BhutanHighlights Tour

Scenic flight to Paro. Drive to Thimphu (55 km, 1.5 hours). Afternoon: National Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma (51m gilded statue, 125,000 smaller Buddhas inside).

Royal Textile Academy, Folk Heritage Museum, Painting School (Zorig Chusum), Motithang Takin Preserve. Full day in the capital exploring Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and cultural institutions.

Cross Dochula Pass (3,050m): 108 memorial chortens, panoramic Himalayan views including Gangkar Puensum (7,570m). Descend to subtropical Punakha (1,200m). Visit Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

Drive to Phobjikha, a glacial valley on the Black Mountains. Visit Gangtey Gompa (17th century, Nyingmapa school). Gangtey Nature Trail: 5 km gentle walk through meadows, pine forest, and farmhouses. Black-necked cranes visible Oct-Feb.

Drive back to Paro via Wangdue and Dochula Pass (5.5 hours). Afternoon: Rinpung Dzong (1646 fortress) and National Museum (Ta Dzong). Walk across the traditional covered bridge.

Taktsang Monastery clings to a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley. 6.4 km round trip, 520m elevation gain, 4 to 5 hours. First section by pony if preferred. Teahouse at halfway with monastery view. Several chapels inside with murals and butter lamps. Dress code: shoulders and knees covered.

Transfer to Paro Airport for departure flight. Morning free for Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century) or Paro town walk.