Arrival at Paro International Airport - Paro Excursion (2200m)

National Museum - Upon arrival at Paro, Bhutan’s sole International Airport, the guide and driver will greet you and take you to the National Museum. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang and the 15th-century Druk Choedhing Lhakhang.

The National Museum of Bhutan: Situated in Paro above the Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum is housed in the historic Paro Ta Dzong, a watchtower fortress built in 1649. It showcases numerous ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks, including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted daily life tools. The museum’s collection offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.

Kyichu Lhakhang - Located a short drive from Paro’s main town, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries, believed to have been constructed in 659 A.D. by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Legend has it that a giant demoness’s spirit lay across Tibet and Bhutan, hindering Buddhism’s spread. To subdue her, King Songtsen Gampo built 108 temples in the region. Kyichu Lhakhang, built to pin down the demoness’s left foot, is one of two temples in Bhutan, the other being Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang, built to pin down her left knee. Both temples are said to have been constructed overnight.

Druk Choeding - The 16th-century Druk Choedhing Temple is located in Tshongdu, Paro’s main town. Built by Tibetan scholar Ngawang Chogyel in 1529, the temple features sacred frescos and murals completed during his sixth and final visit to Bhutan. The temple’s main relic is the statue of Jowo Jampa (future Buddha), along with statues of the founder Ngawang Chogyel, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Bhutan’s nation-state founder), the three Buddhas, and Avalokiteshvara.

Enjoy leisure time exploring Paro town.

Transfer to Trashigang, Eastern Bhutan by Domestic Flight / Drive to Trashiyangtse (1800m)

Trashiyangtse / Transfer back to Trashigang (1100m)

Trashigang / Transfer to Merak (3500m)

Full Day Exploring the Merak Village (3500m)

Merak / Transfer to Mongar via Trashigang (1600m)

Mongar / Transfer to Lhuentse (1640m)

Lhuentse / Transfer to Yongkola for overnight (1855m)

Yongkola / Transfer to Tang Valley, Bumthang (2715m)

Tang Valley / Transfer to Bumthang (2700m)

Bumthang - Known as Bhutan’s religious heartland, Bumthang is home to some of the country’s most ancient and revered Buddhist sites. The district is divided into four blocks: Chhoekhor, where the main town is located, Chhume, Tang, and Ura, all featuring broad and beautiful valleys.

Tamshing Lhakhang Temple - Visit Tamshing Lhakhang or Lhuendup Choling Lhakhang: Built by Bhutan’s great treasure discoverer, Terton Pema Lingpa, in 1501 AD, Tamshing Lhakhang remains the seat of his successive reincarnations. Among the treasures and religious artifacts crafted by Terton Pema Lingpa is an armory that has withstood five centuries without rust or deterioration. Carrying this armory and circumambulating the inner sanctum three times is believed to cleanse past sins and defilements. A small statue of Guru Rinpoche and inner offerings of some statues are believed to be treasures discovered by Pema Lingpa from the Mebar Tso (Burning Lake) in Tang Chhu River.

Bumthang / Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (3000m)

Phobjikha Valley - After breakfast, transfer to Phobjikha valley via Trongsa.

Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at about 3,000m/9,800ft elevation, serving as a winter home for endangered Black Necked Cranes from November to March, which migrate back to Tibet in spring. Researchers have confirmed that these birds travel as far as Mongolia in summer. The Black Necked Crane Festival, held annually on November 11th, celebrates the arrival of this majestic bird, which becomes an integral part of local life during winter. The Black-necked Crane is considered sacred in Bhutan, with songs dedicated to it, including the popular ‘White Crane! Lend me your wings,’ composed by the sixth Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tsangyang Gyatso, in the 17th century.

Phobjikha Valley / Transfer to Punakha Valley (1200m)

Gangtey Monastery - Transfer to Punakha valley, visiting Gangtey Monastery or Gangtey Goenpa before embarking on a 2.5-hour journey. This famous landmark, one of Bhutan’s largest monasteries, was founded in 1613. The name Gangtey derives from the Goenpa’s location on a hillock peak (Gang). The current abbot is the ninth Gangtey Trulku, His Holiness Kunzang Rigzin Pema Namgyal. The monastery also houses a Buddhist college where hundreds of monks study Buddhist philosophy for nine years. The annual Gangtey Tshechu religious festival, held during autumn after the harvest season, features dazzling sacred mask dances and Bhutanese folk dances.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - About 12km before reaching Punakha town, stop to visit the famous Chime Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), located about a 30-minute walk from the nearest road through beautiful terraced rice fields and farmhouses. Built in 1499 by Lama Ngawang Chogyal on a site blessed by his older brother, Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the ‘Divine Madman’ for his unorthodox ways of spreading Buddhism, Chime Lhakhang is renowned for its phallus relic. The phallus blessing is considered sacred, particularly for women unable to conceive, as it is believed to bring fertility. Many couples visit the temple seeking blessings from the Divine Madman, with numerous stories of successful conceptions following their visit.

Punakha Dzong - The 17th-century Punakha Dzong is regarded as Bhutan’s most beautiful and elaborate fortress, showcasing exquisite Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship that continue to influence Bhutanese architecture today. Spend time admiring the intricate woodwork and sacred wall paintings.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - After visiting Punakha Dzong, walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge and enjoy its beauty.

Total driving time: 3 hours

Punakha Valley / Transfer to Capital City, Thimphu (2334m)

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - After an early breakfast, drive to the nearest roadhead and hike to Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten, located on a serene hilltop overlooking the fertile Punakha valley. The hike takes you through beautiful terraced rice fields and traditional houses, lasting about 2-2.5 hours round trip. After the hike, retrace your steps to the roadhead and drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city.

Dochula Pass - En route, stop briefly at Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at 3150m elevation, to enjoy a grand view of some of Bhutan’s highest mountains on a clear day. Continue driving towards Thimphu, gradually descending to Thimphu valley within 45 minutes.

Thimphu - Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, is home to approximately 115,000 residents, including the Royal family. This bustling city is the country’s main center of commerce, religion, and government. Thimphu is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and commercial billboards.

Buddha Dordenma - Upon arrival in Thimphu, visit the Statue of Buddha Dordenma: This magnificent 169ft/51.5m tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop, Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking Thimphu valley. From here, enjoy a beautiful view of Thimphu city. The statue was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and as a monument for world peace. The giant Buddha statue houses over 100,000 8-inch-tall Buddha statues of the same type. Construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2015 after nearly 10 years.

Enjoy a leisurely evening in Thimphu town.

Thimphu / Transfer to Paro (2200m)

Bhutan Postal Museum - Today, visit some popular sites in Thimphu before transferring to Paro for an overnight stay.

The Bhutan Post Office is located in the city center, in the same building as Bhutan National Bank. Bhutan’s Postal Service was launched in 1962 with the opening of a post office in Phuentsholing, a town bordering India. For those interested in philatelic products and stamp collection, the post office offers a rich assortment of stamps, First Day Covers, and stamp albums.

The Museum showcases the progress of postal services and communications in Bhutan, Bhutan’s rare and unique stamps issued over the years, and captures pre-postal communication modes and legendary messenger stories. Artifacts relevant to postal services and communications are displayed.

Visitors can have their own stamps printed with their photo if desired.

Centenary Farmers Market - Located below the main town near the Thimchu River, Thimphu’s weekend market is the largest domestic market for Bhutanese farmers. Farmers from across the country sell their produce here. With its wide variety of fresh organic produce, the Farmer’s Market is a favorite spot for tourists and a recreational place for locals.

Visiting this market and observing the agricultural produce on display provides insight into Bhutanese food preferences and culture.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum - The National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Zorig Chusum means 13 Traditional Arts & Crafts) is located near the Folk Heritage Museum. Established to promote and preserve Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts, the institute facilitates increased access to Zorig skills for Bhutanese youth.

The thirteen arts and crafts include:
Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (wood turning), Gar Zo (blacksmith), Troe Zo (ornament making)
Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery, and applique) & Thag Zo (weaving).

These arts and crafts are an essential part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage, practiced since ancient times. They were formally categorized during the reign of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, Bhutan’s fourth temporal ruler, in the 17th century.

Open during working weekdays.

National Library and Archives of Bhutan - Considered a national treasure, this library is a fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts, and culture. Open during working weekdays and on Saturdays from 10 am to noon.

Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground - After lunch, drive to Changlimithang Archery Range to witness an archery match if in progress. Observe archers dancing and singing each time the target is hit from a distance of 145m. Archery is Bhutan’s national sport.

Afterward, transfer to Paro. Enjoy leisure time in Paro.

Total driving time: 2 hours

Hike to the famous Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest (3120m)

Paro Taktsang - After an early breakfast, embark on a 4-5 hour return hike to the renowned Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest, perched on an 800-meter rocky cliff in Paro. Taktsang’s history is linked to Guru Padmasambhava’s visit, the Indian saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding a tigress. It is considered one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites and a “must-visit” for tourists. After visiting Taktsang monastery and enjoying a sumptuous lunch at Taktsang cafeteria, retrace your steps to the roadhead where the driver will be waiting.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure

Paro - After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.

• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and light snacks
• All ground transportation including round trip airport transfers
• Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide
• Twin-sharing accommodations at 3-star hotels certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan
• One-way domestic flight from Paro to Yonphula in Trashignag, eastern Bhutan on Day 2
• Entry fees to National Museum and permit for eastern Bhutan
• National costumes (Gho for men & Kira for Women) provided
• Medical treatment at a hospital in Bhutan for injuries sustained within Bhutan
• Visa Fee & Processing with e-Visa delivery within 4-5 business days
• All internal taxes for the services listed

• Travel insurance is highly recommended.
• International flights. Let us know in advance if you need help with arranging Bhutan.
• Tips to Guide and Driver
• Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
• Any other expenses of personal nature
• Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee.
• Emergency evacuation

Explore deep inside Bhutan from the remotest alpine village in the east to the capital city in the west giving you insights into the food, cultural and linguistic diversity of a small Kingdom of less than 800,000 population. There are around 20 languages spoken across the country and on this trip, you will come across communities speaking 7 different languages, enjoy stunning landscapes dotted with secluded ornate temples and pristine environment rich in countless flora and fauna.

You’ll travel through hearts of 4 eastern districts - Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Mongar & Lhuentse; 2 central districts - Bumthang & Trongsa; and 4 western districts - Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha, Thimphu & Paro. In Trashigang, you’ll visit a remote village of Merak and spend 2 nights with the local community to understand their unique customs and culture, explore the pristine village. Merak and its neighboring village Sakteng was opened to tourism only in 2010 with great caution to safeguard its uniqueness.

• This tour can be customized and run on a private basis just for you and your group.
• We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
• There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
• After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. Actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address.
• Participants below the age of 18 years old MUST be accompanied by at least one adult.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.