Itinerary
- Day 1
Paro to Thimphu
You'll land in Paro and start with those Himalayan views right away, then drive toward Thimphu. Along the way, stop at Tachhog Lhakhang temple to see the intricate architecture, and then check out the National Memorial Chorten which sits in the middle of the city. Tashichho Dzong fortress is next, a massive white-walled structure that's hard to miss. After that, you'll have free time to walk around Thimphu town itself and browse the Craft Bazaar if you're looking for souvenirs or local goods.
- Start point
- Paro, Bhutan (Paro International Airport (PBH))
Included Activities
- Visit Tachhog Lhakhang temple and handmade iron chain bridge
- Visit National Memorial Chorten
- Visit Tashichho Dzong and witness flag lowering ceremony
- Free exploration at Thimphu town
Optional Activities
- Shopping at Craft Bazaar
Landmarks Tachhog Lhakhang National Memorial Chorten Tashichho Dzong Paro Dzong Ta Dzong 
- Day 2
Thimphu to Phobjikha
This is the drive to Phobjikha, and the route itself is part of the experience. You'll cross Dochu-la pass where 108 Stupas sit in rows and the mountain views open up in every direction. Stop for lunch in Punakha before heading into Phobjikha valley. Once there, you can either do a nature trail hike through pine forests with valley views, or take it easy with a traditional hot stone bath if you're feeling tired from the drive.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Punakha/Nobding)
Included Activities
- Stop at Dochu-la pass with panoramic mountain views
- View 108 Stupas (Druk Wangyel Chortens)
- Complimentary traditional hot stone bath
Optional Activities
- Gangtey Natural trail hike (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes through pine forest)
- Winter bird watching for Black Neck Cranes (seasonal)
Landmarks Dochu-la Pass Druk Wangyel Chortens (108 Stupas) Gangtey Goenpa - Day 3
Phobjikha to Bumthang
Start the day at Gangtey Gompa monastery, then drive through some pretty dramatic mountain scenery toward Bumthang. You'll stop at Chendebji Chorten and Trongsa along the way. Trongsa Dzong is worth spending time at, and Ta Dzong next to it offers a different perspective. From there, cross over Yotong La pass and head into the Chumey Valley where things get quieter and less traveled.
Included Activities
- Visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery)
- Stop at Chendebji Chorten
- Visit Trongsa Dzong
- Visit Ta Dzong above Trongsa
Optional Activities
- Light butter lamp at Gangtey Gompa
- Hoist prayer flags at Gangtey Gompa
- Offer incense at Gangtey Gompa
- Stroll through Trongsa village
Landmarks Gangtey Gompa Chendebji Chorten Trongsa Dzong Ta Dzong Yotong La Chumey Valley 
- Day 4
Bumthang
Bumthang has four valleys to explore, so you'll be covering ground today. Choekor valley comes first, then Kurje Lhakhang monastery. Jambey Lhakhang temple is another stop, and Tamshing Lhakhang has ancient Buddhist wall paintings that take time to really look at. Grab lunch somewhere in between, then finish up with Jakar Dzong and a walk through Bumthang's market area to see what local goods are available.
Included Activities
- Visit Kurje Lhakhang
- Visit Jambey Lhakhang
- Visit Tamshing Lhakhang
- Visit Jakar Dzong
- Browse Bumthang market area
Optional Activities
- Explore Wangdichhoeling (neighboring palace of the 2nd King)
- Visit auspicious prayer wheels near Wangdichhoeling
Landmarks Kurje Lhakhang Jambey Lhakhang Tamshing Lhakhang Jakar Dzong Wangdichhoeling Choekor Valley - Day 5
Bumthang
Tang Valley is one of those places that fewer tourists make it to, which is part of the appeal. Ugyen Chhoeling Palace and its museum give you a sense of local history. You'll have a traditional picnic set up with views around you, then head to Tang Mebartsho, also called Burning Lake, a sacred pilgrimage site covered in prayer flags. It's a quieter, more reflective kind of day than some of the others.
Included Activities
- Hike to Ugyen Chhoeling Palace
- Explore Ugyen Chhoeling Palace museum
- Visit Tang Mebartsho (Burning Lake)
Optional Activities
- Traditional picnic with breathtaking views
Landmarks Ugyen Chhoeling Palace Tang Mebartsho (Burning Lake) Tang Valley - Day 6
Bumthang to Punakha
After breakfast, you'll start the long drive back to Punakha. Most of the day is spent in the car moving through the mountains, with a lunch stop somewhere along the route to break things up. It's one of those transition days where the journey itself is the main activity.
- Meals
- Lunch
- Day 7
Punakha to Thimphu
Breakfast first, then you choose your activity: either hike up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten or visit Wolakha Nunnery, depending on what appeals to you. Later on, head to Punakha Dzong, the former capital's fortress sitting where two rivers meet. If you're interested, white water rafting is available before driving back to Thimphu for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Punakha Dzong
- Explore Punakha Dzong interior
Optional Activities
- Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten through rice fields
- Visit Wolakha Nunnery with spectacular views
- White water rafting
Landmarks Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Wolakha Nunnery Punakha Dzong Mo Chhu - Day 8
Punakha to Paro
Leave early for Paro because the hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest, takes several hours. It's built on a cliff over 10,000 feet up, and the views during the hike are worth every step. Afterward, stop at Kyichu Temple, one of Bhutan's oldest sites. The evening is yours to either wander around Paro town or just rest after that hike.
Included Activities
- Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) hike (4-6 hours)
- Visit Kyichu Temple
Optional Activities
- Evening visit to Paro town with traditional Bhutanese buildings
Landmarks Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) Kyichu Lhakhang 
- Day 9
Departure
Tour ends at Paro International Airport where the tour operator representatives will be there to see you off.
- End point
- Paro, Bhutan (Paro International Airport)
Landmarks Paro International Airport
