Start your cultural immersion journey in Bhutan by visiting the infamous Tiger's Nest Monastery. Nestled on a cliff over 3,000 meters above sea level, it is a five-hour trek to reach the holy site. Learn about the history and legends surrounding the monastery from your knowledgeable guide. If you have some extra time, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang or Dumtse Lhakhang, two ancient temples in Paro.
Drive to Bhutan's capital city of Thimphu where you'll find plenty of cultural attractions. Begin your day with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in 1974 in memory of Bhutan's third king. Stop by the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a 169-foot-tall bronze statue of Buddha overlooking the city. In the afternoon, visit the Tashichho Dzong, a fortress serving as both the royal palace and Buddhist monastery.
Head to Punakha, one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful cities. Start your day by visiting the Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most significant fortress-monasteries. Walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, and enjoy scenic views of the Punakha valley. End your day with a visit to the Chimi L'hakhang Temple, a fertility temple known for its phallus symbols.
Drive to Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family. Visit the Trongsa Dzong, a fortress that overlooks the Mangde River Valley. Immerse yourself in Bhutanese history and royalty as you walk through the many rooms and corridors within the dzong. If you have some extra time, visit the Ta Dzong, a watchtower now converted into a museum that provides an in-depth look into Bhutan's social and cultural history.
End your cultural immersion trip in Bhutan in the Phobjikha Valley, which is famous for its black-necked cranes. Visit the Gangtey Monastery, which is perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley. Take a leisurely hike through the picturesque valley and observe the locals' way of life. End your day with a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre and learn about these magnificent birds and their annual migration.
Transportation in Bhutan is mostly by car, and it is advisable to book your vehicle through a licensed tour operator. Roads can be narrow, winding, and mountainous, which makes driving difficult for travelers without experience. The estimated cost of hiring a car with a driver is between $200-250 per day.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Haa valley, which is known for its scenic beauty and secluded culture. The valley is reachable from Paro through a 3-hour drive over the Chele-La(Pass). Bhutan also has many festivals throughout the year, which is an excellent way to experience their rich culture. If you're short on time, consider visiting Bhutan for a minimum of 8-10 days to enjoy the many sights and activities it has to offer.
Paro International Airport (PBH) is Bhutan's only international airport, and it is located approximately six miles from Paro. The airport connects to cities such as Delhi, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Bagdogra, and Singapore. It serves as the main airport for tourists visiting Bhutan.