Day 1: Arrival in Paro & Transfer to Thimphu
- Arrival at Paro International Airport:
- Arrive in Bhutan at Paro International Airport. Meet your guide and head to Thimphu (1.5 hours drive).
- Sightseeing in Thimphu:
- Tashichho Dzong: Visit the majestic fortress, the seat of Bhutan’s government and a center of monastic life.
- Buddha Dordenma Statue: See the massive golden Buddha statue that overlooks Thimphu Valley.
- Memorial Chorten: Visit the stupa built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
- Overnight: Stay in Thimphu.
Day 2: Explore Thimphu
- Morning:
- Folk Heritage Museum: Explore Bhutanese rural life and the traditional way of living.
- National Library: View the collection of ancient Buddhist texts and scriptures.
- Changangkha Lhakhang: A peaceful monastery on a hill offering panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley.
- Afternoon:
- Textile Museum: Learn about Bhutan’s traditional textile weaving practices.
- Zilukha Nunnery: Visit this nunnery with its peaceful setting and scenic views.
- Overnight: Stay in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
- Morning: After breakfast, head to Punakha (2.5-3 hours drive), passing through Dochula Pass, where you’ll see spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas.
- Visit the Druk Wangyal Chortens – 108 stupas built in honor of Bhutan’s fourth king.
- Afternoon:
- Punakha Dzong: Visit this impressive dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers.
- Chimi Lhakhang: Stop by this famous fertility temple, also known as the Temple of the Divine Madman.
- Overnight: Stay in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha to Bumthang
- Morning: Depart for Bumthang (6-7 hours drive). Enjoy the scenic drive through the heart of Bhutan, passing by beautiful valleys and remote villages.
- Afternoon: En route, stop to visit the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family, perched on a hill above the Mangde Chhu River.
- Evening: Arrive in Bumthang, a beautiful valley known as the spiritual heart of Bhutan.
- Overnight: Stay in Bumthang.
Day 5: Explore Bumthang
- Morning:
- Jakar Dzong: Explore this historical dzong in the Bumthang Valley, which overlooks the surrounding landscapes.
- Kurje Lhakhang: A sacred temple where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated.
- Afternoon:
- Tamshing Lhakhang: Visit one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, famous for its sacred paintings and murals.
- Jambay Lhakhang: A 7th-century temple, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most revered.
- Overnight: Stay in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang to Mongar
- Morning: After breakfast, travel to Mongar (6 hours drive), crossing through the beautiful Ura Valley and the Yothungla Pass (3,400 meters).
- Enjoy the spectacular views of the rugged mountains and remote villages.
- Evening: Arrive in Mongar, the gateway to Eastern Bhutan, and rest after the long journey.
- Overnight: Stay in Mongar.
Day 7: Mongar to Trashigang
- Morning: Depart for Trashigang (3-4 hours drive), passing through winding roads that offer amazing views of Bhutan’s eastern landscapes.
- Afternoon: Explore the Trashigang Dzong, which houses the district administration and a monastic school. The dzong offers a breathtaking view over the surrounding valley.
- Evening: Visit Trashigang Town for a leisurely stroll, interact with locals, and shop for traditional Bhutanese crafts.
- Overnight: Stay in Trashigang.
Day 8: Trashigang to Merak & Sakteng
- Morning: Drive to Merak and Sakteng, remote villages in the Eastern Bhutanese Himalayas, known for the unique culture of the semi-nomadic people, the Brokkpas.
- You’ll visit these villages, where people still practice traditional ways of life, raising yaks and weaving unique woolen garments.
- Afternoon: Enjoy scenic walks in the villages, interact with the locals, and explore their customs and traditions.
- Overnight: Stay in a simple guesthouse or homestay in Sakteng or nearby villages.
Day 9: Sakteng to Trashiyangtse
- Morning: After breakfast, drive to Trashiyangtse (5-6 hours), a town located at the confluence of the Dungsam Chhu and Kuri Chhu rivers.
- Afternoon: Explore Trashiyangtse Dzong and visit the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, home to many species of flora and fauna.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Trashiyangtse.
- Overnight: Stay in Trashiyangtse.
Day 10: Trashiyangtse to Paro
- Morning: Begin your long drive back to Paro (7-8 hours), passing through beautiful landscapes and remote villages. Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
- Evening: Arrive in Paro and check-in to your hotel.
- Overnight: Stay in Paro.
Day 11: Paro – Tiger’s Nest Monastery & Departure
- Morning: Take a morning hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched high on a cliff. The hike takes about 4-5 hours round-trip, and the monastery offers breathtaking views of Paro Valley.
- Afternoon: After returning from the hike, relax and enjoy your final moments in Bhutan. If time permits, you can visit Kyichu Lhakhang or stroll through Paro’s town.
- Departure: Transfer to Paro Airport for your departure flight.
Summary of Key Highlights:
- Western Bhutan: Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, Bumthang Valley, Jakar Dzong.
- Eastern Bhutan: Trongsa Dzong, Mongar, Trashigang Dzong, Merak & Sakteng villages, Trashiyangtse, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Tiger’s Nest: The iconic monastery in Paro that you’ll hike to on Day 11.