Routes to Happiness Tour
The Routes to Happiness Tour is a 6-day cultural and spiritual journey through Bhutan’s most iconic destinations: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang. Designed for travelers seeking a relaxed and meaningful experience, this itinerary combines sacred monasteries, scenic Himalayan landscapes, traditional villages, cultural landmarks, and gentle hikes.
From the peaceful capital city of Thimphu to the fertile valleys of Punakha and the unforgettable hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, this tour offers a perfect introduction to Bhutan’s culture, spirituality, and natural beauty.
Highlights of the Journey
- Scenic hike to the cliffside Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic landmark.
- Drive across Dochula Pass, located at 3,100 meters, with its 108 memorial chortens.
- Explore the majestic Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
- Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for panoramic views of Punakha Valley.
- Discover Bhutanese culture through temples, museums, traditional arts, village walks, and local experiences.
- Experience Bhutanese hospitality with professional local guides and comfortable travel arrangements.
Day 01: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, meet your Bhutanese guide from Miles to Memories. If the weather is clear, you may enjoy beautiful aerial views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.
After completing immigration formalities, begin your scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. The drive follows the Paro Chhu River, passing traditional farmhouses, terraced fields, and forested hillsides.
On the way, stop at Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple associated with Thangtong Gyalpo, the famous “Iron Chain Maker.” You may also walk across the historic iron chain bridge and enjoy the peaceful riverside setting.
Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, begin your full-day sightseeing tour of Thimphu. Visit the Memorial Chorten, where locals gather daily to pray and spin prayer wheels.
Continue to Buddha Point, also known as Kuensel Phodrang, home to one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. From here, enjoy panoramic views of Thimphu Valley.
Visit the Arts and Crafts School, where students learn traditional Bhutanese painting, wood carving, embroidery, and other crafts. Later, stop at Sangaygang Viewpoint for scenic views of the city, followed by a visit to the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal.
In the afternoon, explore the National Library, which houses ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases traditional rural Bhutanese life. End the day with a relaxing visit to Changyul Park.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha / Wangdue Phodrang
Begin your day with Bhutan’s most iconic experience — the hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
- 5-hour round trip trek
- Stunning views of Paro Valley
- Sacred cliffside monastery exploration
After the hike, visit:
- Kyichu Lhakhang (One of Bhutan’s oldest temples)
- Optional visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse
Relax in the evening and enjoy Bhutanese hospitality.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 04: Punakha – Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – Paro
Begin the day with a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful hilltop temple built by the Queen Mother. The trail passes through rice fields, small villages, and peaceful countryside.
At the top, enjoy breathtaking views of Punakha Valley and the surrounding mountains. This hike offers a calm and memorable experience, combining nature, spirituality, and rural Bhutanese life.
After the hike, drive back to Paro, passing rivers, forests, and traditional villages along the way. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 05: Paro – Taktsang Monastery Hike
After breakfast, start the hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is dramatically located on a cliffside, about 900 meters above Paro Valley.
The trail passes through pine forests, prayer flags, and scenic viewpoints. Along the way, your guide will share the spiritual history of the monastery and the story of Guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have meditated at this sacred site.
After descending from the hike, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Later, visit Rinpung Dzong, a fine example of traditional Bhutanese architecture.
In the evening, you may explore Paro town or relax at your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 06: Departure from Paro
After breakfast, start the hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is dramatically located on a cliffside, about 900 meters above Paro Valley.
The trail passes through pine forests, prayer flags, and scenic viewpoints. Along the way, your guide will share the spiritual history of the monastery and the story of Guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have meditated at this sacred site.
After descending from the hike, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Later, visit Rinpung Dzong, a fine example of traditional Bhutanese architecture.
In the evening, you may explore Paro town or relax at your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
