Itinerary Details

The following itinerary is for your inspiration. Our experts will customize your own tour according to your interests, schedules, hotel tastes and budget. All can be tailor-made!

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Day 1 - Arrival in Paro

Today you will fly to Paro. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Day 2 - Paro to Thimphu: National Museum, Paro Dzong, and Traditional Welcome Ceremony

Begin your day in Paro with a visit to the impressive National Museum (Ta Dzong Fortress), housed in a unique circular building that once served as a watchtower. This well-preserved fortress offers panoramic views of the Paro Valley and houses an extensive collection of Bhutanese artifacts, including ancient thangka paintings, traditional weapons, jewelry, and natural history exhibits. The museum provides fascinating insights into Bhutan's rich cultural heritage and historical development.

Next, proceed to the magnificent Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), one of Bhutan's most iconic fortresses and administrative centers. This impressive structure, whose name translates to "Fortress on a Heap of Jewels," features spectacular architecture with massive walls, ornate woodwork, and beautiful courtyards. Film enthusiasts will recognize it as one of the filming locations for Bernardo Bertolucci's acclaimed movie "The Little Buddha." Your guide will share stories about the dzong's historical significance and its continued importance as both an administrative center and monastic institution.

A special highlight of your tour will be a visit to a traditional Bhutanese home where you'll experience an authentic welcome ceremony with the local residents. This unique cultural exchange offers insight into everyday Bhutanese life and traditions. You'll be greeted with traditional offerings and might sample local refreshments while learning about family customs and domestic architecture.

After these enriching experiences, you'll embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes, providing opportunities to view rural Bhutanese life and stunning natural scenery as you travel from Paro Valley to Thimphu Valley.


National Museum(Ta Dzong Fortress)
National Museum(Ta Dzong Fortress)
Paro Dzong(Rinpung Dzong)
Paro Dzong(Rinpung Dzong)
Enjoy a welcome and blessing ceremony at a local home
Enjoy a welcome and blessing ceremony at a local home

Day 3 - Thimphu Cultural Immersion: Tashichho Dzong, Traditional Arts, and Royal Takin Preserve

Begin your day at Tashichho Dzong, a magnificent fortress and monastery that serves as the seat of Bhutan's government and spiritual leadership. Continue to the Jungshi Paper Factory, where you can observe the traditional process of handmade Bhutanese paper crafted from natural bark. Next, visit the Choki Traditional Art School, dedicated to preserving Bhutanese artistic traditions by training young artists in painting, wood carving, and sculpture. Enjoy an authentic Bhutanese lunch at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant, set in a traditional farmhouse atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's unique national animal, the takin, and learn about local conservation efforts.

Tashichho Dzong
Tashichho Dzong
Jungshi Paper Factory
Jungshi Paper Factory
Choki Traditional Art School
Choki Traditional Art School
Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant
Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant
Royal Takin Preserve
Royal Takin Preserve

Day 4 - Thimphu to Punakha: Dochula Pass Himalayan Panorama and Buddhist Nunnery Visit

Begin your scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha and stop at the Dochula Pass, where you will enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. Marvel at the 108 beautifully arranged chortens that adorn the pass, creating a truly impressive sight. Continue to the Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, where you will have the unique opportunity to participate in a prayer session with the resident nuns, immersing yourself in Bhutanese spirituality and culture.

Dochula Pass(Between Thimphu and Punakha)
Dochula Pass(Between Thimphu and Punakha)
Dochula Pass with 108 Memorial Chortens
Dochula Pass with 108 Memorial Chortens
Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery

Day 5 - Punakha to Trongsa: Historic Fortress and Royal Heritage Museum Journey

Your adventure begins with a scenic 3.5-hour drive from Punakha to Trongsa, offering breathtaking views of Bhutan's pristine landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, you'll visit the magnificent Trongsa Dzong, an impressive fortress where Bhutanese kings have traditionally been crowned before ascending the throne. This architectural masterpiece strategically overlooks the gorge of the Mangde River, serving as both a religious center and administrative headquarters for the region.

Next, explore the fascinating Royal Heritage Museum housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower) above the main fortress. Here, you'll discover a remarkable collection of royal artifacts including the personal belongings of Bhutan's monarchs such as royal coats and even the kings' sneakers. This unique museum offers intimate insights into the Wangchuck dynasty and Bhutan's royal heritage through its carefully preserved historical items and photographs.

(Trongsa Dzong)
(Trongsa Dzong)
Royal Heritage Museum
Royal Heritage Museum

Day 6 - Trongsa to Bumthang: Jakar Dzong and Wangdichholing Palace Exploration

Upon arrival in the Bumthang Valley, often described as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, you'll be immersed in a landscape of extraordinary beauty and cultural significance. This sacred region comprises four main valleys—Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura—each with its own distinct character and historical importance. The area is renowned for its numerous ancient temples, monasteries, and palaces set against a backdrop of blue pine forests and buckwheat fields. Your guide will introduce you to the valley's rich traditions, including its famous honey, cheese, apples, and distinctive yathra weavings—colorful textiles made from sheep wool.

Next, you'll visit the impressive Jakar Dzong, also known as the "Castle of the White Bird." Perched on a ridge overlooking the Chokhor Valley, this massive fortress was built in 1667 and serves as both an administrative center and monastery. Your guide will explain the dzong's fascinating origin story—how a white bird landed on the site, considered an auspicious sign for building the fortress. You'll explore the dzong's courtyards, assembly halls, and temples while learning about its historical significance and architectural features that exemplify traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship.

The final highlight of your day is the historic Wangdichholing Palace, the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family and birthplace of the first king of Bhutan. This elegant structure, built in 1857, served as the principal residence of the first two kings before the capital moved to Thimphu. Though not as ornate as later palaces, its historical significance makes it a crucial site in understanding Bhutan's transition from a feudal system to a monarchy. As you walk through the palace grounds, your guide will share insights about the royal heritage and the palace's role in shaping modern Bhutan. The surrounding gardens and ancient prayer wheels provide excellent photo opportunities and a glimpse into royal life in 19th-century Bhutan.

After exploring these cultural landmarks, you'll have time to visit the main town of Jakar, where you can enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch and browse local shops for authentic crafts and souvenirs before returning to your accommodation in the Bumthang area.


Jakar Dzong
Jakar Dzong
Wangdichholing Palace
Wangdichholing Palace
Chokhor Valley(Bumthang Valley)
Chokhor Valley(Bumthang Valley)

Day 7 - Bumthang Tang Valley Discovery: Mebar Tsho Burning Lake and Ogyen Choling Palace

Your journey begins with a comfortable one-hour drive to the secluded Tang Valley, one of Bumthang's most remote and pristine valleys. This lesser-visited area offers authentic glimpses into traditional Bhutanese rural life and spectacular mountain landscapes. Your first stop will be the mystical Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), a sacred site of profound religious significance where Pema Lingpa, a famous treasure discoverer, is said to have retrieved ancient Buddhist treasures in the 15th century. The deep blue pool is surrounded by prayer flags and offers a serene atmosphere for contemplation while your guide shares the fascinating legends associated with this holy place.

Next, you'll visit the magnificent Ogyen Choling Palace, a beautifully preserved manor house that has been converted into a museum. This ancestral home of Bhutanese nobility showcases traditional architecture and houses an impressive collection of religious artifacts, household items, and historical exhibits that provide insight into the lifestyle of Bhutanese aristocracy from centuries past. The palace complex offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a deeper understanding of Bhutan's cultural heritage.


Tang Valley
Tang Valley
Mebar Tsho(Burning Lake)
Mebar Tsho(Burning Lake)
Ogyen Choling Palace
Ogyen Choling Palace

Day 8 - Bumthang Ura Valley Excursion: Mountain Vistas, Traditional Village Life, and Swiss Farm

Your journey begins with a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Bumthang to the picturesque Ura Valley, the highest of Bumthang's valleys. As you travel along the winding mountain roads, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped mountains serving as a magnificent backdrop to the Chokhor Valley and Chhume Valley. This spectacular route offers numerous photo opportunities as you witness the dramatic landscape transition from lush forests to open highlands.

Upon arrival, you'll explore the charming Ura village, one of Bhutan's most traditional settlements characterized by its closely packed stone houses with shingled roofs connected by cobblestone pathways. This well-preserved village offers a glimpse into rural Bhutanese life largely unchanged for centuries. You'll have the opportunity to interact with locals, observe traditional farming practices, and admire the distinctive architecture that reflects the adaptation to the region's higher altitude and colder climate.

Next, you'll visit the unique Swiss Farm, an interesting cultural fusion project that combines Swiss farming techniques with Bhutanese traditions. Here, you'll learn about sustainable agricultural practices being implemented in the high-altitude environment, including cheese production and organic farming methods. The farm not only showcases innovative agricultural approaches but also offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and distant Himalayan peaks, creating a perfect blend of cultural exchange and natural beauty in this remote corner of Bhutan.


Chokhor Valley(Bumthang Valley)
Chokhor Valley(Bumthang Valley)
Chhume Valley
Chhume Valley
Ura village
Ura village
Swiss Farm of Ura village
Swiss Farm of Ura village

Day 9 - Bumthang to Gangtey: Scenic Drive Through Chumey Valley and Traditional Weaving Workshop

Begin your day with an early morning departure from your Bumthang accommodation as your private driver and guide prepare for the scenic 4-hour journey to Gangtey.  This route takes you through some of Bhutan's most spectacular landscapes, climbing through mountain passes and descending into lush valleys with numerous opportunities for photography stops along the way.

The journey's first highlight is a visit to the picturesque Chumey Valley, one of Bumthang's four main valleys known for its pastoral beauty and cultural significance.  As you travel through this tranquil valley, you'll be greeted by sweeping views of terraced fields, traditional farmhouses with their distinctive architecture, and the gentle flow of the Chamkhar Chhu river.  Your guide will explain how this valley serves as an important cultural corridor between eastern and western Bhutan, with its own unique traditions and crafts that have been preserved for generations.

A special stop awaits at the renowned Chumey Valley Weaving Workshop, where you'll witness firsthand the ancient art of yathra weaving—a textile tradition unique to this region.  Yathra is a colorful, hand-woven wool fabric with intricate geometric patterns that has been produced in Bumthang for centuries.  At this authentic workshop, you'll observe skilled local artisans, primarily women, working on traditional looms using techniques passed down through generations.

The remainder of your drive to Gangtey continues through dramatic mountain scenery, including the Yotong La pass (3,425m), offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape.  You'll eventually descend into the glacial Phobjikha Valley where Gangtey is located—famous as the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes and for its impressive 17th-century monastery.  Your guide will point out interesting features of the changing landscape and ecosystems as you transition from the warmer Bumthang region to the higher-altitude Phobjikha Valley.


Chumey Valley Weaving Workshop
Chumey Valley Weaving Workshop
Chumey Valley
Chumey Valley

Day 10 - Gangtey Nature Experience: Black-Necked Crane Center and Gangtey Nature Trail Hike

Your day of exploration begins in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley with a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Information Center, where you can observe these majestic endangered birds through spotting scopes during their winter migration season (November to March). The center provides fascinating insights into the conservation efforts protecting these sacred birds, their natural habitat, and their cultural significance to Bhutanese people. Even outside migration season, the center's informative exhibits and documentary screenings offer valuable education about these remarkable creatures.

Next, you'll visit the impressive Gangtey Goemba, a prominent Nyingma monastery perched on a ridge overlooking the glacial valley. Founded in 1613, this monastery features stunning traditional architecture with elaborate woodwork and colorful Buddhist imagery. The monastery complex houses important religious artifacts and serves as the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition in western Bhutan. Your guide will explain the monastery's historical significance and its role in the spiritual life of the local community.

In the afternoon, you'll embark on a refreshing 1.5-hour hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail, one of Bhutan's most scenic walking paths. This gentle downhill trail takes you through blue pine forests, across open meadows, and past small farming settlements, offering spectacular panoramic views of the entire U-shaped glacial valley. The trail provides excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife and birds while experiencing the pristine natural environment that makes this valley so special. The peaceful walk concludes at the valley floor, where you can observe the unique ecosystem of this protected area and perhaps glimpse the black-necked cranes in their natural habitat during winter months.


Black-Necked Crane Information Center
Black-Necked Crane Information Center
Gangtey Goemba
Gangtey Goemba
Gangtey Nature Trail
Gangtey Nature Trail

Day 11 - Gangtey to Paro: Return Journey via Simtokha Dzong and Ancient Kyichu Lhakhang Temple

Your journey begins with a scenic 4.5-hour drive from Gangtey to Paro, traversing through Bhutan's breathtaking landscapes of pine forests, mountain passes, and terraced farmlands. Upon arrival in the Paro Valley, you'll first visit the historic Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. This strategically positioned dzong once controlled the route between eastern and western Bhutan. Today, it houses a Buddhist monastery and a school for Buddhist studies. The fortress features beautiful traditional Bhutanese architecture with intricate woodwork, colorful murals depicting Buddhist teachings, and a collection of ancient statues and thangkas (religious paintings).

Next, you'll explore the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most venerated temples dating back to the 7th century. Legend holds that it was built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo as part of a chain of 108 temples constructed to subdue a demoness who was preventing the spread of Buddhism. The temple houses ancient relics and statues, including a statue of Jowo Sakyamuni believed to be from the 7th century. As you walk around the temple grounds, you'll see elderly pilgrims circumambulating the temple, spinning prayer wheels, and creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.


Simtokha Dzong
Simtokha Dzong
Kyichu Lhakhang Temple
Kyichu Lhakhang Temple

Day 12 - Tiger's Nest Monastery Trek: Iconic Cliffside Temple Pilgrimage and Paro Valley Views

Embark on an unforgettable hike to the iconic Taktshang Goemba (Tiger's Nest Monastery), perched dramatically on a cliffside above the Paro Valley. The round-trip trek takes about five hours and rewards you with breathtaking views and a chance to visit the legendary meditation caves of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). Recognized as one of the world's top ten monasteries, this sacred site is a highlight of any Bhutan journey. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the charming Paro Town.

Taktshang Goemba(Tiger's Nest Monastery)(Hiking up and down)
Taktshang Goemba(Tiger's Nest Monastery)(Hiking up and down)
Paro Town
Paro Town
Enjoy panoramic views of Paro Valley
Enjoy panoramic views of Paro Valley

Day 13 - Departure

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the airport for your onward flight.

Accommodation

What's included

AccommodationInternational-standard

Carefully selected accommodation with breakfast

Accommodation based on two people sharing (for each person not sharing a room, the single supplement will be added)

  • Well screened Hotels

    Handpicked hotels with good service and spacious room.

  • Super nice location

    Downtown location with convenient transportation and many good restaurants nearby.

TransportPrivate & Air-conditioned

All mentioned internal flights, trains, and cruises

Private & air-conditioned vehicle with ample space

  • Best-time flight

    No early get up. No late arrival.

  • Better seats

    Select seats for you as spacious as possible, such as exit row or bulkhead with more legroom.

GuidePrivate & Professional

Expert English-speaking local guide

MealsSafe & Authentic

All meals specified in the itinerary

  • Satisfying food

    Your special request on food can always be satisfied, no matter it relates to religion or medical purpose!

  • Local specialities

    Traditional local food is delicious and its specialities are worth searching out with our local guide!

  • Little snack

    Wanna try authentic local snack? Please follow us!

SupportUseful Package & 24/7 Local Service

Bottles of drinking water and cold towels per guest per day

24/7 helpline while you are travelling

ExcursionsAll listed in the above Itnerary

All excursions specified in the itinerary

All entrance fees specified in the itinerary

Not included
Flights

The round trip International Flights (flights from/to your city) are not included in the tour price. You will need to arrange your flights separately at any point.

service

our driver
Professional Guides & Drivers

We offer professional private tour guides with over 10-year experience, well-performed vehicles less than 5-year service life and licensed drivers with 5-year practice. Each of our employees undergoes rigorous screening before they can join our network.

our hotel
Well-selected Scenic spots and Hotel

All the hotels we advised have been inspected by our team and we spend time each year to top up our knowledge on the spot. Continuing Positive feedbacks on them from former customers because of their outstanding and unique characters.

local
Local Available 7/24

You will have our local team's urgency contact number and we are available whenever and wherever. If you meet any problem or need any help, just make a phone call and everything will be settled down at a time.

welcome kit
Warm Welcome Kits

We provide the welcome kits for each customer, you will receive the SIM card, city map, a bottle of drinking water and a cool towel per guest per day for FREE. Get all first-step information and useful tips in one profile and make your first tour simple and easy.