This 9-night escorted tour takes you to both Central and Western Bhutan. Fly to off-the-beaten-track Bumthang Valley in Central Bhutan, the spiritual heartland of the kingdom. Visit ancient temples as well as the local Swiss cheese factory and micro-brewery! Returning to Western Bhutan, visit the quaint city of Thimpu, one of the smallest capital cities in the world. Spend two nights near Punakha, where the Kings of Bhutan have traditionally been crowned. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, and the quirky painted house of Chimi Lhakhang. Return to Paro and hike to the iconic, cliff-hugging Tiger's Nest monastery. 

For a colourful and dramatic Bhutanese festival experience, time your trip to coincide with one of the numerous festivals of the Bumthang Valley. 

Whether you want to tour Bhutan solo, as a couple, with a small group, or a family with children, we have the perfect itinerary for you.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrive in Paro, Bhutan: Your journey begins in the beautiful Paro Valley, where your guide will greet you at the Airport. Explore the charming town centre and stroll across the picturesque wooden Nyamai Zam Bridge. As time allows, visit the formidable Rinpung dzong (fortress) of Paro and the national museum.
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

DAY 2

Bumthang:  Take the short flight to Bumthang, one of the most beautiful and sacred valleys in Bhutan. Visit Jakar Dzong and Kurje Lhakhang. Visit the cheese factory and micro-brewery adjacent to a guesthouse run by a Swiss-Bhutanese family. 
Flight time: 35 mins
Overnight: Bumthang
Altitude: 2,800 m

DAY 3

Bumthang: Visit the remote Burning Lake, Pemacholing Nunnery and the 16th-century Ugyen Choling Palace in the Tang Valley.
Overnight: Bumthang 
Altitude: 2,800 m

DAY 4 

Bumthang:  Enjoy a day hike offering great views of the Bumthang valley before driving eastwards to Chumey, one of the prettiest parts of Bumthang District.
Driving time:  approx. 1 hour
Overnight: Chumey, Bumthang
Altitude: 2,800 m

DAY 5 

Phobjikha:  Drive to Phobjikha via the fascinating museum in the historic town of Trongsa.
Driving time:  4.5-5 hours
Overnight: Phobjikha
Altitude: 3,000 m

DAY 6

Punakha: Visit the grand Gangtay Monastery. Continue towards the fertile Punakha valley, visiting the Temple of Fertility at Chimi Lhakhang. and the magnificent Punakha Dzong.
Driving time: 2 hrs
Overnight: Punakha
Altitude: 1,310 m

DAY 7

Thimpu: Drive via the Dochu La Pass (3,140 m)  into Thimpu, the charming little capital of Bhutan. Sightseeing in Thimpu can include the Folk Heritage Museum displaying traditional Bhutanese life or a visit to see Bhutan’s unique national animal, the Takin.
Driving time: 2.5 hrs
Overnight: Thimpu
Altitude: 2,320 m

DAY 8

Paro:  Visit the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts in Thimpu, the best place to see traditional arts being created or the colourful Textile Museum before returning to Paro in the afternoon. Explore the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. 
Driving time: 1.5 hr
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

day 9

Paro: Tiger's Nest excursion. An unforgettable hike to the Taktshang Gomba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). A 3-4 hour hike up through blue pines, passing water-powered prayer wheels, leads you to this holy site. This ancient monastery clings miraculously to a sheer cliff above the valley floor. The views are magnificent over the Paro Valley.
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

Day 10

Depart Paro