Bhutan's Western Valleys: Thimphu, Punākha & the Tiger's Nest

Arrive at Paro Airport (PBH), the country's sole international gateway, set deep in a mountain valley. The landing itself is a sharp, banked approach that skims the forested hillsides. From the airport, it's a 90-minute overland journey to Thimphu, the capital. The road traces the Paro Chhu and Thimphu Chhu rivers, climbing steadily. Settle in and let your body adjust to the altitude.

A full day exploring the sites in and around the capital. Start at the National Memorial Chorten, a prominent stupa where Thimphu residents perform their daily prayers. From there, drive up to Buddha Point to see the Buddha Dordenma, a massive 51-meter bronze-and-gold statue overlooking the valley. The afternoon is for the Motithang Takin Preserve, a sanctuary for Bhutan's strange national animal—a goat-antelope hybrid.

The day ends at Tashichho Dzong, the 'Fortress of Glorious Religion.' This massive complex, rebuilt in the 1960s, houses the throne room and offices of the king, along with the main secretariat building and the central monk body. It's an imposing example of Bhutanese architecture, with whitewashed walls and a tiered golden roof.

The morning begins with a three-to-four-hour drive east to Punākha, the old capital. The road winds up to the Dochula Pass, a 3,100-meter saddle point marked by 108 memorial chortens and, on a clear day, views of the high Himalayas. After the pass, descend towards the Punākha valley and take a short hike across rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple dedicated to the 'Divine Madman.'

In the afternoon, explore the Punakha Dzong itself. Arguably the most impressive fortress in Bhutan, it sits at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers. The structure, built in 1637, serves as the winter residence of the chief abbot and guards the country's most sacred relic.

A scenic drive of three to four hours brings you back west to the Paro Valley. The road retraces the route over the Dochula Pass, offering a different perspective on the landscape. Upon arrival in Paro, the first stop is the Rinpung Dzong, the 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels.' This 17th-century fortress-monastery presides over the valley and now houses the district's government offices and monastic body. Afterwards, drop by the local archery grounds to watch a match of the national sport—a display of startling accuracy and range. The evening is free to explore Paro's small main street.

Today is dedicated to Bhutan's most famous landmark: the Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger's Nest. The trail starts from the valley floor at 2,400m and climbs steeply through pine forests to the monastery, which clings to a sheer cliff face at 3,100m. The 7km round-trip hike takes about six hours and is a challenging but steady ascent. Inside, the temple complex holds 13 holy relics and is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. The views of the Paro Valley from the trail are worth the effort. The afternoon is free for rest or further exploration of Paro.

Pack out for departure from Paro Airport at any time. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time to visit the VAST art studio near the airport, a local social enterprise offering cultural art classes, before heading for your outbound flight.