Day 01: Arrive in Paro and travel to Thimphu

• Altitude in Thimphu: 2,400m
• Distance: 55km
• Estimated travel time: 1.30 hour

Welcome to Bhutan – the mysterious Himalayan kingdom of distinctive culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Before arrival at Paro International Airport (2,235m), you can see the spectacular Himalayan views from the plane window. Our guide will be waiting to greet you and transport you to Thimphu. Let your adventure in Bhutan begin!

Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and largest city, is in the country’s western central region. The 3rd Jigme Dorji Wangchuck declared it the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan in 1961. It is the administrative and economic center of the country. Just off the city limits, the countryside reverts to a tranquil blue pine forest. Thimphu embodies the Bhutanese dream: contented people embracing modernity on their own terms.

The highway from Paro leading to Thimphu follows the Pachu river. You will also stop at Chuzum’s river confluence to visit Tachogang Lhakhang (the Temple of the Excellent Horse). This is one of the most iconic works of Thangtong Gyalpo (1385-1464), a revered saint in Bhutanese culture. When visiting the temple, take the chance to see its famous iron bridge adorned with beautiful prayer flags. Take a moment to admire the stunning views of the clear river and lush greenery surrounding the temple. 

After arriving in Thimphu, you will check in at your hotel and proceed to one of the capital’s most visible landmarks, the National Memorial Chorten. Its distinctive structure can be seen from afar, and it has become a place of daily worship for the Bhutanese. The Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, initially constructed the striking whitewashed chorten with a golden finial to pray for world peace. The chorten now serves as a memorial to the Third King.

Your next stop will be the Buddha Dordenma Statue, which stands atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. You can see it as you pass through the city since this gigantic Shakyamuni statue is 51.5 meters tall, making it one of the world’s highest Buddha statues. The monument is believed to fulfill an old prophecy revealed by Terton Pema Lingpa (the Religious Treasure Discoverer) to radiate tranquility and happiness throughout the world.

The final stop will be Tashichho Dzong (or Thimphu Dzong). This massive dzong, located north of the city on Wang Chhu’s west bank, overlooks a waterfall of terraced farmland. The complex was built in 1641 and rebuilt in 1965. Attractive gardens and well-kept grass surround the main secretariat building.

You will stay at the hotel in Thimphu for the first night.

Day 02: Thimphu to Gangtey

• Altitude in Gangtey: 2,900m
• Distance: 160km
• Estimated travel time: 6hrs

After the first day in Thimphu, we will travel to Gangtey or Phobjikha Valley in central Bhutan. The name Gangtey is associated with the goemba atop the valley’s ridge. Gangtey is renowned for its stunning scenery and significance as a wildlife reserve. The region boasts a range of landscapes and supports a diverse array of flora and fauna. Among the species found here are the rare black-necked cranes, which migrate to the area during the winter.

On the way from Thimphu to Gangtey, you will stop to admire the Dochula Pass (3,050m), one of Bhutan’s most stunning and famous mountain passes. The 108 “Druk Wangyal Chortens” commemorate the soldiers who died in the battle against Indian rebels. They were built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. The pass offers a splendid panoramic view of the snow-laden Himalayas. Such a view always leaves an everlasting memory in our minds!

The second stop will be Gangtey Goemba. It was the only Nyingmapa monastery in the Black Mountain region in 1613 and is still the biggest in the western territory today. This remarkable building provides a spectacular view of Gangtey Valley, featuring lush farms, virgin woods, and towering mountains.

After visiting Gangtey Goemba, take a delightful hike on the Gangtey Nature Trail to explore the picturesque landscape of this area. The trail begins at a small peak above Gangtey Goemba and winds through lovely meadows before descending to Semchubara hamlet. As you continue, you will enter a dense forest of blue pines, where you can observe the local wildlife and appreciate the wonders of nature. 

You will spend the night at a hotel in Gangtey.

Day 03: Gangtey to Bumthang

• Altitude in Bumthang: 2,800m
• Distance: 158km
• Estimated travel time: 6hrs

Say goodbye to the enchanting Gangtey; we will head to Bumthang. The name Bumthang means “beautiful region” in Bhutanese, and the region truly lives up to its name with its pristine forests, stunning mountains, and expansive green valleys. Home to four beautiful mountain valleys (Tang, Ura, Choekhor, and Chumey) and many ancient monasteries and temples, Bumthang is the most historic of all districts in Bhutan. 

After arriving in Bumthang, you will come to the Yathra Weaving Center (Umsang Village) to learn about this weaving art. Bumthang has a long, cold winter, so the locals make Yathra, hand-woven textiles with intricate designs, to keep them warm. While all four valleys of Bumthang produce these weaves, Chumey remains the most famous one. In the center, you can observe each step of the yathra weaving process. Yathra is a versatile material for creating coats, raincoats, bedding, furniture covers, and accessories.

Before returning to the hotel to rest, you will visit Konchogsum Lhakhang, a magnificent monastery in the Chuekhor Valley. According to legend, the Tibetan king Trisong Detsen established the first monastery in the 7th century AD, following Guru Rinpoche’s instructions. Pema Lingpa discovered it and renovated it in the 15th century. However, the place was destroyed in a fire in 2010, so what you see today is a restored version. 

The structure of Konchogsum Lhakhang is imposing. Colorful columns are painted brightly with a mandala and reach all the way to the ceiling. There is a mezzanine around the perimeter, where you can see statues of various incarnations of Pema Lingpa, representing mind, body, and spirit. Intricate designs and murals decorate almost every surface in the building.

Along with Tamshing Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang (you will explore both places the next day), it also counts among the region’s most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites. 

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Day 04: Bumthang sightseeing

As said, Bumthang is where numerous temples are located, so you will also spend today discovering them.

You will first visit the Jambay Lhakhang, one of the most ancient and sacred temples founded by the 7th-century Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It stands on a plateau along the Chamkhar Chhu, exuding a positive energy from the sacred atmosphere and the stunning natural scenery. The king built the temples in one day to tame a Tibetan demon, and Jambay Lhakhang pinned down her left knee.

Afterward, you’ll go to the magnificent Kurjey Lhakhang complex. The Kurjey is 5 kilometers from Jakar town on the Drakmar Dorje Tsekpa (the red cliff of stacked scepters). It is believed that you can still see Guru Rinpoche’s body (kur) impression (jey) when he meditated to conquer a demon. The temple provides an excellent picture of the Bumthang valleys.

Then, you can walk or drive to Tamshing Monastery, located on the other side of the river from Kurjey Lhakhang. We highly recommend the hour-long walk for the picturesque views. The Tamshing Lhendup Chholing (Temple of the Good Message) is Bhutan’s most important Nyingma goemba. The site, founded in 1501 by the great spiritual guru Guru Pema Lingpa, was privately owned by his successors until 1960. Pema Lingpa erected the temple with the assistance of khandromas, who sculpted many figures.

Before returning to the town, you will stop at Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery, a Buddhist Nyingmapa Monastery of the Jangter Tradition. The monastery stands on a hillside that overlooks Jakar Dzong and the valley of Jakar town. Founded in the 1970s by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, there are now about 400 monks residing at the monastery. Massive statues of Guru Rinpoche, Chenresig, and Sakyamuni are placed in the tshokhang (assembly hall). An exciting experience when visiting the monastery is to witness the mass debating in the courtyard, where monks reinforce their theological arguments with a stamp of the foot and a victorious slap.

You will spend the night at the hotel in Bumthang.

Day 05: Nimalung Treldha Tshechu Festival

During day 5 of your trip, you will participate in the Nimalung Treldha Tshechu Festival, which is the journey’s highlight. This annual festival is highly significant in the Chumey area and is also one of the top festivals in Bumthang. 

The festival takes place for 3 days in Nyimalung Goemba (or Nimalung monastery), and the Nyimalung Dratshang organizes it in collaboration with the neighboring villages of Yamthra, Thromey, Nangar, Trakar, and Zung-ngey. 

Nimalung Tshechu Festival celebrates the spiritual heritage of Guru Rinpoche, believed to have been born in the month of treldha, also known as monkey month. Additionally, the festival honors the past leaders of Nyimalung monastery. 

Nyimalung Goemba is a temple on a green hill about 3.5 kilometers from Yamthra village in Chume Valley. It can be reached by driving uphill on a well-paved road for about 15 minutes. The temple was established in 1935 by Doring Trulku and Chume Drungpa Dasho Gonpo Dorje as a center for monastic learning. Now, this is home to about 130 monks, including teachers. 

The current building has two floors. The top floor has a Guru Lhakhang devoted to Guru Rinpoche, a gonkhang, and a shrine containing Buddhist texts. The ground floor is dedicated to Buddha Shakyamuni and has a statue of Drolma, believed to have spoken in the past. Besides, to the right of Nyimlaung monastery, you will find Kaling Zhitro Lhakhang, erected as an homage to Doring Trulku by Lam Pema Tshewang – the 11th abbot of Nimalung Dratshang. 

Nimalung Tshechu Festival consists of numerous masked dances and folk dances, with the highlights being Chamchen (Grand Mask Dance), Drung Cham (Drung Dance), Drama of Mi Tshering, and the Guru Tshengyed Thongdrol display.

Mask dances are performed in honor of Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have created these dances to subdue demons and evil spirits. By doing so, he established peace and spread the teachings of Buddha. These dances depict how Guru Rinpoche subdued these evil spirits and transformed them into defenders of the Buddhist Dharma.

During the 3 days of the festivals, there are numerous activities and performances that will take place:

Day One (8th Day of the Fifth Lunar Month):

• Morning ritual
• Shinje Cham (Dance of the Bull-faced Male and Female)
• Zhana Cham (Dance of Black Hat)
• Durdhag Cham (Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Ground)
• Tung-ngam Cham (Dance of the Wrathful Deities)
• Chamchen (Phurpai Tsa Cham or Phurpa Yangsang Lamed)
• Drung Cham, a mask dance unique to Trakhar Duechod
• Evening ritual

Day Two (9th Day of the Fifth Lunar Month):

• Morning ritual
• Shazam (Stag Dance), performed by four dancers
• Ju Ging (Stick Dance)
• Dri Ging (Sword Dance) 
• Nga Ging (Drum Dance) 
• Ging Tsholing Cham (Wrathful War Dance) 
• Evening ritual

Day Three (10th Day of the Fifth Lunar Month):

• Lhabsang and Thruesol – cleaning rituals 
• Guru Tshengyed Thongdrol display
• Guru Soldeb, prayers dedicated Guru Rinpoche
• Zhengzhi Pemi Cham
• Sachag Zhana Serkyem Cham, performed by five dancers
• Gektre Mecham (Fire Exorcism dance), performed by four dancers in wrathful masks
• Tshamched Thro Zam, performed by four dancers wearing red and blue masks  
• Guru Tshengyed Cham (Dance of the Guru’s Eight Manifestations), including the five dakini dance, Mi Tshering’s narration, each manifestation of Guru presenting an individual dance, and the lamas and tsawas offering mandala and khadar to Guru Rinpoche, who is seated on the throne flanked by his manifestations as they offer blessings to the general public
• Dramitse Nga Cham (Drum Dance of Dramitse), performed by sixteen dancers – the last mask dance of the Tshechu

Day Four (11th Day of the Fifth Lunar Month):

During the 11th day of the fifth lunar month, Dudjom Tenzin Yeshe Dorje provides blessings to those present. However, if he is unavailable, the monks clean the Lhakhang and surrounding premises before relaxing.

One of the unique experiences of joining a festival like Nimalung is witnessing the vibrant performances and rituals integral to Bhutanese life. You get to immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere of the event, enjoy the music played, and observe how the locals preserve and practice their culture.

Day 06: Discover Bumthang

After breakfast, we will drive about 20 minutes to the starting point of the Thowadra hike, near the Karap suspension bridge. Even though it is a medium-level hike, the scenery is stunning. 

Thowadra Monastery (Thowadra means high cliff) is one of Bumthang’s most significant pilgrimage locations. Thowadra Cave is said to have been first founded by Mandarava, Guru Rinpoche’s consort, and Guru himself is said to have meditated there in the 8th century. The monastery was founded in 1238 by Gyelwa Lorrepa Dragpa Wangchuk and named after the cliff it sits on at an altitude of 3,400m. Once here, you will see the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, his throne, the holy Drupchhu of Guru and Gelongma Pelmo, and other artifacts. 

Next, you will discover the remarkable Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, situated beneath a massive rock on the left side of Tang Chhu, near the village of Mesithang. The building was initially known as Ta Rimochen, owing to the black and yellow tiger stripes visible on the rock behind the temple. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche and his two consorts, Khandro Yeshe Tshogyal and Khandro Mandarava, meditated on the giant stone in the 8th century and left footprints on the rock. You can admire artifacts such as the imprints of Guru Rinpoche and his consort, Yeshey Tsogyal, at this site. 

You will stay at the hotel in Bumthang.

Day 07: Bumthang to Trongsa

• Altitude in Trongsa: 2,216m
• Distance: 80km
• Estimated travel time: 3hrs

After touring Bumthang and attending the Nimalung Tshechu Festival, we will travel to Trongsa. 

It is a town situated on a mountaintop in central Bhutan and is often called the heart of this Himalayan kingdom. The name Trongsa means “new town” in Bhutanese. This area is of great historical importance, home to the largest dzong in Bhutan and numerous important sites.

Arriving in the town, you will check in at your hotel, take a short break, and then get back on track. The first attraction to explore in town will be Ta Dzong. Built initially to prevent Trongsa Dzong from rebelling, it now serves as the National Museum and contains valuable treasures from the Wangchuck Dynasty. The museum’s collections provide visitors with an insight into the kingdom’s history, showcasing a range of objects, such as ancient diamonds and sculptures of deities, all elegantly displayed for viewing.

Trongsa Dzong, located beneath Ta Dzong, overlooks the rushing Mangde Chhu River and is considered the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. Erected in 1644, its unique architecture stands out from a distance. The vast complex spans multiple levels and features a maze of courtyards, passageways, and corridors. In total, there are 25 temples contained within Trongsa Dzong.

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Trongsa.

Day 08: Trongsa to Punakha

• Distance: 150km
• Estimated travel time: 5hrs
• Altitude in Punakha: 1,300m

Punakha, your next stop, is home to some of Bhutan’s most impressive wonders.  Before Thimphu was selected as the new government seat in 1952, it served as the capital.

The first place to visit in Punakha is the renowned Punakha Dzong (the Palace of Great Happiness), which is situated at the meeting point of the Po and Mo rivers. Founded in 1637 by the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche, Ngawang Namgyal, this dzong is the second-oldest in the nation. The dzong is a six-story edifice with a central tower, or utse, and a scenic green landscape.

You will next come to the Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge, located close to Punakha Dzong. It is Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, measuring 160 meters in length. Take in the calm scenery of Punakha Dzong, gorgeous valleys, and villages as you walk over the bridge.

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Day 09: Punakha to Paro

• Distance: 125km
• Estimated travel time: 4hrs

On the 9th day, you will return to where your adventure began – Paro. This lovely town sits by the banks of the Paro (or Pa) Chhu River and is home to some of the world’s oldest monasteries and temples. Their history dates back to the 7th century, and they are steeped in myths and folklore.

After breakfast, we will drive to Tshelung Lhakhang, which stands on a gentle slope located west of Thimphu. You will hike shortly to reach the site. Guru Rinpoche and Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal blessed the monastery and hid priceless religious treasures here in the 8th century. Later, he flew to Goen Tshephu, Bhutan’s third Draphu Maratika. Tshelung Lhakhang is hence regarded as the Second Maratika. The cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, his handprints, and the lake with hidden treasures are what you can admire here. 

On the way back to the town, you will visit Domtsang Lhakhang, situated at Bjemina (forest depot). To reach this place, ascend for 15-20 minutes along a winding path shaded by lush vegetation. Guru Rinpoche blessed this holy pilgrimage site during his third and final journey to Bhutan in 876 A.D. There are different legends surrounding the origin of the monastery’s name. According to one legend, Guru Rinpoche meditated in the cave after arriving on a bear, which is why the cave is referred to as Domtsang, or “Bear’s Nest.” Another legend states that Guru Rinpoche tamed the Beast Bear, which lived in the cave and caused fear among the locals.

After hiking to the two sites, you will continue to drive to Paro and will stay overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 10: Discover Paro 

Begin your day by visiting Paro Rinpung Dzong, also known as the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels. It is situated on a limestone cliff that overlooks the valley. You may have already seen this impressive fortress when you arrived at Paro Airport. 

The complex is a remarkable representation of Bhutanese architecture, featuring courtyards, temples, offices, and open spaces all surrounded by towering walls. The courtyard is used for the annual Paro Tshechu festival, one of Bhutan’s most significant celebrations, held on the first day of spring.

Once you’ve explored the Paro Dzong, take a brief stroll to the Bhutan National Museum, previously known as Ta Dzong. The tower boasts a stunning mountain top view of the town, and inside the building is an impressive collection of antique Thangka paintings, swords, armor, and historical relics. The museum opened in 1968 and is an absolute must-visit for anyone eager to discover more about Bhutan, its people, and its rich history. 

Next, we will hike 3km (about 1 hour) along the forested hillside from the National Museum to visit Zuri Dzong. The hike has an elevation range of 2,400m – 2,560m, with an ascent of 160m and a descent of 160m. This ancient fortress, dating back to 1352, is one of the oldest dzongs and houses the valley’s local protector. There is a cave on the premises where it is believed Buddha meditated in the 8th century. You will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the lovely valley from Zori Dzong.

This afternoon, you will arrive at Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred temple in Bhutan situated in Lango Gewog, Paro. It is one of the oldest temples, constructed in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple is famous for being one of the 108 chortens built to defeat a powerful ogress. It houses two valuable statues of Jowo Jampa (Maitreya) and Sakyamuni.

During the evening, we recommend you wander the town of Paro. The main street, constructed in 1985, has attractive wooden shops and restaurants painted with colorful designs. They have live music, delicious appetizers, and local booze, so check some of them out! 

For the moment, Paro is still one of the most enjoyable Bhutanese towns to explore on foot and a pleasant way to end a day of sightseeing. It’s recommended to spend an hour or two strolling around and taking in the sights.

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11: Paro sightseeing

You will embark on a morning hike to Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest), one of Bhutan’s holiest sites and the most famous landmark in the area. The monastery perches on a steep cliff 900 meters above Paro Valley. You will need to hike for around 3 hours to reach the site, but your efforts will be paid off with gorgeous views of the lush Paro Valley and terrific Himalayan mountains. Visiting this sacred place will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your trip.

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche rode a tigress and landed on a cliff to meditate, emerging in eight manifestations (incarnations). The monastery buildings are connected by staircases carved into the rock, providing stunning views of the valley. You can explore the area and appreciate the opulent interior design with its gold-plated dome, golden god, and deity statues.

Taktsang Monastery will be the last attraction in Bhutan on this trip. In the afternoon, you will attend a cooking class and later dine with a local family at their farmhouse. This is a fantastic opportunity to socialize while savoring traditional Bhutanese dishes, including Ema Dashi, red rice, Jasha Maru, and Phaksha Paa. Exploring a country’s cuisine is an excellent way to comprehend its culture. 

You can also indulge in a hot stone bath, a traditional method of relaxation for Bhutanese people after a long day at work. The bath incorporates herbs in the water, which react with minerals in the stones to promote good health.

You will spend the night at the hotel in Paro.

Day 12: Depart Paro

It’s time to say farewell to Paro and the lovely country of Bhutan. We hope that, with the assistance of our guide and driver, you have had a great trip. We hope to welcome you back to our country. Tashi Delek!