Day 01: Arrival in Paro
Welcome to Bhutan! On a clear day, enjoy breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks including Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s own majestic Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon arrival, your Bhutanese representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. Take the afternoon to relax or enjoy light activities. In the evening, stroll through the Paro market.
Overnight: Tenzinling Resort or Metta Resort, Paro
Meals: Dinner
Day 02: Hike to Tiger’s Nest
Begin your day with a scenic hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Perched on a cliff, it’s a symbol of Bhutan’s spiritual heritage. Enjoy lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria before descending.
Afternoon Sightseeing:
- Ta Dzong (National Museum)
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples
Overnight: Tenzinling Resort or Metta Resort, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Paro – Thimphu
Drive to the capital, Thimphu, passing through charming countryside.
Visit:
- Thimphu Dzong (Attend the Festival)
- Simtokha Dzong
- National Memorial Chorten
- Buddha Point
- Handicrafts Emporium
- Tashichhodzong
- Optional: Watch traditional archery match
Overnight: Hotel Tower or Migmar Hotel, Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha
Morning visits to:
- National Library
- Institute for Zorig Chusum
- Institute of Traditional Medicine (exterior view)
Drive over the scenic Dochu La Pass to reach Punakha. Visit the spectacular Punakha Dzong, nestled at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.
Overnight: Zhingkham Resort, Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Punakha – Gangtey (Phobjikha) – Trongsa
Travel through forests and high passes to Phobjikha Valley, home of the rare black-necked cranes. Visit Gangtey Monastery, and later drive to Trongsa, stopping at Chendebji Chorten en route.
Overnight: Yangkhil Resort, Trongsa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Trongsa – Bumthang
Explore Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong, then continue to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, via Yutong La Passand the scenic Chumey Valley.
Overnight: Hotel Tashi Yoedling, Bumthang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07: Bumthang Exploration
Full day exploration:
- Kurje Lhakhang
- Jambey Lhakhang
- Tamshing Lhakhang
- Jakar Dzong
- Local market stroll
Overnight: Hotel Tashi Yoedling, Bumthang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08: Bumthang – Mongar
Journey east via Ura Village and Thrumsing La Pass, Bhutan’s highest motorable pass. Descend through lush forests to reach Mongar, visiting Mongar Dzong.
Overnight: Wangchuk Hotel, Mongar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09: Mongar – Trashigang
Travel through the Kori La Pass and descend into subtropical zones. En route, visit Drametse Monastery before arriving in Trashigang, the largest district in Bhutan.
Visit: Trashigang Dzong
Overnight: Druk Deojung, Trashigang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Excursion to Tashiyangtse
Explore:
- Gom Kora Temple
- Doksum Village (textile weaving)
- Tashiyangtse Dzong
- Chorten Kora
- Institute for Zorig Chusum
Return to Trashigang in the evening.
Overnight: Druk Deojung, Trashigang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Trashigang – Bumthang (via same route)
Return to Bumthang following the same scenic route.
Overnight: Hotel Tashi Yoedling, Bumthang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Bumthang – Thimphu
Drive back to Thimphu, enjoying the mountain landscapes en route.
Overnight: Hotel Tower or Migmar Hotel, Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Thimphu – Haa Valley
Journey to the remote and untouched Haa Valley, surrounded by pristine forests and peaceful peaks. Ideal for hiking and biking.
Overnight: Kinley Wangchuk Homestay, Haa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Haa – Paro via Chele La Pass
Visit:
- Lhakhang Kharpo & Lhakhang Nagpo
- Drive via Chele La Pass (3,810m) with views of Mt. Jumolhari
- Optional 2-hour hike to Kila Gompa Nunnery
Day 15: Departure
End of Tour