Arrival at Paro International Airport

Paro - Upon reaching Paro International Airport, travelers will be warmly welcomed by an English-speaking guide and then driven to Thimphu, the capital city.

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - En route, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, perched on a ridge offering stunning views. Stroll across the bridge amidst a picturesque landscape.

Clock Tower Square - Upon arrival in Thimphu, explore Bhutan’s capital city by walking through Clock Tower Square, a notable landmark adorned with intricate Bhutanese designs. Continue to Thimphu’s iconic traffic junction, known for having no traffic lights. Instead, a white-gloved traffic officer elegantly directs vehicles in a choreographed manner, making it a unique tourist attraction.

Centenary Farmers Market - The Centenary Farmers Market (now Kaja Throm) is a lively and dynamic space, offering a wide variety of products and experiences.

Tashichho Dzong - Tashichhodzong is a magnificent structure standing proudly on the banks of the Wang Chhu River, serving as both a religious and administrative center of Bhutan. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room, and the office of the King and central monk body.

Thimphu Sightseeing

Pangri Zampa Monastery - On the return journey, visit Pangri Zampa – Astrology College to discover your astrology birth chart. Learn your Bhutanese name and fortune in an intriguing session with a Buddhist monk.

Takin Preserve, Motithang - The Royal Takin Preserve, also known as the Mini Zoo, is a small natural habitat for the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal.

Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory - Visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, renowned for producing traditional paper. This unique paper makes for interesting souvenir gifts.

National Memorial Chorten - Visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of Thimphu’s most significant religious landmarks. Built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, the chorten is a tranquil place where locals gather daily for prayers and circumambulation, offering meaningful insights into Bhutanese spiritual life.

Thimphu to Trongsa

Buddha Dordenma - Visit the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, overlooking the Thimphu Valley. The site offers panoramic views of the valley and houses thousands of smaller Buddha statues inside, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and enlightenment.

Dochula Pass - After breakfast, drive to Trongsa, approximately a 5-hour journey. The drive is scenic, with beautiful landscapes and villages along the way. Stop at the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of the Himalayan peaks and snow-capped mountains. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyel Chorten – 108 stupas.

Wangdue Dzong - En route, enjoy a view of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.

Trongsa - Bumthang

Ta Dzong Museum - Overlooking the magnificent Trongsa Dzong, the Ta Dzong is a majestic circular five-story tower flanked by two lower towers. With its impressive design and aesthetic, the Ta Dzong is a marvel of traditional Buddhist architecture and a popular tourist attraction. Built by Choeje Minjur Tenpa, the first governor of Trongsa, in 1652, the tower served as a watchtower protecting the Trongsa Dzong, the town’s main stronghold at the time, against external threats. Since 2008, the building has primarily served as a museum.

Bumthang

Bumthang to Gangtey/Phobjikha

Gangtey Monastery - The Gangteng Monastery, also known as Gangtey Gonpa or Gangtey Monastery, is an important monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. It was built in 1613 by the first Peling Gyalsé Rinpoche or Gangteng Tulku, Rigdzin Pema Tinley, the grandson of the great Bhutanese “treasure revealer.”

Gangtey - Punakha

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - Chimi Lhakhang is a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors. He is also considered a symbol of fertility, and many childless couples visit his temple for blessings. It is about a 30-minute hike across fields where you will find paintings of phalluses on the houses.

Punakha Dzong - The Dzong, built in 1637, was named Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Beautifully situated between the Pho (male) and Mo (female) rivers, Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955. The establishment of the Wangchuck Dynasty on December 17, 1907, took place here, and the first National Assembly was also held in the Dzong in 1953.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - The Suspension Bridge, always adorned with colorful prayer flags, is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan. The bridge offers a spectacular view of the river and valley.

Punakha - Paro

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - It is a 45-minute hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, offering picturesque views of the rice terraces along the river.

Rinpung Dzong - Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Paro

Paro Taktsang - Taktsang Monastery: This wooden structure, built astonishingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and established this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. From the road, the hike toward Taktsang follows an uphill route, and returning takes approximately 5-6 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.

Departure

Paro - Drive to the airport for departure.

• All Meals
• Monument Fees (Dzongs & Temples) and Museum Fees
• A minimum of 3 star accommodation certified by the Department of Tourism
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay.
• Bottle of water in the car
• All transport (transfer & sightseeing)
• Travel Insurance

• Air Transport/Flight
• Personal Expenses such as Laundry, Tips, etc.
• Drinks & beverages
• Visa Fees
• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
• Travel Insurance

This tour offers an exploration of central Bhutan, a region abundant in culture, history, and natural beauty. Dive into the distinctive culture, savor Bhutanese dishes, and relish the tranquil landscapes. Bhutan places a strong focus on Gross National Happiness, so be sure to engage with the locals and soak in the joyful ambiance! Don’t miss visiting prominent sites such as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.