Itinerary
- Day 1
Paro to Punakha
After landing at Paro International Airport and clearing immigration, your guide meets you for the drive to Punakha. The 4-hour journey takes you through the Himalayas with stops at Druk Wangyal Chortens and Dochula Pass (3,050m/10,000ft) where you'll see panoramic mountain views. From there, you'll visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dating back to 1499. By evening, settle in at your accommodation and join the team for a welcome dinner.
- Start point
- Paro, Bhutan (Paro International Airport)
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner with Bhutan Green Travel team)
Included Activities
- Visit Druk Wangyal Chortens
- Cross Dochula Pass with panoramic Himalayan views
- Explore Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple
Landmarks Druk Wangyal Chortens Dochula Pass Mount Gangkar Puensum Chimi Lhakhang - Day 2
Punakha
Start early and drive to the Mochhu River for a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built in 1994. The walk crosses a suspension bridge and takes you through paddy fields before a 45-minute moderate climb through pine trees to the 100-ft temple with valley views. After lunch, head to Punakha Dzong at the river confluence, then visit Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery Buddhist College perched on a nearby hilltop.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (approximately 45 minutes ascent)
- Visit Punakha Dzong
- Visit Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery Buddhist College
Landmarks Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Mochhu River Punakha Dzong Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery Buddhist College - Day 3
Punakha to Bumthang
Following breakfast, you'll drive toward Bumthang Valley via Pelela Pass (3,390m/11,125ft), a 6-7 hour journey total. Stop at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong overlooking the river, then continue through Trongsa where you can view the 18th-century Chendebji Chorten and check out the Thumangdra viewpoint. There's an optional stop at Yathra Weaving Centre in Chumig village to see traditional yak and sheep wool work. The final leg to Bumthang takes roughly 2.5 hours via Yotongla Pass.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- View Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
- Walk around Chendebji Chorten
- Visit Thumangdra viewpoint
Optional Activities
- Explore Yathra Weaving Centre in Chumig village
Landmarks Wangdue Phodrang Dzong Pelela Pass Chendebji Chorten Thumangdra Viewpoint Yotongla Pass Trongsa Dzong - Day 4
Bumthang
Explore Bumthang Valley's religious sites starting with the 8th-century Kenchosum Lhakhang, famous for its ancient bronze bell with an unusual origin story. Next, visit Tamshing Lhakhang from 1501, then cross the Chamkharchhu River to reach Kurjey Lhakhang complex with 108 chortens. Stop at Jambay Lhakhang, believed built in a single day during the 7th century. Lunch features a traditional Bhutanese meal at Sherab Dema Farmhouse with options for archery or a hot stone bath afterward.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Authentic traditional Bhutanese meal at Sherab Dema Farmhouse)
Included Activities
- Visit Kenchosum Lhakhang (8th century temple)
- Visit Tamshing Lhakhang
- Cross bridge over Chamkharchhu River to Kurjey Lhakhang complex
- Visit Jambay Lhakhang (Temple of Maitreya)
- Enjoy traditional Bhutanese meal at Sherab Dema Farmhouse
Optional Activities
- Try archery at Sherab Dema Farmhouse
- Relax in traditional hot stone bath at farmhouse
Landmarks Kenchosum Lhakhang Tamshing Lhakhang Chamkharchhu River Kurjey Lhakhang Jambay Lhakhang - Day 5
Bumthang to Phobjikha
The return journey to Phobjikha Valley takes 5-6 hours and brings you through Trongsa for a tour of the massive 1648-built Trongsa Dzong and its Ta Dzong tower for town views. Upon arrival in Phobjikha, you'll visit Gangtey Gonpa, a 17th-century monastery on a hillock overlooking the valley. Explore the surrounding pine-forested valley and visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre to learn about these rare birds present from late October through mid-March. There's time to meet locals and experience the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Trongsa Dzong
- View Tower of Trongsa (Ta Dzong)
- Visit Gangtey Gonpa monastery
- Explore Phobjikha Valley
- Visit Black-necked Crane Information Centre
Optional Activities
- Stay in Village Homestay for cultural immersion
Landmarks Trongsa Dzong Tower of Trongsa (Ta Dzong) Gangtey Gonpa Phobjikha Valley - Day 6
Phobjikha to Haa
Drive about 4 hours (112-km) to Haa, one of Bhutan's smallest districts located southwest of Paro. Visit the Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo temples in Dumchoe village, then explore Haa town set at 2,700m elevation. The rest of the day is yours to wander the pristine alpine forests, take in the tranquil mountain peaks, and experience the countryside with its farmlands and quiet atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Lhakhang Karpo (white temple) in Dumchoe
- Visit Lhakhang Nagpo (black temple) in Dumchoe
- Explore Haa town and surrounding areas
Landmarks Lhakhang Karpo Lhakhang Nagpo Haa Valley - Day 7
Haa to Thimphu
Spend the day in Thimphu (2,300m/7,545ft), Bhutan's capital. Visit the National Memorial Chorten built in 1974, see the 169-ft Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang from 2006, and check out the Motithang Takin Reserve for Bhutan's national animal. Tour the National Institute for Zorig Chusum to watch traditional arts training, visit the National Library to see the world's largest book at 60kg, explore the Bhutan Postal Museum, and if time allows, visit Tashichhodzong fortress.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit National Memorial Chorten
- See Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang
- Visit Motithang Takin Reserve
- Tour National Institute for Zorig Chusum
- Visit National Library of Bhutan
- Explore Bhutan Postal Museum
Optional Activities
- Visit Tashichhodzong fortress (if time permits)
Landmarks National Memorial Chorten Kuenselphodrang Buddha Dordenma Motithang Takin Reserve National Institute for Zorig Chusum National Library of Bhutan Bhutan Postal Museum Tashichhodzong - Day 8
Thimphu to Paro
Attend the Genekha Matsutake Mushroom Festival, typically held in August with a two-day celebration featuring indigenous sports, product stalls, and local food like mushroom soup and curry. Watch mask dances, folk performances, and school skits. Walk around traditional villages with their characteristic houses and temples. The festival area also offers hiking and serves as a starting point for treks. By evening, drive back to Paro (roughly 2 hours) and explore town if time permits.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Attend Genekha Matsutake Mushroom Festival
- Experience cultural performances at festival
- Explore traditional Bhutanese villages
Optional Activities
- Hike in festival area
- Explore Paro town in evening (if time permits)
Landmarks Genekha Matsutake Mushroom Festival Dagala Thousand Lake Treks - Day 9
Paro
Hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), starting from Ramthangkha 12-km from Paro town. The 4-km trail takes about 4-5 hours round-trip plus an extra hour touring the monastery perched 900m above the valley. Horse and pony rides can take you halfway up if preferred. The views from the cliff wall are particularly nice. Spend the afternoon relaxing, perhaps at a farmhouse hot stone bath.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
- Tour Paro Taktshang Monastery
Optional Activities
- Gentle horse/pony ride halfway up the trail
- Hot stone bath at farmhouse
Landmarks Paro Taktshang Monastery - Day 10
Paro
After breakfast, head to Paro International Airport for your departure. Your guide and driver from Bhutan Green Travel will see you off. Tashi Delek as you continue onward.
- End point
- Paro, Bhutan (Paro International Airport)
- Meals
- Breakfast
