Bhutan Tour Package – 12 Nights / 13 Days Itinerary

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Paro Airport, followed by a transfer to your hotel. After settling in, immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture with visits to Ta Dzong, a circular fortress housing the National Museum, and Rinpung Dzong, a stunning example of traditional architecture. If time permits, embark on the optional Zuri Hike for breathtaking panoramic views of the Paro Valley.

Rise early for a trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang Lhakhang), a sacred cliffside site 900 meters above the valley. Legend says Guru Rinpoche meditated here after arriving on a flying tigress. The 5-hour hike rewards you with awe-inspiring vistas and a glimpse into Bhutan’s spiritual heart. After descending, unwind with a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse for an authentic cultural experience. Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

A scenic 1.5-hour drive brings you to Thimphu. En route, pause at Chuzom, where Thimphu and Paro rivers meet, marked by Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese stupas. Explore Tschogang Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple linked to the “excellent horse” deity. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and stroll through Thimphu’s bustling streets. Visit the Simply Bhutan Museum and Local Crafts Bazaar to admire handwoven textiles, thangkas, and artisan crafts. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).

Start with a moderate 5.2 km hike to Dodedrak Monastery, offering sweeping valley views and interactions with English-speaking monks. Later, explore Tashichho Dzong, the seat of government, and Dechen Phodrang Monastery, home to ancient murals. Cap the day with a visit to Wangditse Lhakhang, a serene temple nestled in the hills. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

Journey 5 hours through lush landscapes to Gangtey. Stop at Wangdue Phodrang before entering the Phobjikha Valley, a winter sanctuary for endangered black-necked cranes. Visit Gangtey Monastery, a 17th-century gem, and opt for the Longtey Hike (4 hours) through rhododendron forests and traditional villages. End the day with a peaceful stroll in Gangtey Village. Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey.

Traverse the Gangtey Nature Trail (5.5 km), winding through meadows, forests, and past chortens (stupas). Visit Gangtey Goempa, Bhutan’s largest Nyingmapa monastery, and the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to learn about these majestic birds. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon soaking in the valley’s tranquility. Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtey.

Drive 4 hours to Bumthang, stopping at Chendbji Chorten, a Nepali-style stupa, and Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. Explore Ta Dzong, a watchtower-turned-museum, before crossing Yutong La Pass (3,400m) into Bumthang. Visit Chumey Valley’s weaving centers and unwind with a visit to the Red Panda Brewery and Swiss Bakery. Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthan. “Bumthang is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. 29 kms ahead of Trongsa cross Yutongla pass (3,400m) and from here again the landscape looks different and dense forests of conifers stretches. The arrival of Bumthang begins with the wide, open cultivated Chumey valley.”

Discover Bumthang’s spiritual treasures: Kurje Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint is enshrined; Jambey Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple; and Tamshing Lhakhang, famed for ancient murals. Hike to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery, a hub for Tibetan cultural preservation, and browse local handicrafts in Chamkhar town. Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 3000m). Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery: Located above the main town, about 3 km from Chamkhar town, the monastery was founded by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche in 1984 who was recognized at a very young age by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and H.H. 16th Karmapa as the reincarnation of a Tibetan lama.

After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Ura Valley (48 km, 1.5 hours drive), crossing the Ura La Pass (3,600m) for views of Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak. Explore clustered villages and the Guru Rinpoche Temple, adorned with intricate paintings. Return to Bumthang for a relaxed evening. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Bumthang. “Above Ura village (3,100m) is a new temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 1986, it contains a huge statue of the master and remarkable paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Since the last 35 years Ura has been transformed from a marginal community to a prosperous valley.”

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and a 7-hour drive leads to Punakha. Stop at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, perched on a ridge shaped like a sleeping elephant, and Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress at the river confluence. This dzong, once Bhutan’s capital, remains the monks’ winter residence. Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha. “It is believed that Zhabdrung established the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong upon direction from the great Yeshey Goenpo (Mahakala) who visited Zhabdrung at Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha and directed him to construct a Dzong on a ridge in Wangdue Phodrang. When Zhabdrung sent some superintendents to survey the site, they saw four ravens flying in circles around the spot where the Dzong is built today. When Zhabdrung learned about it, he took it as an omen and further directed the construction of the masterpiece.”

Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a hilltop monument with valley views, then visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Marvel at its 14-foot Avalokiteshvara statue and observe nuns mastering Buddhist teachings and crafts like thangka painting. Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha. The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padma Sambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious training, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

Return to Paro via Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple, with a walk through rice fields and villages. Explore Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest fortress, now a Buddhist studies school. Overnight stay at Thimphu.