Pictures of the Dragon Tour

Trip Highlights

Situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, Punakha Dzong is a stunning fortress with vibrant architecture and lush surroundings, perfect for capturing Bhutan’s cultural essence.
The high mountain pass offers sweeping panoramic views of the Himalayas and the 108 chortens (stupas) that make it a serene and picturesque stop.
Known for its pristine landscapes and winter home to black-necked cranes, Phobjikha Valley provides beautiful, open scenery ideal for landscape photography.
Perched dramatically on a cliffside, Taktsang, the iconic monastery offers one of Bhutan’s most striking views, with breathtaking angles and vibrant prayer flags for a perfect shot.

Trip overview

Pictures of the Dragon Tour is a 7-day journey through Bhutan’s most photogenic landscapes and sacred landmarks. From the Himalayan views of Paro to Thimphu’s Buddha Point and Memorial Chorten, the tour blends culture and scenery seamlessly. Explore the serene Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Monastery, marvel at Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for sweeping valley views. The adventure concludes with the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, leaving you with unforgettable impressions of Bhutan’s mystical Dragon Kingdom.

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Itinerary

Day 01:

Arrival at Paro – Thimphu

After an unforgettable flight into Paro International Airport, wherein you would have feasted on some of the wonders of the Himalayas, such as views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including Bhutan’s Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake, you will have a thrilling landing. At the airport, you will be received by representatives of our Company, who will escort you towards Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan after which your adventure of Bhutan will begin.

On the way we will make a stop at Tamchoe Lhakhang, which is considered to be one of the residences of Thangtong Gyalpo, a famous Tibetan Buddhist master who visited Bhutan in the 14th century. The two-storied Tamchoe Lhakhang is said to house many holy items left by Thangtong Gyalpo. It is said that if you can visit Tamchoe Temple, Kyichu Temple, and Lhading Temple in one day, then you will be liberated from samsara through the power of the large sculptures housed at each temple.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02:

Thimphu Sightseeing

The morning will be dedicated to sightseeing in Thimphu. Begin with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a large stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Next, head to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), home to the world’s largest seated Buddha statue, which offers sweeping views of the valley.

Continue to the Arts and Crafts School, where you’ll see students creating traditional Bhutanese paintings and crafts. Afterward, visit Sangaygang, a viewpoint that provides a bird’s-eye view of Thimphu and its scenic surroundings. Following this, explore the Takin Preserve, where Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, is protected.

After lunch, visit the National Library, which houses ancient manuscripts, followed by the Folk Heritage Museum, which provides a glimpse into Bhutanese rural life. Conclude the day with a tour of Tashichho Dzong, the central secretariat building and seat of the government. This impressive structure houses the Throne Room, the King’s office, several government ministries, and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and senior monks.

After visiting the Dzong, we’ll take a short stroll into the town, where you’ll experience one of the unique aspects of Bhutan’s capital, a city that functions smoothly without a single traffic light in the world. Here, you can observe the local lifestyle and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Thimphu.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 03:

Thimphu - Gangtey

Day three takes you deep into the heart of the Phobjikha Valley. The Phobjikha valley is known by its beauty and immemorial scenery stretching over a vast valley. Spring is a wonder for visitors from different walks of life. It is an exact time of the year where the true nature of its beauty is being revealed with varied abundant blossoms of flowers and rhododendrons complemented by cool breezes blowing through this heavenly abode. However, it is characterized by cold temperate climatic conditions with strong winds on a daily basis. It usually experiences very harsh cold windy winters with snowfall and cool warm rainy summers.

The natural beauty of the valley complemented with rich flora and fauna in particular the Black-necked Cranes, makes the place an attractive recreational destination for both Bhutanese and foreign visitors. Moreover, the introduction of Home-Stay program in the villages adds more value for the foreign visitors to experience the living styles, food habits and culture of the people living in the far flung areas. You’ll visit the Black- necked Crane Information Centre, where you can learn about these majestic birds and the efforts to conserve them.

Then, you’ll explore Gangtey Monastery, an important religious site with stunning views of the valley. Following this, you’ll enjoy a walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, which offers a peaceful and scenic way to appreciate the valley’s natural beauty. Gangtey is considered one of the most beautiful place in Bhutan, in here you will get the chance to take loads of pictures as memories from the trip.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04:

Gangtey to Punakha

Today, we’ll make our way to Punakha, a journey of about two hours. Along the way, we’ll stop to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple associated with the beloved saint Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman.” Lama Drukpa Kunley is celebrated for his unconventional teaching methods, often involving humor and shocking behavior to challenge societal norms. Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to his legacy and is particularly famous as a fertility temple, attracting visitors from around the world seeking blessings for children.

The temple and surrounding village are known for their unique and colorful phallic symbols, which are painted on walls and carved into decorative elements to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The walk to Chimi Lhakhang is a pleasant, hour-long round trip through picturesque rice fields and local homes, offering an authentic glimpse into Bhutanese rural life.

After lunch at the Lhakhang, we move to Punakha. As we reach Punakha, we can see the Dzong (Fortress) resembling a giant ship bed rocked on a mass of still water from afar. Built by the Zhabdrung in 1637, it is an architectural icon located at the confluence of two rivers – the Pho (male) and the Mo (female) chus (rivers). The winter residence of the Chief Abbot and the clergy, it houses most of Bhutan’s sacred relics and treasures. The architectural design of Dzong (Fortress) can be witnessed here in Punakha Dzong.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 05:

Punakha to Paro

We will begin our journey back to Paro, a drive of approximately four hours. Before departing, we’ll take a scenic hike up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning hilltop monastery built to bring peace and harmony to the kingdom. This chorten, commissioned by the Queen Mother, features intricate Bhutanese art and is adorned with elaborate murals and golden spires. The hike to the top takes you through beautiful rice terraces, and from the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Punakha Valley, making this a truly special and serene experience.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 06:

Tigers Nest Climb

This is going to be one of your most memorable experiences as we visit Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Lair), a work of art blending the spiritual with architectural splendor. One of the holiest shrines in Bhutan, the Monastery is perched on a hill (1000m) overlooking the valley. It is said that the great Indian Saint and Tantric Buddhism’s Master Guru Padma Sambhava came to Taktsang riding a tigress in one of his most fearful forms to subdue demons that were obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Several Buddhist masters have meditated at the site. The trek in total takes five hours, and it is a gradual climb along an old trail.

After the trek, you can stroll through Paro town before you rest for the day for shopping and

take a hot stone bath to get rid of the fatigue of the day and this concludes your adventure to Bhutan. We will visit Kyichu Monastery, one of Bhutan’s oldest, built in 659 A.D. by the Buddhist Tibetan King Songsten Goembo.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 07:

Departure

After early breakfast, we drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. TASHI DELEK!!

Cost Details

Cost includes

Accommodation
Full Board Meals
English speaking Guide
Transportation
Entrance fee, Visa fee
Unlimited bottles of mineral water
Applicable government taxes(5%GST)
SDF
Trying out of traditional Bhutan attire.
Hot Stone Bath

Cost exclusion

Medical & personal insurance
Personal expenses
Emergency evacuation charges
Tips for the guide and driver
Airfare
Pony Ride to Taktshang (Tiger Nest)
Raffting

Trip Facts

Trip Duration 07 Days

Trip Price 1675

Single Supplement 252

Districts Paro, Thimphu, Wangduephodrang, Punakha

Accomodation Hotel or Resort

Entry Paro

Exits Paro

Difficulty: Medium

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Hotels/Accommodations

Hotels where you’ll be staying during this trip

Our Bhutan tour packages are specifically curated with the travellers in mind. As a reputable Bhutan travel agency, for the past 23 years, our tour guides and travel specialists have dedicatedly served travellers from all over the world. We want to show you what Bhutan has to offer, and we’re committed to making your trip to Bhutan a special and memorable one. We have a deep love for the Kingdom, and we hope that you’ll come to love it too.

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Transportation

Choice of vehicles for this trip

Private SUVs for Couples 2 Seater

Toyota Innova (2 Units) 5 Seater

Coaster Buses (4 Units) 25 Seater

Mini Bus (8-Seater) 8 pax. Seater

Restaurants

Food and Drink

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 89 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Carolann M 
 
 
 
 Verified An unforgettable week in Bhutan!
An unforgettable week in Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom In July 2025, I joined a 7-day group tour of Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom, and it was truly an unforgettable experience from start to finish. I had a fantastic time and enjoyed every single moment of the trip. From the very beginning, I felt incredibly well looked after and completely safe, which allowed me to fully relax and immerse myself in the experience. The organisation was excellent, and I was especially impressed by how much we managed to see and do in just one week without ever feeling rushed. Our tour guide, Karma, was absolutely outstanding. His knowledge, professionalism, and warm personality made the journey even more special. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone was comfortable, informed, and enjoying themselves, and his passion for Bhutan really shone through. Thanks to Happiness Kingdom and Karma, this trip created memories I will cherish forever. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a visit to Bhutan — you won’t be disappointed.
  
 
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   Rachel L 
 
 
 
 Verified A fantastic Bhutan trip!
We had a wonderful experience exploring Bhutan’s rich culture with Jigme Thinley and Tenzin Wangchuk. Jigme is incredibly knowledgeable and provided engaging explanations about Bhutan’s history and traditions. We thoroughly enjoyed learning from him. Every story, explanation, and insight added depth and meaning to the places we visited. At one point, Jigme even prepared a simple makeshift heat pack to ensure we stayed comfortable in the cool mountain weather. That thoughtful gesture made all the difference and showed just how dedicated he is to his guests’ comfort. Shoutout to Tenzin as well, a wonderful and skilled driver. We felt safe and comfortable throughout our journey. Both of them were exceptionally helpful and attentive. Each day was well-scheduled and relaxed, letting us take in the experience without rush.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Becky S 
 
 
 
 Verified Best value to see Bhutan in a cultural tour
We selected this tour company both because of reviews and cost. Flights to and from Bhutan cost more than our 10-days in Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom. Our guide, Tschering Namgay, and driver, Tashi, were great! Both were so polite and helpful. Tashi was a safe driver. Namgay was a very knowledgeable cultural guide. He explained all the temples and fortresses, the stories and history of Bhutan, and the nuances and meanings of Buddhist sculptures and paintings. He had a good sense of humor and worked hard to ensure we got to see and do all that we wanted to do. Communication with the tour company was delayed, because of the time difference, but always responsive. They were happy to rearrange the plans to accommodate what we wanted to do instead of the standard, without leaving out the important things we didn't even know we wanted to see. Our hotels were comfortable, restaurants with good and sufficient food, and although our schedule was full, we were not rushed (just tired) every day. We got to see the black-necked cranes and several other birds. We enjoyed the Takin Preserve to see some of the more difficult species of animals. Word of caution though - if you are unfit, need a cane, walker, or wheelchair, Bhutan is NOT for you. There are stairs and hilly climbs everywhere. It is not ADA-compliant. But, if you want to take a tour of Bhutan, we recommend Happiness Kingdom as your tour company & #tscheringnamgay, #tashi as your guide and driver.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sam B 
 
 
 
 Verified Great 6-day trip in Bhutan
Really enjoyed our 6 day tour of Bhutan with our guide Bhim and driver Tshering. They were both very attentive to our every need, and took us to some great places. We loved the hike to Tiger's Nest and the visit of Punakha Zhong. Bhim was very knowledgeable and gave us all the context and history we needed while visiting all the religious sites. Thanks again for everything!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   ik298 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful trip
7days Bhutan Trip 19.th – 25th. of October 2025 I had booked the 7days trip to Bhutan via Asia Odyssee travel agency. This trip was really a great adventure and everything was wonderful. Well Bhutan I is a very special and amazing country with such a beautiful landscape, very cultivated architecture and overall deep religious life. Well let me give you some details of my tour: The first 3 days I spent with 5 other persons from all over the world. On the second day we made the hike to Tiger nest. I am not so used to climb steep mountains (Steps!!!), so my knees were already quite hurting from my former trek in Nepal. Our driver, Phub Gyeltshen, carried all the way up my backpack and motivated me all the way up to carry on. All the three days he was always there when somebody needed anything, everybody found on his place freshwater bottles. His drive was safe and very relaxed. The last days I travelled alone with the same guide and the driver Gembo. There we had quite long drives – over Dochu La. Also his way to drive was save and forward-looking. I really could enjoy to be on routes. But the main contribution of this wonderful trip layed in the responsibility of the guide (all 7 days!) Sonam Phuntsho. He is such a mindfulness person and always tries to make that everybody feels well. His explanations at the different sites where really detailed and showed that he has a great knowledge, specially religious belongings. Two of the other travellers were Tibetans and he could give always profound answers even from them, who had a great knowledge of the Bhuddist religion. In the day when I was travelling alone, we talked a lot about the social life, education, regime (your King), environmental protection and much more. So I got a deep insight of the life in Bhutan. So I really want to thank you for this wonderful days. Before this trip Bhutan seemed to be an unreachable country and somehow unreal, but now it is a part of my dreams, a country were I really could feel the meaning of happiness and mindfulness. .
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Paul W 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing place. Wonderful people.
I did a 7-day trip through West Bhutan and loved the tour overall. It was very well organised and Bhim (Narayan) and Dorji (Wangchuk) were a pleasure to spend time with. Friendly, helpful and a credit to the hospitality of their country. My personal highlights were the dzong at Punakha, getting to enjoy two tsechus (festivals) at Wangdue and Thimphu, and the hike to Tiger's Nest. The addition of a homestay was also a nice way to see a different side to Bhutan. I can thoroughly recommend both visiting Bhutan and this trip.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   thierry w 
 
 
 
 Verified Great travel in Bhutan
Very well organise 10 days tour group in Bhutan. the guide Tashi and Phuba the driver were fantastic. Adapting the time for us to discover places without rushing us. 'the hotels were we stayed were nice and the food very good. I would highly recommand happiness kingdom travel to anyone who decide to travel to bhutan
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Chris K 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic tour, well organised, great Guide and Driver. Excellent in all aspects
Did a small group tour of Bhutan over 10 days with Tashi and driver Phuba. The tour took our group from Paro to Thimbu, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley and Bumthang Valley. A lot of logistics to get that to go off smoothly; stayed in good hotels, always with extremely enthusiastic staff, saw lots. But what really set this off was Tashi; extremely knowledgeable and equally extremely patient with guiding the group through from zero to at least a vague understanding of Bhutan Buddhist culture and history. Tashi, your sense of humor and tolerance really made this trip work. And Phuba always there and ready to assist.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   MK L 
 
 
 
 Verified A memorable journey!
It was our first visit to Bhutan, and it turned out to be an incredibly unforgettable journey -- stunning views, awesome culture, and super friendly locals! We arranged this exclusive 6-day trip via a travel agency in Hong Kong. We landed at Paro Airport on 7 Sept and proceeded to Thimphu, then Punakha, before returning to Paro for the Tiger's Nest. Huge thanks to our amazing guide Jigme for his expertise, organization, and dedication in making the journey truly memorable. He possesses great knowledge and has revealed to us the charm of Bhutan. Jigme attentively looked after us in every way, including informing all the restaurants of my dietary preference, and ensured we were comfortable to fully enjoy each moment throughout the trip. We are grateful for our friendly driver Tashi and his outstanding abilities. The ride was so comfortable and smooth! We couldn't have requested a better team! 👍👍 I was also impressed that Jigme not only spoke fluent English but also knew French! A heartfelt thank you to Jigme and Tashi, and I wish you both the very best! 🙏🙏
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Madam Wong 
 
 
 
 Verified The Guide Who Turned Our Bhutan Trip Into a Masterpiece .
TE25070007AT Bhutan is a country rich in culture and steeped in deep historical traditions. Our tour guide, Mr. Trashi Dhendup Namgyel, demonstrated exceptional professionalism throughout our journey. He was highly knowledgeable and consistently able to answer all of our questions with clarity and insight. Mr. Namgyel also went out of his way to accommodate our requests whenever possible, ensuring that our experience was both comfortable and memorable. We are truly grateful to have had him as our guide on this meaningful trip. — Madam Wong