Itinerary

1. Day 01: Arrival in Paro then transfer to Thimphu City

   • Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide will greet you and transfer you to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours (55 km) through beautiful countryside. 
   • After checking into your hotel in Thimphu, you will have some time to rest and explore the city at your leisure.

2. Day 02: Excursion Tour in Thimphu

   • Today, you will explore Thimphu, visiting several cultural and historical sites, including:
     • Memorial Chorten: Built in memory of Bhutan’s third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
     • Buddha Dordenma: A gigantic Buddha statue offering panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley.
     • Tashichho Dzong: The fortress-monastery that houses the throne room and offices of the King.
     • National Library: Home to a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
     • Institute for Zorig Chusum: This is known as the Painting School, where students learn Bhutan's traditional arts and crafts.
     • Simply Bhutan Museum: A living museum that offers insights into Bhutanese culture and traditions.

3. Day 03: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha and Excursion Tour

   • After breakfast, you will drive to Punakha, which takes about 2 to 3 hours (74 km).
   • En route, you will stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m) to enjoy the stunning Himalayas and the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens views.
   • In Punakha, you will visit:
     • Punakha Dzong: Known as the "Palace of Great Happiness," it is one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
     • Suspension Bridge: The longest suspension bridge in Bhutan offers stunning views and an adventurous walk.

4. Day 04: Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha Valley via Gangtey Goempa

   • You will drive to Phobjikha Valley this morning, about 2 to 3 hours (85 km). On the way, you will visit:
     • Gangtey Goempa is an important monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, located on a hilltop with a stunning view of the Phobjikha Valley.
   • After visiting the monastery, you will continue to the Phobjikha Valley, famous for the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate here in winter.

   Overnight in Phobjikha Valley.

5. Day 05: Drive from Gangtey/Phobjikha to Bumthang

   • Today, you will drive to Bumthang for a longer period, approximately 4 to 5 hours. The journey offers picturesque landscapes of forests, villages, and valleys. 
   • Upon arrival in Bumthang, you will check into your hotel and have the evening to relax.

6. Day 06: Attend the Nimalung Festival

   • Spend the day at the Nimalung Festival, a vibrant and colourful Bhutanese festival featuring masked dances, traditional music, and cultural performances. This festival provides a deep insight into Bhutanese culture and religious traditions.

7. Day 07: Excursion Day in Bumthang

   • Explore Bumthang’s rich historical and cultural sites, including:
     • Jakar Dzong: Also known as the “Castle of the White Bird,” it is the administrative center of Bumthang.
     • Kurje Lhakhang: A sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated.
     • Tamshing Lhakhang: Known for its ancient Buddhist wall paintings.

8. Day 08: Drive from Bumthang to Wangdue

   • After breakfast, you will drive from Bumthang to Wangdue, which takes about 5 to 6 hours (197 km). The drive passes through beautiful scenery, including forests, rivers, and traditional villages. 
   • Upon arrival in Wangdue, you will check into your hotel and relax for the evening.

9. Day 09: Drive from Wangdue to Paro and Sightseeing

   • This morning, you will drive to Paro, about 3 hours (110 km).
   • Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and then proceed with sightseeing in Paro, including:
     • Rinpung Dzong: A fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro Valley.
     • National Museum of Bhutan: Housed in an ancient watchtower, it displays Bhutanese art, artifacts, and history.

10. Day 10: Sightseeing and Acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

    • After breakfast, you will hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery), perched on a cliffside at 3,180m (10,433ft). The hike takes about 4 to 5 hours and is a round trip. The trail passes through a pine forest, with prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and offers stunning views of the monastery. 
    • After exploring the monastery, you will hike back down and return to your hotel in Paro.

11. Day 11: Departure

    • Today, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. Your guide will assist you with the departure formalities and bid you farewell, leaving you with memories of a remarkable journey through Bhutan.