Arrival at Paro International Airport & Paro Sightseeing (2200m)

National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་། - Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, the guide and driver will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. If you arrive before the hotel check-in time, you’ll be taken to explore some of Paro’s significant landmarks directly from the airport.

Your first stop will be the National Museum, located in a 17th-century watchtower known as Ta Dzong. The museum showcases numerous ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks, including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted daily life implements. On the return to town, visit Dungtse Lhakhang (Lhakhang means ‘temple’), constructed in the 15th century by the Tibetan Buddhist Scholar, Dupthop Thangtong Gyalpo, also known as Chagzampa, meaning ‘Iron Bridge Builder’. If time allows, visit one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries, Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D. by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Paro Altitude 2,200m/7,220ft

Paro / Transfer to Thimphu, the Capital City (2334m)

Thimphu - After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Thimphu, the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. This vibrant city is home to around 115,000 residents and serves as the main hub for commerce, religion, and government in Bhutan.

On the way, you may wish to visit Tamchog Lhakhang, dedicated to the 15th-century Tibetan Scholar Thangtong Gyalpo. It is situated across the Pachhu River, accessible by crossing an old iron bridge, one of the few remaining built by Thangtong Gyalpo.

Distance 55 km | Time 1.5 hours | Thimphu Altitude 2,334m/7,655ft

Bhutan Postal Museum - Upon arrival in Thimphu, visit the Bhutan Postal Museum, located in the heart of the city in the same building as the Bhutan National Bank, where you can also exchange currency if needed. The Postal Service in Bhutan began in 1962 with the opening of a post office in Phuentsholing, a town bordering India. The Postal Museum, opened in 2015, showcases Bhutan’s communication and postal system development. For philatelic enthusiasts, there is a fine collection of stamps, First Day Covers, and stamp albums. The museum is closed on Sundays.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum - After lunch, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, where the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan are taught. The institute was established to promote and preserve these arts and crafts and to provide youth with access to learning these skills. The thirteen arts and crafts include 1) Shing Zo (woodwork), 2) Dho Zo (stonework), 3) Par Zo (carving), 4) Lha Zo (painting), 5) Jim Zo (sculpting), 6) Lug Zo (casting), 7) Shag Zo (wood turning), 8) Gar Zo (blacksmith), 9) Troe Zo (ornament making), 10) Tsa Zo (bamboo work), 11) De Zo (paper making), 12) Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery, and applique), and Thag Zo (weaving).

Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground - Pass by Changlimithang Archery Range to witness an archery match if one is in progress. You’ll see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from an impressive distance of 145m. Archery is Bhutan’s national sport.

Enjoy leisure time exploring Thimphu town.

Short Hike with Overlooking View of Thimphu Valley & Local Sightseeing in Thimphu

Buddha Dordenma - After breakfast, visit the largest sitting Buddha Statue at Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking Thimphu valley. It was constructed in 2015 to commemorate the 60th birthday of the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Embark on a 2-hour leisurely hike on the outskirts of the capital city from Kuensel Phodrang to the 13th-century Changangkha Lhakang. The hike offers a magnificent view of Thimphu valley and is relatively short, passing through sparsely populated pine trees, making it ideal for families and nature lovers.

Changangkha Lhakhang - At the end of the hike, visit the 13th-century Changangkha Lhakhang, established in the 12th century by Tibetan Buddhist scholar Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, known for spreading the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan, which later became the state religion. Among the temple’s many invaluable treasures is the original copy of 16 volumes of Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita (Bum Gye Dring Due Sum), handwritten by Nyima, the son of Phajo Drugom Shigpo.

Centenary Farmers Market - After a traditional lunch at Little Bhutan Restaurant, visit the Centenary Farmers’ Weekend Market to gain insights into Bhutanese food culture and preferences. Farmers from across the country bring their produce to sell during the weekend. The market is open from Friday to Sunday.

Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground - Pass by Changlimithang Archery Range to witness an archery match if one is in progress. You’ll see archers singing and dancing each time the target is hit from an impressive distance of 145m. Archery is Bhutan’s national sport.

Thimphu / Transfer to Phobjikha Valley in Gangtey (3000m)

Dochula Pass - After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Phobjikha valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at 3150m above sea level. Enjoy a panoramic view of some of Bhutan’s highest peaks, weather permitting.

From Dochu La Pass, continue driving towards Punakha, passing through villages. The elevation gradually decreases, and the road winds through pine trees. As you reach the lower valley, you’ll notice a significant change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to a warmer subtropical region at 1,200m.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - En route, stop at the village of Sosokha and visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang, known as the “Temple of Fertility,” located about a 30-minute walk from the nearest road through beautiful terraced rice fields and farmhouses. Chimi Lhakhang was built in 1499 by Lama Ngawang Chogyal on a site blessed by his older brother, Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the ‘Divine Madman’ for his unconventional ways of spreading Buddhism. He often expressed his desire for sex and used a phallus as a medium to subdue malevolent spirits. Today, one of Chimi Lhakhang’s relics is a phallus.

Phobjikha Valley - Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000 meters (9,840 ft) and serves as a winter home for the endangered Black Necked Crane from November to March, which migrates back to Tibet by the beginning of spring. Every year on November 11th, the Black Necked Crane Festival is held to celebrate the arrival of this majestic bird, which becomes an integral part of the local people’s lives during the winter months.

Gangtey Nature Trail - For nature enthusiasts and those who enjoy a long walk through the woods surrounded by splendid nature, the Gangtey Nature Trail is highly recommended. The trail is about 5km and takes approximately 2.5 hours. It begins at the Gangtey monastery and takes you through beautiful meadows, forests, traditional village houses, farmlands, and crystalline streams. This short nature trail provides a great sense of the valley and an understanding of the community living there.

Phobjikha Valley / Transfer to Bumthang via Trongsa (2600m)

Gangtey Monastery - After breakfast at the hotel, visit the famous landmark and one of Bhutan’s largest monasteries, Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangtey Goenpa, founded in 1613 (gonpa means “high remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance). The name Gangtey is derived from the fact that the Goenpa is built on a peak (Tey) of a hillock (Gang). The current abbot of this monastery is the ninth Gangtey Trulku, His Holiness Kunzang Rigzin Pema Namgyal.

Full Day Exploring Bumthang Valley, Also Known as Jakar

Bumthang - Bumthang is considered the cultural heartland of Bhutan, as many of the most ancient and precious Buddhist monuments are found here. The district of Bumthang is divided into four blocks: Chhoekhor, where the main town is located, Chumey, Tang, and Ura, all of which are broad and beautiful valleys.

Bumthang / Ngang Lhakhang (2600m)

Ngang Lhakhang / Camp at Tahung (2720m)

Tahung / Tang Valley (2750m)

Tang Valley / Transfer to Trongsa (2200m)

Ta Dzong Museum - After a leisurely breakfast at the Ogyen Choling Guesthouse, begin the journey back to Trongsa. Just a few hundred meters before reaching Trongsa, visit the Royal Heritage Museum, located on a promontory overlooking the majestic Trongsa Dzong. The museum is housed in a watchtower called Ta Dzong, built in 1652, and offers visitors insight into Trongsa’s significance in Bhutan’s history.

Driving distance 95km, Time 3 hours, Trongsa altitude 2200m

Trongsa / Transfer to Punakha Valley (1200m)

Punakha Dzong - After lunch, continue driving to Punakha and visit the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, the historic Punakha Dzong – The Fortress of Great Bliss. Originally known as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang Dzong, meaning ‘Fortress of Great Bliss’, it was built in 1637 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to protect the region from Tibetan forces. It is the second oldest, second largest, and certainly the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. The sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, along with the intricate woodworks and architectural structure, display a fine example of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship, which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture today.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - After visiting the Dzong, walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, which spans the Phochu (male) river. Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial-fed rivers - Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers.

Punakha / Transfer to Paro Valley (2200m)

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - After breakfast, hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten and then transfer to Paro for an overnight stay via Dochula Pass.

Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten is located about 20 minutes from the main town of Punakha to the road head, from where you cross a suspension bridge over the Mochu (female) river. The round-trip hike takes about 2.5-3 hours through terraced rice fields and a short climb before reaching the peaceful sacred site. After the hike, drive back to Punakha town for lunch.

Paro - After lunch, drive to Paro valley via Dochula Pass. From Dochula Pass, descend all the way to Simtokha Dzong, built in 1631 by Zhangdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who united Bhutan as one nation-state. If interested, stop by and visit Simtokha Dzong. Strategically built on a ridge overlooking the Thimphu valley, Simtokha Dzong is significant not only because it was the first Dzong built by Zhangdrung Ngawang Namgyel but also because it stands on the borders of three major regions: Thimphu, Paro, and Wangdue Phodrang. One of the main statues inside Simtokha Dzong is the statue of the Buddha of Compassion. Legend has it that fortunate visitors can see a light shining forth from the Buddha’s chest. The Dzong has more than three hundred slate carvings from the 17th century. Recently, His Majesty the 5th King donated a statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, which wasn’t there initially.

Distance 115 km | Time 4.5 hours | Paro Altitude 2,200m

Hike to the Famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)

Paro Taktsang - After breakfast, hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors, but you can hike at your own pace. An early start is recommended. One-way horse riding is available on your way up to the mid-point (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria) for about USD20.

Built on the face of an 800-meter rock cliff, Taktsang literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’ and is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. It was originally built in 1692 on the sacred cave where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the mid-eighth century A.D.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for Departure

Paro International Airport - After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. The guide will assist you in completing all exit formalities before you check-in.

• All internal taxes for the services listed above
• Porters & Ponies
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and light snacks
• Medical treatment at a hospital in Bhutan if you sustain injuries while on the tour within Bhutan
• 1 night homestay with the local family (optional)
• Sleeping bag liner (not sleeping bag)
• Lunch
• Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide.
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• 1 night full-service outdoor camping in the pristine wilderness
• All entre fees including trekking permit
• All ground transportation including round trip airport transfers
• Visa Fee & Processing. You’ll receive e-Visa in PDF format within 4-5 business days.
• 11 nights twin-sharing accommodation at 3-star hotels certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

• Travel insurance (optional)
• International flights. Let us know if you need help with arranging flights to and from Bhutan.
• Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
• Emergency Evacuation
• Sleeping bag & travel pillow (you need for camping during trekking)
• Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee.
• Tips to guide and driver
• Any other expenses of personal nature

Embark on a journey across five western regions of Bhutan and unravel the mysteries that led this petite kingdom to prefer solitude for hundreds of years. Explore grand fortresses and temples placed strategically atop hills and amidst settings of towering snow-capped mountains and forests. Appreciate the untarnished natural beauty and the time-honored traditions of the enchanting Kingdom of Bhutan, so beautifully conserved that it’s often referred to as the ‘Final Shangri-La’ by the rest of the world.

This 14-day and 13-night voyage includes a 2-day hike in the heart of Bhutan, Bumthang, known as the ‘cultural bedrock of Bhutan’. An easy trek that meanders through dense forests, scenic valleys and alongside sparkling rivers abundant with trout. Numerous ancient temples await your visit, and journey through typical Bhutanese villages where you can pause and unwind, giving you a chance to fully immerse in and appreciate Bhutanese culture and customs.

• This tour can be customized and run on a private basis just for you and your group.
• We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to a week before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
• There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
• After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. Actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address.
• Participants below the age of 18 years old MUST be accompanied by at least one adult.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.