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Toronto to Bhutan: Paro, Thimphu and Punakha

Toronto → Paro → Thimphu → Punakha

Thimphu
"Tashichödzong_Thimphu-2008-01-23.jpg" by Christopher J. Fynn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
Paro, Paro, Bhutan (8026008882) (Paro)
Photo: Christopher Michel, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dzongs, monasteries & Himalayan valleys Best season (general guide): Mar–May, Sep–Nov

Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom that measures progress by Gross National Happiness and limits tourism to protect its culture and environment. This route spends six nights in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. From Toronto you'll connect through Delhi, Bangkok or another hub.

Visitors pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee set by the government, and most travel with a licensed guide; check the official tourism site for current rules.

Paro's valley has the country's only international airport. Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery, stands above the river. The hike to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, a monastery built on a cliff, is the highlight of many trips.

Thimphu, the capital, has no traffic lights. A giant bronze Buddha, the Buddha Dordenma, overlooks the city. The road to Punakha crosses the Dochula Pass, with 108 chortens and views of the Himalaya on clear days. Punakha Dzong sits where two rivers meet.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with clear skies. Summer brings monsoon rain.

Bhutanese food is often spicy, and ema datshi, a dish of chillies and cheese, is the national dish. Archery, the national sport, can often be watched at local grounds. Prayer flags flutter across valleys and passes, and monasteries ring with chanting. Visits are often timed with festivals, which feature masked dances in dzong courtyards.

Pacing: the Tiger's Nest hike is steep and at altitude, so allow a full day. Dress modestly when visiting dzongs and temples.

Pack warm layers, as mornings and evenings can be cold even in spring and autumn, and the passes are colder still. Bring comfortable walking shoes for the temple stairs.

Plan time to adjust to the altitude.

Suggested outline

  1. Toronto

    Start

  2. Paro

    By air · 2 nights suggested

    Tiger's Nest monastery and Rinpung Dzong.

    Paro Taktsang
    "Paro Taktsang, Bhutan (edited).jpg" by Original: Nina R from Africa Derivative work: UnpetitproleX, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

  3. Thimphu

    Overland · 2 nights suggested

    The capital, with the Buddha Dordenma and weekend market.

  4. Punakha

    Overland · 2 nights suggested

    Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers, via the Dochula Pass.

    Punakha
    "PunakhaDzong.jpg" by The original uploader was Technopilgrim at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Paro — Arrive; Rinpung Dzong· Toronto → Paro (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day
  2. Day 2 · Paro — Tiger's Nest hike
  3. Day 3 · Thimphu — Road to Thimphu· Paro → Thimphu (overland)
  4. Day 4 · Thimphu — Buddha Dordenma and the market
  5. Day 5 · Punakha — Over Dochula Pass to Punakha· Thimphu → Punakha (overland)
  6. Day 6 · Punakha — Punakha Dzong and suspension bridge
  7. Day 7 · Punakha — Travel home from Punakha· Punakha → Paro (overland), then Paro → Toronto (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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Paro

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Thimphu

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