Itinerary
- Intro
Introduction
- Day 1
Paro to Thimphu
Paro to Thimphu- Start point
- Paro, Bhutan (Arrival Terminal)
- Meals
- Lunch (First taste of Bhutanese cuisine (can be arranged at Paro or Thimphu depending on flight arrival time)), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit National Museum of Bhutan at Paro Ta Dzong (1649 watchtower fortress)
- Transfer to Thimphu capital city
Optional Activities
- Visit Buddha Dordhenma Statue at Kuensel Phodrang (169-foot bronze statue overlooking Thimphu valley)
- Visit Weaving Center to see traditional textile weaving
- Pass by Changlimithang Archery Range and watch archery matches if in progress
- Leisure time exploring Thimphu town
Landmarks Paro Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan) Buddha Dordhenma Statue (Kuensel Phodrang Buddha Point) Changlimithang Archery Range - Day 2
Thimphu
Thimphu- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional Bhutanese buffet lunch at Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Tango Monastery (2-3 hour roundtrip, founded 1222, located roughly 14km from Thimphu)
- Visit National Institute for Zorig Chusum (13 Traditional Arts & Crafts)
- Visit National Library & Archives of Bhutan
Optional Activities
- Visit Craft Bazaar for authentic Bhutanese handicrafts
Landmarks Tango Monastery National Institute for Zorig Chusum National Library & Archives of Bhutan Folk Heritage Museum - Day 3
Thimphu to Punakha
Thimphu to Punakha- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Can participate in preparing dinner at homestay if staying at Namgay Zam Homestay)
Included Activities
- Cross Dochu La Pass at 3,150m with views of Bhutan's highest peaks
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) from 15th century, 20-30 minute walk through paddy fields
- Visit Punakha Dzong (17th-century fortress from 1637, Palace of Great Bliss)
- Walk across Bhutan's longest suspension bridge spanning Phochu River
Landmarks Dochu La Pass Druk Wangyal Chortens Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) Punakha Dzong Phochu River Suspension Bridge - Day 4
Punakha to Phobjikha Valley
Punakha to Phobjikha Valley- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten (2.5-hour roundtrip from Punakha, consecrated 1999)
- Drive to Phobjikha Valley (80km, approximately 3 hours)
- Gangtey Nature Trail hike (5km, approximately 3 hours through forests, meadows, villages and streams)
Landmarks Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten Phobjikha Valley - Day 5
Phobjikha Valley to Paro
Phobjikha Valley to Paro- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch served on the way, likely at Dochula Cafeteria if starting journey early), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Gangtey Monastery (17th-century, founded 1613, one of largest monasteries in Bhutan)
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (7th-century Buddhist temple from 659 A.D., one of oldest in Bhutan)
Landmarks Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Gonpa) Kyichu Lhakhang - Day 6
Paro
Paro- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch served on ridge overlooking Paro valley with stunning views (approximately 2.5 hours into trek)), Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to Bumdrak Monastery (4-5 hours, steady uphill climb through fir and pine forests from 2,950m to 3,860m)
- Visit sacred Bumdrak Temple with 8th-century blessed cave
Optional Activities
- Hike to summit from Bumdrak campsite (additional 45 minutes for panoramic mountain and valley views)
Landmarks Paro Sangchoekhor Buddhist College Choechongtse Temple Bumdrak Monastery - Day 7
Bumdrak to Paro
Bumdrak to Paro- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria), Dinner (Authentic home-cooked Bhutanese cuisine at local farmhouse; may participate in preparation)
Included Activities
- Descend from Bumdrak via ancient trails through flora
- Visit Yoeselgang Monastery
- Visit Ugyen Tsemo Monastery (15th-century)
- Visit Zangdogpelri temple (Guru Padmasambhava's abode)
- Visit Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest, 15th-century, on 800-meter cliff)
- Visit local farmhouse for authentic home-cooked Bhutanese cuisine and cooking demonstration
Optional Activities
- Traditional hot stone bath with therapeutic and revitalizing effect (additional fee of approximately US$15 per person)
- Drink locally brewed Ara liquor at farmhouse
Landmarks Yoeselgang Monastery Ugyen Tsemo Monastery Zangdogpelri (Guru Padmasambhava's Abode) Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) - Day 8
Paro
Paro- End point
- Paro, Bhutan (Departure Terminal)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer to Paro International Airport
Landmarks Paro International Airport
