Day 1: Arrive in Paro and travel to Thimphu

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

Bhutan is a stunning Himalayan kingdom with hidden beauty. Before arrival at Paro International Airport, you’ll be able to see the breathtaking Himalayas from the plane window. Our guide will be waiting to greet you and transport you to Thimphu. Your adventure begins now!

Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and largest city, is situated in the country’s western central region. the 3rd Jigme Dorji Wangchuck declared it the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan in 1961. It serves as the country’s administrative and economic center. Just outside the city limits, the countryside reverts to a serene blue pine forest. Thimphu delivers the realization of the Bhutanese dream: contented people embracing the modern world, but on their own terms.

After a short break, you will proceed to the National Memorial Chorten in the city’s southern-central part. The stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and is easily seen from afar with its golden spires, bells, and elaborate mandalas and statues. Here, you can observe Bhutanese people engaging in their daily worship.

The Buddha Dordenma Statue, located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, will be your next stop. Driving through the city, you can already see it since this massive Shakyamuni statue stands 51.5 meters tall, making it one of the world’s largest Buddha statues. The statue is said to fulfill an old prophecy revealed by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) in the 8th century A.D. and to exude a sense of tranquility and happiness throughout the world.

Tashichho Dzong (or Thimphu Dzong) will be today’s last destination. This impressively large dzong, located north of the city on the west bank of the Wang Chhu, overlooks a waterfall of terraced farms. The complex was established in 1641 and later rebuilt in 1965. It is the main secretariat building, surrounded by well-kept lawns and lovely gardens.

Don’t miss out on Thimphu’s nightlife. You can take a walk around the neighbourhood or visit local stores to see what they have to offer.

You will spend the night in Thimphu at a hotel.

Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing

In the morning, we will drive about 20 minutes from the hotel to Dechenling Goemba parking for the Dodeydra Monastery hike. 

The 5-kilometer trail to Dodeydra Monastery (3,000m) will take you 2.5 hours to complete. The journey begins steeply up the mountainside for the first half. You will see colorful flags hang along the path. There are viewing areas where you may rest and take in some of the stunning views of Thimphu from above. You’ll journey through mixed conifers and deep forests before reaching a mud trail that leads to the monastery.

The term Dodeydra means “the cave of sutra”. In 1779, the 13th Chief Abbot of Bhutan, Je Khenpo Yonten Thaye, erected the monastery on the face of a split rock. It is said that inside the rock is a buried manuscript known as Dodey Kezang containing Buddhist teachings. In the 1980s, the building was converted into a Buddhist institute, and it today houses 180 student monks.

The monastery includes two altars, each with 900-year-old murals on the walls. You can also see Guru Rinpoche’s Paradise. The second altar room contains statues of four chief abbots, and it is thought that all of the other statues and paintings in the temple were sculpted by abbot Jamyang Gyeltshen.

The hike down will also take 2.5 hours, then you will visit the National Institute of Zorig Museum. Opened by the government, the institute plays an integral role in the preservation and promotion of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Zorig Chusum means thirteen crafts, that is the number of crafts taught at the school, from embroidery, painting to statue-making. It is an interesting experience to watch the students show off their skills and discipline at such young ages. 

Next you will explore the National Textile Museum and Folk Heritage Museum, both are not far from the town center. The textile museum was opened in 2001 to promote the rich and remarkably vibrant culture of the Bhutanese. You will see the practicing of thagzo – Bhutan’s art of weaving using different styles and materials, and some enchanting displays, including the Royal Collections. 

The Folk Heritage Museum is constructed as a rural house from the mid-19th century with rammed mud timber and household objects, allowing visitors to best imagine people’s life back at the time. Apart from showcasing these objects, the museum is also involved in organising regular demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, customs and habits of the local people.

You will stay another night in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu to Gangtey

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

After 2 days in Thimphu, we will travel to Gangtey or Phobjikha valley in central Bhutan. The name Gangtey referred to the goemba that sits on a ridge above this valley. Gangtey is a bowl-shaped glacier valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, adjoining the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. It is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country because of the big flock of black-necked cranes that winter here. In addition to cranes, the surrounding hills are home to muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, serows, Himalayan black bears, leopards, and red foxes. This is considered one of the most scenic regions in Bhutan, with diverse landscape and rich flora and fauna. 

On the way, we will take the Lungchutse hike. This hike is fairly easy and it is recommended for the stunning scenery along the way to Lungchutse Lhakhang. The ideal months to hike this trail are April through June and October through February. In spring, you can have the best views with blooming flowers and green forests. And in the winter, hiking or looking out from the Lungchutse monastery will reward you with magnificent views of the Himalayas.

There are two ways to take this hike, and you can pick one that you prefer.

Trail 1: Trashigang Goemba – Lungchutse Lhakhang – Dochula Pass

• • Distance: 9km
  • Elevation: 3,560m
  • Ascent: 370m; Descent: 450m
  • Time: 4hrs

With this trail, the start point of the hike is from Trashigang Goemba. After 30 minutes on the highway, we will come across a diversion, then another 15-minute drive on unpaved road to reach the goemba, located at Trashigang village, Thimphu city.

Trashigang Goemba is an important mediation center for monks, built in 1786 by the 12th Je Khenpo. The building is at an altitude of 3,300m, overlooking the Hongtsho village. You may pay a quick visit before heading for the hike.

The path will take you through ancient forests of spruce, rhododendron, hemlock and juniper trees. On foggy days, you will feel like the forests are doors leading to a different world, just like in fairy tales. From the main road, you will hike up the mountain, passing a farm road. The trail will then ascend in zigzags through the forests, all the way up to the front of Lungchutse Lhakhang.  

Around this time of the year, the scenery is divine as the forest blooms with rhododendrons. These flowers come in pink, white and yellow, adding more colors to the green canvas of the lush forest. 

On a clear weather day, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Himalayas from the ridge. Some of the notable mountains include Jumolhari (7314 m), Masang Gang in the region of Laya (7158), Zongophu Gang – a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana (7060 m) and Gangkhar Puensum (7520 m), the highest peak in Bhutan.

Constructed in the 16h century, Lungchutse Lhakhang (3,600m) went under renovation in 2008 by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to mark the ‘inspirational leadership’ of the fourth king. 

After exploring the monastery and enjoying the view from here, you will walk down to Dochula Pass. The path goes downhill, crossing forests and an open meadow. You will continue to descend until reaching the mountain pass. 

After we are back on the road, you will later visit Dochula Pass (3,050m), one of Bhutan’s most stunning mountain passes. The 108 “Druk Wangyal Chortens” commemorate the soldiers who died in the battle against Indian rebels. The pass offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas, complete with snow-covered peaks.

Trail 2: Dochula Pass – Lungchutse Lhakhang – Dochula Pass

• • Distance: 7km
  • Elevation: 3,560m
  • Ascent: 470 m; Descent: 550 m
  • Time: 3hrs

The landscape along the trail from Dochula Pass is more picturesque with sights of large old trees, rare birds, wild mushrooms and most significantly, a 360-degree view of the Himalayas.

From Thimphu, we will drive 50 minutes to Dochula Pass. You will start from the large chorten in the middle of Dochula, then gradually climb a ridge through old forests. You will find yourself walking past moss-covered rhododendrons, towering hemlocks, junipers, and bamboo undergrowth, all the way to an open meadow. Only a short walk from the meadow, you will reach Lungchutse Lhakhang. As mentioned, spring is when the rhododendrons bloom, dotting the green background with colors of white, yellow and pink. 

Once you have toured the monastery, you will hike back to Dochula Pass following the same path. Your driver will be waiting here to take you to Gangtey.

You will stay at the hotel in Gangtey. 

Day 4: Gangtey sightseeing

The first stop will be Gangtey Goemba. It was the only Nyingmapa monastery in the Black Mountain region at the time, and it is still the biggest in the western territory even now. This remarkable building provides a spectacular view of Gangtey valley, featuring lush farms, virgin woods, and towering mountains.

You will then hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. It is a popular and enjoyable hike, especially for those who want to discover the marvels of Gangtey Valley. The pathways will descend from a small peak above Gangtey Goemba, via beautiful meadows, and finally to Semchubara hamlet. Following the hamlet will lead you to a thick forest of blue pines. You will definitely cherish the chance to be close to nature while observing for the forest’s wildlife.

Today’s final stop will be the Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre. In the center, you will better understand about the endangered species and other aspects of the valley’s flora and fauna, community life, and culture. It’s also a prime location to watch Black-necked Cranes and other bird species in the valley.

In the afternoon, we will embark on the Longtey Hike. It is a moderate hike, starting at Longtey village on the East-West highway, which is a 30-minute drive from Gangtey. Asides from Gangtey Nature Trail, this hike is another trail that shows you the charming parts between Longtey – Gangtey valley. 

Begin by walking downhill, keeping on the right side of the road. The trail will take you through bush bamboo and eventually to a small cluster of village houses. On both sides of the valley, there are vibrantly colored rhododendron forests, and yaks graze in the winter. Go straight past the village until you reach the entrance of the mysterious old-growth rhododendron forest.

The final part through the forest is slightly steeper upward until you reach the pass, which offers spectacular views of the Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, the lodge, and the entire valley below. Before continuing on the trail down the valley into the lovely Kumbu village. You can be picked up here, or you can keep going down to the Shedra or all the way down to the valley.

You will spend another night in Gangtey at a hotel.

Day 5: Gangtey to Bumthang

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

Say goodbye to Gangtey, we will head to Bumthang. The name Bumthang means “beautiful region” in Bhutanese, and the landscape of this region stays true to its name with untouched forests, majestic mountains and vast green valleys. It is home to the majority of the country’s most established Buddhist temples and cloisters, earning the title “strict heartland of Bhutan.”

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, and exudes a positive energy that stems from both the sacred atmosphere and the stunning natural scenery. The temples were built in one day by the king to tame a Tibetan demon, and Jambay Lhakhang pinned down her left knee.

Afterwards you’ll go to the magnificent Kurjey Lhakhang complex. The Kurjey is located 5 kilometers from Jakar town on the Drakmar Dorje Tsekpa (the red cliff of stacked sceptres). 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, which is located on the other side of the river from Kurjey Lhakhang. We highly recommend the hour-long walk for the amazing views. The Tamshing Lhendup Chholing (Temple of the Good Message) is Bhutan’s most important Nyingma goemba. The site, which was founded in 1501 by the great spiritual guru Guru Pema Lingpa, was privately owned by his successors until 1960. Pema Lingpa erected the temple himself, with the assistance of khandromas who sculpted many of the figures.

Stay overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Day 6: Bumthang sightseeing

The vast Bumthang district actually consists of four valleys – Tang, Chumey, Ura and Choekhor. You will stay for a few days to explore these valleys and participate in the Ura Yakchoe Tshechu Festival. 

Kunzangdrak Monastery will be your first visit today. This sacred site lies at an altitude of 3,350 metres (10,990 feet) in the hollow of a cliff, overlooking Tang valley. Guru Rinpoche and his disciple Namkhai Nyingpo are said to have meditated here at the end of the 8th century. The current temple, however, was established in 1488 by Pema Lingpa. You will hike for 1.5 hours to reach this place.

Then, you will travel to Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, which is magnificently located under a huge rock. It is on the left side of Tang Chhu, near Mesithang village. Ta Rimochen was the building’s old name, and such name was derived from the marks of black and yellow tiger stripes clearly visible on the rock behind the temple. According to legend Guru Rinpoche meditated on the giant rock with his two consorts Khandro Yeshe Tshogyal & Khandro Mandarava in the 8th century & left footprints on rock.

Before heading back to the town, you will stop at Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery, a Buddhist Nyingmapa Monastery of Jangter Tradition. The monastery stands on the 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 interesting thing to do 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.

Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang. 

Day 7: Ura Yakchoe Tshechu Festival

Day 7 will be the tour highlight you have been waiting for. You will be able to join the one-of-a-kind Ura Yakchoe Tshechu Festival at the Ura Makrong village. Small festivals allow you to see the diversity of different communities, with a dynamic vibe that belongs only to them. It is an experience like no other. 

The Ura village, which is 3,200 meters above sea level, has a beautiful landscape. The landscape is made up of surrounding lush forests, bestow with farmhouses, watermills and temples. Ura is named after Ugyen Guru Rinpoche, one of the greatest figures of the Bhutanese. Like many other Bhutan villages, the people here are mostly farmers, practicing agriculture and animal husbandry. 

The festival is hosted by the village for 5 days, composed of various public performances, from spiritual practice, religion worship, cultural celebration to social gathering. For the locals, Ura Yakchoe is an important event employed in the transmission of cultural ideas, values, knowledge, skills and stories from generation to generation.

Ura village has four administrative units – Todpa, Charzhungpa, Tarshongpa and Krispa. There are 12 to 18 households in each unit, and these units take turns to host the festival each year. Preparation starts a month prior, and the first stage is collecting cereal for brewing singchang. Moreover, villages prepare food together and have a festival fund to buy the resources they no longer produce.  

Ura Yakchoe is held at the Ura Guru Lhakhang. People claimed it was built in the 19th, but there is no exact answer. The main relic in the temple is a bronze Guru Rinpoche statue, which is said to have been created by a 17th-century artist named Pentsadeva.

The main ceremony – a Vajrayana Buddhist meditation ritual focused on Chagna Dorje and his retinue, will be performed in the evening of the first festival day. It begins with a ritual to cleanse the negative forces, creating a sacred space. The following days, there will be a practice of deities visualization in the mandala of Chagna Dorje, recitation of mantras and prayers, and offering items. The ritual will end on the fourth day by receiving the blessings. Asides from this key ceremony, unique performances to Yakchoe also include the Public Dance and the Jakor Changkor and Tenkor Round.

During the 5 days, the priests and dancers will perform a variety of rituals, religious music and dances: 

Day One: Inaugural Day

• Religious ceremony start
• Exorcism ritual and dance
• Longevity ritual

Day Two: Chagna Dorje Day

• Guru supplication and dance
• Dance of Old Man and Old Woman
• Dance of Male and Female Yamantaka
• Dance of Ten Wrathful Deities and Four Door Guardians
• Ura’s public folk dance

Day Three: Day of Protector Deities

• Dralha Pangtor Ritual
• Dramitse Drum Dance
• Ging Tsholing Dance
• Judging Dance
• Dri Ging Dance
• Nga Ging Dance

Day Four: Mangcham Day

• Stag Dance
• Raksha Dance at the Door
• Tshog offering, Chala Prediction and Tashi ceremony
• Stag and Hounds Dance

Day Five: Tenkor Day

• Thongdrol Ceremony
• Zhengshi Pema Dance
• Zhugdrel Ceremony
• Wang Ceremony
• Tenkor Tour of the village
• Changkor in the village

Throughout the dances, you will hear music from trumpets, flutes, and other traditional instruments of Bhutan. These instruments produce sound that reverberate around the space, then become quick and frantic in time with the dancers’ footsteps. There is no better way to properly understand and feel the spiritual life of the locals than to attend a festival like this, watch the performances, listen to the music, and observe how much fun everyone is having.

You will stay another night in Bumthang.

Day 8: Discover Bhutan

Your destinations today will cover more sites in Bumthang. 

We will drive to Tharpaling Monastery, but first hike for 30 minutes to see the Künkhyen Longchen Rabjam statue. He is revered as one of the greatest masters and scholars in the Nyingma tradition. The trail is quite steep, but it offers a nice change of scenery, from lush forests to the vast landscape of the valley. 

Then, you will hike 15 minutes down to Choedrak Monastery. Choedrak was one of Guru Rinpoche’s four sacred mediation cliffs. Lorepa (1187-1250), the Drukpa Kagyupa master who founded Chodrak, is credited with the monastery’s first settlement. Above Chodrak Monastery is Guru Rinpoche’s meditation cave, Longchenpa’s rock throne, and a rock throne where Longchenpa wrote part of the Seven Treasures.

The last place will be Tharpaling Monastery (the place of liberation). The monastery is located at roughly 3,600m, overlooking the scenic Chumey valley. Lorepa, a Drukpa Kagyupa Master from Tibet, is thought to have founded it in the 12th century. The structure holds statues of Guru Rinpoche, Longchen Rabjam, and Trisong Detsen, the eighth century Tibetan King, as well as paintings depicting Amitabha’s paradise and Guru Dewa, a seldom seen secret manifestation of Padmasambhava. Today, the monastery remains an important pilgrimage site for Bhutanese.

You will stay another night in Bumthang.

Day 9: Bumthang to Trongsa

• Altitude in Trongsa: 2,200m 
• Distance: 80km 
• Estimated travel time: 3hrs 

Once you have thoroughly discovered Bumthang and joined the Ura Yakchoe Tshechu Festival, we will go to Trongsa.

Trongsa is a mountaintop town in central Bhutan which is also known as the Himalayan Kingdom’s heart. Trongsa means “new town” in Bhutanese. It is a historically significant area where Bhutan’s largest dzong and several important sites are located. 

In Trongsa, you will first visit Ta Dzong, which stands guard over Trongsa Dzong. In the past, its mission was to keep the buildings safe from internal rebellion. It is currently the National Museum, and major Wangchuck Dynasty collections are housed here. The collections help visitors gain a better understanding of the kingdom’s history. The objects vary from antique jewels to deity sculptures, and the collections are tastefully presented.

Trongsa Dzong perches high above the rushing Mangde Chhu river. The complex, completed in 1644, is regarded as Bhutan’s most magnificent dzong. Trongsa Dzong’s unusual architecture draws attention from afar. The structures descend the slope and are linked by alley-like hallways with massive stone stairs. Between the buildings, there are lovely paved courtyards. Trongsa Dzong was the initial seat of force for the Place of Wangchuck before it became the decision administration.

From there, we will drive to the town. The main road from the west traverses above the dzong and passes the small weekend vegetable market and tiny Thruepang Palace (closed to visitors), where the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, was born in 1928. Excellent views of the dzong are available with a short stroll along this road.

Next, you will travel to the sacred Yuling Lhakhang in Trongsa’s north. After arriving in this area in 1541, Lama Ngagi Wangchuk erected a little meditation room in 1543. He is believed to have seen a light at the furthest spur, where the current Trongsa Dzong is located, while meditating here one day. Following the fortune, he built a modest temple at the location, and meditation spaces began to appear nearby. 

He constructed a modest temple because he viewed this as a fortunate sign. Little hermitages and meditation spaces began to appear nearby shortly then after. In short, Yuling Lhakhang initiated the birth of Trongsa. The villagers regard this Lhakhang as being very important, and it is surrounded by lovely traditional homes that have been exquisitely decorated. The temple is home to several revered Buddhist statues as well as the local god Ap Gayp.

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Trongsa.

Day 10: Trongsa to Punakha

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

Your next destination will be home to some of the most striking wonders of Bhutan – Punakha. It was the capital until 1952, when Thimphu was chosen as the new government seat.

The renowned Punakha Dzong (The Palace of Great Happiness), located at the confluence of the Po and Mo rivers, is the first site to explore in Punakha. This is the country’s second-oldest dzong, established in 1637 by the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche, Ngawang Namgyal. 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, which is 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.

Your last stop will be Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, renowned for its distinctive architecture. The building is claimed as an outstanding example of Bhutanese art and culture. Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck built this chorten for the well-being of the entire kingdom and the long life of our beloved King.

You will stay at the hotel in Punakha for tonight.

Day 11: Punakha to Paro

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

Paro is the start and also the final town to explore on this tour. 

Your journey in Paro will begin with a trip to Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels), which is built on a limestone cliff overlooking the valley. When you approach Paro Airport, you may notice this magnificent dzong. This is a fantastic example of Bhutanese architecture, with a network of courtyards, temples, offices, and open space encircled by towering walls. On the first day of spring, the courtyard is used for the annual Paro Tshechu festival. It is one of Bhutan’s most important celebrations.

Bhutan National Museum is only a short walk from the Paro Dzong and will be your next stop. Standing on a mountaintop, the tower, formerly known as Ta Dzong, overlooks Paro Dzong. From here, you can have a breathtaking view of Paro. The structure was converted into a museum in 1968, and its vast collection today contains antique thangka paintings, swords, armor, and natural and historic relics. If you want to learn more about Bhutan, its history, and its people, this is a must-see.

In the evening, you can wander the streets of Paro town. Most restaurants, cafes and bars in Paro are centred around the main market. There are some pretty cool avenues and clubs to enjoy live music, have great food and make friends with the locals, so don’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences. 

You will stay overnight at the hotel in Paro. 

Day 12: Discover Paro

In the morning, you will hike to Taktsang Monastery (or Tiger’s Nest), one of Bhutan’s holiest destinations. The monastery perches on a precipitous 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 with a gorgeous view of the lush Paro valley and terrific Himalayan mountains.

According to legend, Guru Rinpoche rode a tigress and landed on a steep rock to meditate, emerging in eight incarnations (manifestations). Four enormous temples with golden roofs, eight tunnels, and different homes make up the complex.

Taktsang monastery will be the final stop in Bhutan. You will take a cooking class in the late afternoon and dine with a local family at the farmhouse. This is a great chance to meet new people and enjoy Bhutanese dishes like Ema Dashi, red rice, Jasha Maru, and Phaksha Paa. Learning about a country’s food is among the best ways to understand their culture. 

You will also be invited to have a hot stone bath. This is how Bhutanese unwind after a long day at work. They add herbs in the water, which interact with the minerals in the stones and this is really beneficial to your health.

Spend the night in Paro at a hotel.

Day 13: 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 time trip. And we hope to welcome you back to our country one day. Tashi Delek!