- Detailed day by day itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Paro International airport.
During the journey, the traveler will experience from the left side of the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend. Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Afternoon sightseeing.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 2 : Paro to Thimpu
Early morning drive up to Satsam Chorten and hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. In the afternoon you will drive to Thimphu. In Thimphu visit the majestic c. In the evening you can explore Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and absorb the lifestyle of the people. You can also visit some interesting handicraft shops.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3 : Sightseeing in Thimpu
After breakfast visit the Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), and Changangkha Monastery. Visit the Nunnery, National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), Folk Heritage Museum, School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school) where the preservation of traditional Bhutanese arts is taught. Visit the Textile museum, private weaving centre at Changzamtok. We will also visit to a private house to see the weaving in practice. Our expert Kesang has been a special weaver to the royal family and will be showing us how to weave Bhutanese style.
After lunch, visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 AD. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the Central Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4 : Thimpu to Wangdue Phodrang.
Drive to Punakha town and Punakha Dzong through Dochula Pass (3150m). On the way stop for a photo stop at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley, and for Tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains and also the great view of Gasa Dzong at a distance (If weather is clear). Punakha Dzong lies between two great rivers with the wonderful view of Punakha Dzong. The names of the rivers are Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River). This Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the district Administration. After lunch drive to Wangdue Phodrang, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
Overnight: Hotel in Wangdiphodrang.
Day 5 : Wangdue Phodrang to Trongsa.
Driving to Trongsa via Gangtey valley. You'll pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gangtey village, where you'll visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gangtey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjikha Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. From there you'll head to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La, and at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. You can browse through the Trongsa shops and town in the afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa.
Day 6 : Trongsa to Bumthang.
In the morning you'll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you'll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this Dzong. After lunch, you'll proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way you will stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory at Chumey, where the yathra are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. The afternoon will be spent sightseeing in the area, including Jakar Dzong, Woodcarving factory in Jakar; Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan; and Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, because Guru Rimpoche left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. In the evening you can visit some handicrafts shop while strolling through Bumthang town.
Overnight: Guest house in Bumthang.
Day 7 : Bumthang to Lhuntse.
You will begin your journey to eastern Bhutan, which is different from western and central Bhutan in terms of development and lifestyle. The steepness of the region lends itself to some spectacular views, with rushing waterfalls and sheer drops. The drive on this day is an exhilarating 10 hours, particularly the Thrumshing La (pass), which peaks at 3,750 meters. You can wander around Lhuntse town in the evening and sit down to a relaxing dinner.
Overnight: Guest house or camp in Lhuntse.
Day 8 : Lhuntse - Hike to Khoma Village
After breakfast hike to Khoma village, which is very famous for textiles in Bhutan. You can see women folks weaving different types of textiles. If you want you can also buy the textiles at the reasonable prices. Then hike to Ngangladhung village to see the textiles and here also you will see the women weaving a tapestry of textiles with their nimble hands.
Overnight: Guest house or camp in Lhuentse.
Day 9 : Lhuntse to Rangjung.
After breakfast drive to Rangjung. Check into Rangjung guesthouse. After lunch visit Radhi village. Radhi is famous for raw silk, which is known as “bura”. You can also witness women weaving raw silk.
Overnight: Guesthouse or camp in Rangjung.
Day 10 : Rangjung to Khaling.
After breakfast drive to Khaling. Visit National Institute for the Disabled (NID), which caters educational needs to the disabled people in the country. Have lunch at the farmhouse. After lunch visit the Weaving Center which is operated by the National Women’s Association of Bhutan. And you can see the girls weaving different types of textiles out of back strap loom. If possible we can also visit to the house a private weaver to see the techniques of Bhutanese dye. Then drive to Trashigang visiting Sherubtse College (Kingdom’s only college) and Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang. Check into hotel in Trashigang.
Overnight: Hotel or camp in Trashigang.
Day 11 : Trashigang : Excursion to Trashiyangtse.
Drive to Trashiyangtse, which is a small, pretty, quiet town. The people are known for making wooden bowls and containers, which are said to be the best in Bhutan. Visit the Arts School and the Chorten Kora. Along the way to Trashiyangtse you will stop at the Gom Kora temple, behind which is a large black rock. It is said that Guru Rimpoche meditated in a cave in the rock and that you can see the impression of his thumb, his hat, and his body on the rock. You will also visit the abandoned iron chain-link bridge behind the village of Duksum. It is said that this is the last remaining bridge of those built by a Tibetan bridge builder by the name of Thangthong Gyalpo in the 15th century. Later in the day you can relax in Trashigang and enjoy a nice dinner.
Overnight: Hotel or camp in Trashigang.
Day 12 : Trashigang to Mongar.
In the morning you will visit Trashigang Dzong, which was built by Pekar Chopel in 1659, and the Dzong commands a remarkable view over the surrounding countryside. Then drive to Mongar, which is 3 hours journey, 91 kilometers.
Overnight: Hotel in Mongar.
Day 13 : Mongar to Bumthang.
Drive the spectacular 8-hour route back to Bumthang, with stops for lunch and tea in nearby villages.
Overnight: Guest house in Bumthang.
Day 14 : Bumthang to Wangdue Phodrang.
You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangdiphodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings and bamboo work.
Overnight: Hotel in Wangdiphodrang.
Day 15 : Wangdue Phodrang to Paro.
After breakfast drive to Paro with a lunch stop in Thimphu. If it's the weekend, you can stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It's fun to wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. After that you will drive to Paro. Check into the hotel. In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a hot-stone bath and a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 16 : Final departure- Paro to onward journey.
Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Bhutan will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.
