Land at Paro International Airport, at 2,235 metres, or cross into Bhutan at Phuentsholing if travelling by road. After immigration formalities and a local SIM card pickup, drive to Thimphu (54 km, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours) along the Wang Chhu river valley. Keep the first evening light since you are still acclimatising to Bhutan's altitude. In the late afternoon, visit Tashichho Dzong, which opens to visitors after 5 PM on weekdays and from 9 AM on weekends and public holidays. Overnight in Thimphu.

Spend a full day exploring the capital. Start at the National Memorial Chorten, one of the most active places of daily worship in the country, then head to Kuensel Phodrang to see the 51.5 metre Buddha Dordenma statue and its panoramic valley views. In the afternoon, visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's national animal, the takin, followed by the Zorig Chusum Arts and Crafts School and the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory to understand traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship. Overnight in Thimphu.

Drive from Thimphu to Punakha, about 75 km and 2.5 to 3 hours. The road climbs quickly to Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres, home to the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens built in memory of fallen soldiers. On a clear day, this pass offers uninterrupted views of Bhutan's eastern Himalayan peaks. From here, the road descends into the warmer, subtropical Punakha valley at around 1,200 metres, a striking change in climate and vegetation. In the afternoon, take a short, flat walk through rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple built in the 15th century. Overnight in Punakha.

Spend the morning at Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers and considered by many to be Bhutan's finest fortress. In the afternoon, walk across the 160 metre Punakha Suspension Bridge, then, for travellers who want an active afternoon, take the 45 minute uphill walk to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for sweeping valley views. Overnight in Punakha.

This is a transit day, since the return drive to Paro retraces the climb over Dochula Pass and takes roughly 4 to 5 hours in total. Break the journey with lunch in Thimphu. Once you reach Paro in the late afternoon, use the remaining daylight to rest or browse the local craft markets ahead of the hike planned for Day 7. Overnight in Paro.

Visit the Paro National Museum, housed inside a 17th-century watchtower called Ta Dzong, for an introduction to Bhutan's cultural and natural history. From there, walk down to Rinpung Dzong, a well-preserved example of traditional Bhutanese defensive architecture. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country, built in the 7th century, and noticeably quieter than the larger administrative dzongs. Overnight in Paro.

This is the physical highlight of the trip. Taktsang Palphug Monastery clings to a cliff face roughly 900 metres above the Paro valley floor, at an elevation of 3,120 metres. The round trip covers about 6 km and typically takes 3 to 5 hours depending on fitness level. Start by 8 AM to avoid the midday sun and the busiest hours on the trail. Ponies can be hired for the first stretch up to the cafeteria viewpoint, but the final climb and descent must be completed on foot. Many travellers end the day with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, which is usually an optional, out-of-pocket add-on rather than part of standard land packages. Overnight in Paro.

Transfer to Paro International Airport, or to the Phuentsholing border, for your onward journey. If you are catching an international connecting flight the same day, avoid booking it too tightly, since Paro flights operate only in daylight and clear weather and can be delayed.