Captivating Bhutan Itinerary

Upon arrival at Paro airport, complete the immigration and customs facilities, followed by assisted transfer to Thimphu. On arrival in Thimphu, complete the check-in formalities and rest for a while. After lunch, embark on a sightseeing tour of Thimphu. Visit Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, and Takin. Then see the newly built statue of Buddha, which offers enchanting views of the entire valley. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, situated on the bank of Wangchhu River. It is also known as the ‘fortress of the glorious religion.’ After this, you can take a stroll around Thimphu. Return to the hotel and have a restful night

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Overnight: Thimphu | Altitude: 2300m | Distance from Paro to Thimphu: 50 km | Travel Time: 1 hour (approx.)

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and then embark on a city sightseeing tour. Visit the weekend market (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), where locals from the neighboring villages come to sell their produce. Here you will get the opportunity to sneak peek at Thimphu’s culture and interact with locals. Later, visit the traditional Hand Made Paper Mill and buy souvenirs here. The factory preserves the old-age Bhutanese tradition. After this, you will see the School of Art and Craft, where students learn 13 different arts used in Bhutan. Visit the National Library, which houses religious texts and Buddhist teachings. Drive further and visit Dechen Phodrang Monastic School, where you can meet the young monks. Later, continue your drive to Zilukha Nunnery. Here, you can meet the nuns and interact with them. Return to the hotel in Thimpu for a sound sleep.

Altitude: 2300m

After having a delicious breakfast, complete the check-out formalities in the morning and hit the road to Punakha. On the way, halt at Dochula Pass (3,050 meters) and, if weather permits, enjoy the breathtaking views of the highest mountain peaks of Bhutan. Take a stroll around 108 Stupas and then continue your ride towards Punakha.

Upon arrival, before check-in at the hotel, take a nice hike through the paddy field. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. Complete the check-in formalities and relax for a while. In the evening, visit Punakha Dzong, the 17th-century fortress, followed by a visit to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Return to your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Punakha
Altitude: 1350m
Distance from Thimphu to Punakha: 84 km
Travel Time: 3 hours (approx.)

Wake up to a beautiful morning, and if by any chance you are staying in Meri Puensum, Zandopelri, or Densa Hotel, early morning will be a treat for you. You can easily walk up to a nunnery, interact with the nuns, and enjoy the enchanting view of Punakha and Wangdi Valley. After having a delicious breakfast, complete the check-out formalities and start your drive to Trongsa. En route, you can stop for a short hike to the ancient village of Rinchengang, which offers fantastic views of the Wangdi Dzong. You will be amazed to see the old houses, which locals have preserved impeccably. From here, you can return and cross the Pele La Pass, which is 3,300 m above sea level. It forms the part of the Black Mountain range that divided the country into east and west.

En route, you can take a short break and go for a short hike to the remote village of Rukubji or Chendibji. Enjoy the picturesque landscape of the enchanting place. Upon arrival in Trongsa, complete the check-in formalities and rest.

Overnight: Trongsa
Altitude: 2200m
Distance from Punakha to Trongsa: 138 km
Travel Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, embark on the morning walk in Trongsa town, and visit the Trongsa Dzong (fortress), the royal’s home. It is one of the most prominent and largest dzongs in the region. Later, visit the Ta Dzong, a royal heritage museum and an ancient watchtower. After this, you will head towards Jakar via Yutong La Pass, at an altitude of 3,400 m above sea level. En route, you will halt at Chumi Valley, a popular weaving place. ‘Yatha’ (wool weaving) is woven here, for which Bumthang is famous.

Continue your drive for Jakar after crossing Kiki La Pass. On arrival, you will have an assisted transfer to the hotel. Complete the check-in formalities and relax. The rest of the time is at your leisure. You can take a stroll around the streets of Jakar. Savor a delicious dinner and have a sound sleep.

Overnight: Jakar
Altitude: 2650 m
Distance from Trongsa to Jakar: 65 km
Travel Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (approx.)

Greet the day with a toothsome breakfast and then embark on the sightseeing tour of Jakar. This beautiful province is one of Bhutan’s holiest places and houses many temples and sacred sites. First, visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s first two Buddhist temples. Also, visit Kurjey Lhakhang; the royals have been cremated at this holy place. Later visit Tamshing Lhakhang, situated in the village of Parar. End your day tour by visiting the Swiss Farm. If time and energy permit, visit Jakar Dzong, which offers an enchanting view of the valley. You can stroll in the town in the evening and savor local noodles and pancakes. Return to your hotel and relax.

Wake up to a sumptuous breakfast, complete the check-out formalities, and have an assisted transfer to the Phobjikha by crossing over Pele La Pass. Dotted with breathtaking views of the vast expanse of lush greenery, Phobjikha is set against the backdrop of the Black Mountains in Wangdue Phodrang. This valley is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It is home to some of the endangered birds like Black Necked Crane. They migrate to Bhutan in winter.

You will have an assisted transfer to the hotel on arrival in the valley. Complete the check-in formalities and relax. The rest of the time is at your leisure. You can stay in your resort or explore some fantastic trekking trails of the valley. Phobjikha Nature Trail hike (2.5 Hrs.) is one such trail that offers a beautiful view of the valley. The trek starts from the valley and ends with Gangtey Gompa temple at the hilltop overlooking the valley.

Return to your hotel and have a sound sleep.

Overnight: Phobjikha
Altitude: 2900m
Distance from Trongsa to Jakar: 151 km
Travel Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and then go for a morning near your hotel where you can meet locals. Later, complete the check-out formalities and have an assisted transfer to the Paro via Dochula Pass. En route, you can stop at Thimphu. Upon your arrival in Paro, complete the check-in formalities at the hotel and relax. Later you can embark on a city tour, stroll around the old town, and peep into local handicraft shops. You can buy some souvenirs and also get an opportunity to see traditional games here, such as archery matches, etc. Later, return to the hotel and savor the delectable dinner.

Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2200m
Distance from Phobjikha to Paro: 176 km
Travel Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Greet your morning with a hearty breakfast and then embark on the sightseeing tour. Start your morning drive to Chele La Pass, which is 3,800 m above sea level and is one of the motorable roads in Bhutan. On sunny days, the views of Mount Jomolhari (7314 m) are clear. It is the most sacred and highest mountain peak in Bhutan. Enjoy the majestic mountains from the past and walk here while enjoying the fresh air. In the afternoon, return to the hotel and head towards Paro Dzong, one of the country’s renowned fortresses. Spend some time there and get glimpses of the bygone era. Return to the hotel and have a restful sleep.

Wake up for a lip-smacking breakfast and then embark on the sightseeing tour. Visit Tiger’s Nest, also known as Paro Taktsang. It is one of the most revered temples in the country. The temple is perched on a granite cliff overlooking Paro Valley. The hike from the base to the hill will take almost 3 hours.

In the evening, if time and energy permits, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. These temples mark the beginning of Buddhism in the country. After having an action-packed day, return to the hotel and relax.

Wake up to a delicious breakfast and complete your check-out formalities. As your 10 nights 11 days Bhutan trip concludes, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.