Explore Bhutan Tour ~ 10 days

Explore Bhutan Tour in 10 days, 9 nights
Thimphu – Punakha – Bumthang- Gangtey -Paro
Accommodation in Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang, Gangtey, & Paro

DAY 1/10:
Sites: Paro river, Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge, Buddha Dordenma Statue, National Memorial Chorten, Bhutan Post Office Headquarters (if time permits), Zilukha Nunnery
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Thimphu

Upon arrival at Paro airport, our local guide will welcome you, and we’ll head directly to Thimphu (50km, approximately 1.5 hours).
En route, we’ll pause at the Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge, located by the Paro river, a unique structure adorned with colorful prayer flags, built by the saint Thangthong Gyalpo.
In Thimphu, we’ll visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue (Kuenselphodrang, Buddha Point), the largest sitting Shakyamuni statue in the world. Standing 51.5m tall, built of bronze and gilded in gold, the statue has 125,000 smaller Buddha statues placed within it.
National Memorial Chorten is the most visited landmark of Thimphu which was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (the Father of Modern Bhutan). Dedicated to world peace and prosperity, this stupa is a Tibetan-style chorten with amazing paintings and brilliant sculptures.
Bhutan Post Office Headquarters (the General Post Office) is home to the world’s largest photo book and the most interesting collection of Bhutanese stamps. Here you can make your own personalized stamps. It’s a fun way to surprise your family and friends with a postcard with your face on the stamp!
Zilukha Nunnery (Drubthob Goemba Monastery) Founded in 1976, it was designed in traditional Bhutanese fashion and houses up to 70 nuns, making it the biggest nunnery in Bhutan. A visit can give you good insight to their lifestyle and get a nice view of the Tashichho Dzong.
Check into your hotel for a good rest.

DAY 2/10:
Sites: Changangkha Lhakhang, Motithang Takin Preserve, Folk Heritage Museum, School of Arts and Crafts, Tashichho Dzong, Clock Tower Square/Thimphu Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Thimphu

Situated just steps away from your hotel is the most revered and oldest surviving monastery in Bhutan, Changangkha Lhakhang. This fortress-like temple was built by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo who came to Bhutan from Tibet in the 12th century. Local residents visit the monastery as early as dawn to perform their pilgrim path “kora”. Parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborn or blessings for their young children.
Motithang Takin Preserve (Takin Sanctuary, Takin Zoo) is a wildlife reserve area for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Drukpa Kunley (Divine Madman), the famous Tibetan saint, is said to be responsible for the creation of this unique creature which has the head of a goat and the body of a cow.
Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim) was established on July 28th, 2001 with the initiative of Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan). It is set inside a three-storied, 19th-century traditional house and provides visitors with a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, artifacts from rural households, collection of typical household objects, tools, and equipment. The museum also organizes regular demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits, and customs and hosts educational programs for children.
School of Arts and Crafts (Thimphu National Institute for Zorig Chusum), established by the Government of Bhutan in 1971, is an institute that nurtures exemplary craftsmanship in Zorig Chusum (13 Arts and Crafts). In the Institute, thirteen skills are taught to students. These thirteen art forms are Traditional Painting, Sculpturing, Wood Carving, Calligraphy, Papermaking, Bronze Casting, Embroidery, Weaving, Carpentry, Masonry, Bamboo and cane weaving, Gold/Silver Smithy, and Black smithy.
Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) is located on the right side of the Wangchu River in the northern part of Thimphu city. As the “Fortress of the glorious religion”, it houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, government offices, and the central monk body. Thimphu Dzong was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. There are two main entrances in the Tashichho Dzong. One leads to the administrative section to the south and the other one (at the north) leads to the monastic quarter where festivals and dances are performed.
Clock Tower Square: Explore the streets of Thimphu Town. Clock Tower Square is the site of the famous tower with four clock faces. There are also many shops and restaurants surrounding the square.
Relax at your hotel after a long day of sightseeing.
Situated just steps away from your hotel is the most revered and oldest surviving monastery in Bhutan, Changangkha Lhakhang. This fortress-like temple was built by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo who came to Bhutan from Tibet in the 12th century.
Motithang Takin Preserve (Takin Sanctuary, Takin Zoo) is a wildlife reserve area for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Drukpa Kunley (Divine Madman), the famous Tibetan saint, is said to be responsible for the creation of this unique creature which has the head of a goat and the body of a cow.
Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim) was established in 2001, is set inside a three-storied, 19th-century traditional house and provides visitors with a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, artifacts from rural households, collection of typical household objects, tools, and equipment. The museum also organizes regular demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits, and customs and hosts educational programs for children.
School of Arts and Crafts (Thimphu National Institute for Zorig Chusum), established by the Government of Bhutan in 1971, is an institute that nurtures exemplary craftsmanship in Zorig Chusum (13 Arts and Crafts). In the Institute, thirteen skills are taught to students. These thirteen art forms are Traditional Painting, Sculpturing, Wood Carving, Calligraphy, Papermaking, Bronze Casting, Embroidery, Weaving, Carpentry, Masonry, Bamboo and cane weaving, Gold/Silver Smithy, and Black smithy.
Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) known as the “Fortress of the glorious religion”, it houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, government offices, and the central monk body.
Clock Tower Square: Explore the streets of Thimphu Town. Clock Tower Square is the site of the famous tower with four clock faces. There are also many shops and restaurants surrounding the square.
Relax at your hotel after a long day of sightseeing.

DAY 3/10:
Sites: Dochula Pass, Suspension Bridge, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Punakha

Morning checkout from hotel and drive to Punakha (74km, about 2.5h) via Dochula Pass.
Dochula Pass is a place in honor of 108 Bhutanese Soldiers, there are 108 stupas called the “Druk Wangyal Chortens” representing each soldier’s life that was lost in the war of December 2003. The pass is decorated with colorful prayer flags which are symbols of veneration and the best wishes for peace and prosperity for Bhutan. If the weather is good, the Dochula Pass will become the best platform to get breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayas.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: After walking across the famous Suspension Bridge, it is about a 45min walk from the main road to the Chorten. The stupa was built in 1990 to drive off evil forces and bring peace to Bhutan and the world. This Chorten was a typical combination of the art, architecture, and traditions of Bhutan. One can get an excellent view of the Punakha Valley and Punakha Dzong from here.
Punakha Dzong is known as the palace of great happiness or bliss and also known as the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. It stands at the junction of two great rivers called the Pho Chu river (father river) and Mo Chu river (mother river). It was originally built as the administrative center and the seat of the Bhutanese officials till the capital city was moved from Punakha to Thimphu in 1955. Now, this Dzong is served as the winter residence for Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body. In 2011, the Dzong witnessed the royal wedding ceremony of Bhutan’s King, His Majesty Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck to Queen Jetsun Pema. In the spring you can get a breathtaking view of the purple-blue jacaranda blooms outside the fortress.
Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple, Chime Lhakhang) is located on a hillock among the rice field and is a pilgrimage for a childless couple to seek blessings. The monk there blesses the couple with a wooden phallus that is believed to have the power to help the childless couple conceive a child. This temple is associated with the famous Drukpa Kunley (The Divine Madman, Tibetan saint), who is famed for using his phallus to guide people to enlightenment and subdue demons. That is why you can see the symbol of phalluses scattered everywhere. You can buy handicraft souvenirs here with the phallic symbol in various colors, shapes, and sizes.
Return to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

DAY 4/10:
Sites: Trongsa Dzong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Bumthang

Morning checkout from hotel and drive from Punakha to Bumthang (212km, about 5hr 15m), admiring and taking photos of the sceneries of rural Bhutan along the road.
Trongsa Dzong (1920m), built in 1648, is the ancient fort where the first and the second King of Bhutan ruled the kingdom due to its strategic position. All successive Kings of Bhutan hold the post of Trongsa Penlop (governor) before being crowned as the Prince and the King. This Dzong is considered one of the longest and the largest fortresses in Bhutan. It also provides an extraordinary view of the Mangde River. There is a Ta Dzong (built in 1652) that served as the watchtower for Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion and it is now a heritage museum focused on Buddhist art and Royal memorabilia which is worth a visit.
Return to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

DAY 5/10:
Sites: Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Bumthang

Kurjey Lhakhang consists of three buildings facing south namely: Guru Lhakhang (built-in 1652), Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang (built-in 1900), and Ka Gon Phor Sum Lhakhang (built-in 1900). It is said that, in the 8th century, the Saint Guru Padmasambhava (Rinpoche) meditated here for three months. The upper floor of the Kurjey Lhakhang houses 1000 small statues of Guru Rinpoche. There is also a huge cypress tree near the entrance of the temple which is believed to have sprouted from Guru Rinpoche’s walking stick. It is a must-visit Lhakhang in Bumthang.
Jambay Lhakhang is one of the 108 monasteries built on a single day by Tibetan King Songtsen Goenpo in 659 AD to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region while spreading Buddhism over the Himalayas. It was believed that Jambay Lhakhang was built to pin down the left knee of the ogress. There is an annual festival called Jambay Lhakhang Drup held here to honor Guru Rinpoche who consecrated the Jambay Lhakhang. Visitors can enjoy watching the mask dance of Bhutan. It is worth seeing the beautiful statues, fascinating relics, and preserved murals in this Lhakhang.
Jakar Dzong (Jakar Yugyal Dzong), literally meaning “Castle of the White Bird”, was initially built as a monastery in 1549 by Lam Ngagi Wangchuck (1517-1554), a Tibetan who came to Bhutan to spread the Drukpa Kagyupa Buddhist order. It was also the seat of the first King of Bhutan. As the dzong or fortress of the Bumthang district, it is located on a ridge above Jakar town that can give a spectacular view of the Chamkhar (Chokhor) Valley. Jakar Dzong is now the administrative center for Bumthang valley and houses the regional monk body.
Return to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

DAY 6/10:
Sites: Black Neck Crane Centre
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Gangtey

Morning checkout from hotel and drive from Bumthang to Gangtey (154km, about 4hr 18m)
Black Neck Crane Centre. Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The center also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people.
Return to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

DAY 7/10:
Sites: Gangtey Gompa, Phobjikha Valley, Black Neck Crane Center
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Gangtey

After breakfast, explore the valley of Gangtey. It is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valley’s are tightly enclosed.
Visit Gangtey Gompa, perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.
Explore the fascinating Phobjikha Valley. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangduephodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park.
Return to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

DAY 8/10:
Sites: Kyichu Lhakhang, Paro Town, Paro Dzong
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Paro

We will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries that marks the beginning of Buddhism in Bhutan. It was built in 659AD by King Songtsen Gompo (Tibetan Emperor) as one of the 108 monasteries he made. In 1971 a Guru Temple was added by Her Majesty Azhi Keshang Choden Wangchuck, the wife of the Third King of Bhutan. You can see the original 7th-century Jowo Sakyamuni Statue (the same era as the one in Lhasa’s Jokhang Temple) and Chenrezig with 11 heads and 1000 arms there. There is also a magical orange tree outside the courtyard that is said to bear fruits all year round.
In the evening, take a stroll around Paro town where you can see where locals gather and mingle on the streets, visit local cafes and shops.
Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), the “fortress of the heap of jewels”, is built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is located near the crystalline Paro Chu (Paro River). Through a traditional wooden cantilever bridge, we can reach it to get panoramic views of the Paro Valley. As the office of the district administration and monastic body of Bhutan, the annual religious festival Paro Tsechu also takes place in its courtyard
Return to your hotel for a good night’s rest. Prepare for the big hike tomorrow!

DAY 9/10:
Sites: Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest Monastery”
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Paro

Drive from Paro city to the start point of the hiking route of Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest Monastery”. It takes about 2.5 hours to reach Tiger’s Nest by foot (5 hours for a round trip), and you can have a rest at the view terrace which is located at the halfway point of the hiking road. You can also choose to ride a horse (self-paying) from the camp base to the Taktsang Cafeteria (lunch spot). Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Goemba, Taktsang Lakhang, Paro Taktshang), first built in 1692, is the iconic landmark of Bhutan. As a world cultural heritage, it is sited on the side of a cliff at a height of 900m above the Paro valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche (a Buddhist saint) rode a tigress to the current site of the monastery and meditated in a cave for 3 years 3 months and 3 days. Now it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bhutan and a sacred religious site for Bhutanese to pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime.
Return to hotel, celebrate your farewell dinner with a Bhutan Culture Dance Show in Paro.

DAY 10/10:
Sites: –
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: –

Our local representative will meet you at your hotel in the morning and you will be dropped to the Paro international airport.

Note: Some of the sites in the itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the right to alter the itinerary. The changes in itinerary will be mainly based on improving your tour experience in Bhutan.

PRICE INCLUDES

English-speaking local guide
Meals listed in the itinerary
Accommodation in 3-star hotel under twin/dbl bed sharing basis
All transportation within the country including airport transfers
Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments
Bhutan SDF fee: USD 100 per person, per night
Bhutan visa fee: USD 40 per person

PRICE EXCLUDES

Single room supplement charges
Personal expense and Travel Insurance
Cost for any meal/drink/services not mentioned in the “PRICE INCLUDES”