Discover the Heart of Western & Central Bhutan

During the flight to Bhutan, you can enjoy views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and driven to Thimphu, which is about 54 km from Paro Airport and takes around 45 minutes. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. You will also visit Changangkha Monastery, the Mini Zoo, where you can see the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will visit the Buddha Statue, the School of Arts and Crafts, also known as the Painting School, the Traditional Paper Factory, the Post Office, where you can personalize your own stamps, the Weaving Centre and Semtokha Dzong. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters). On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, you will drive downhill through forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will continue through rice fields and along the banks of the Punakha River before arriving in Punakha. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple traditionally associated with fertility. After lunch, you will visit Punakha Dzong, which is situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, like an anchored ship. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After an early breakfast, you will start your drive to Bumthang. You will cross Pele La Pass (3,300 meters) and stop for a few minutes to take photos and stretch your legs. You will then continue to Trongsa, where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, you will visit Trongsa Dzong. After visiting the dzong, you will continue your drive to Bumthang. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

After an early breakfast, you will start your sightseeing with Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have left his body imprint inside a cave. You will also visit Jambay Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Kenchosum Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) and Kharchu Dratshang. In the evening, you can stroll freely around Bumthang town. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

After an early breakfast, you will drive to Phobjikha. Along the way, you will stop at a Yathra textile weaving factory, where you can see the traditional Yathra weaving of Bumthang and watch some of the weavers at their looms. You will then continue to Phobjikha Valley, which is famous as a winter roosting place for black-necked cranes. In Phobjikha Valley, you will hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes and passes through pine forests and areas with small bamboo plants. The trail starts from the mani stone wall to the north of Gangtey Goenpa and ends at Khewa Lhakhang. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the Phobjikha Valley. During the winter months, you may also see the endangered black-necked cranes in the valley. Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.

After an early breakfast, you will drive to Paro with a stop at Dochula Pass for lunch. After lunch, you will continue your drive towards Paro. On arrival in Paro, you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in the 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. You will then visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

In the morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, situated at an altitude of 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After lunch, you will explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.