Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

Arrive at Paro International Airport via flights from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata, or other Druk Air destinations. Enjoy a scenic aerial view of the Himalayas and Paro Valley. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly received and transferred to your hotel in Paro for a two-night stay.

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing

Explore some of Paro’s most iconic sites. Visit the historic Drugyel Dzong, once a fortress that repelled Tibetan invasions. See Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, and Dungtshe Lhakhang, built by the famous bridge-builder Thangtong Gyalpo. After lunch in town, visit the National Museum housed in Ta Dzong and the Rinpung Dzong just below. Conclude the day with a visit to a traditional farmhouse and a leisurely walk around Paro town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 3: Hike to Tiger’s Nest & Drive to Thimphu

Begin the day with a hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), dramatically perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters. Enjoy lunch at a viewpoint teahouse. Ponies can be arranged up to the halfway point. After the hike, drive to Thimphu, following the Paro and Wang Chhu rivers. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing

Visit major landmarks in the capital, including the Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang, Tashichho Dzong, the National Library, and institutes preserving traditional arts and medicine. Explore the Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, handmade paper factory, and Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 5: Thimphu to Punakha (75 km)

Drive eastward via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,000 meters) with its 108 chortens and Himalayan views. Descend into the lush Punakha and Wangdue Valleys. Take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple of the Divine Madman. Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 6: Punakha to Bumthang (190 km)

Continue east, passing Wangduephodrang and ascending to Pelela Pass (3,390 meters), with views of Mount Chomolhari on clear days. Stop in Trongsa for lunch and then continue over Yotongla Pass into Bumthang. Overnight in Chamkhar, Bumthang.

Day 7: Bumthang Sightseeing

Visit sacred sites including Jambay Lhakhang, Chakhar Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamzhing Monastery, and Kenchosum Lhakhang. Cross the suspension bridge over Chamkhar Chhu to visit Swiss Farm and later explore Jakar Dzong, the Traditional Hospital, and the sacred Burning Lake (Membartsho). Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 8: Trek Begins – Toktu Zampa to Ngang Lhakhang (12 km, 4–5 hrs)

Start your trek from Toktu Zampa, following the Choskhor River through fields and villages. Visit Thankabi village and continue through pine forests and meadows to Ngang Yul (“Swan Land”). Overnight in tented camp near Ngang Lhakhang.

Day 9: Ngang Lhakhang to Tahung (16 km, 7 hrs)

Visit Ngang Lhakhang before continuing the trek through bamboo groves, birch forests, and over the Phephela Pass (3,340m). Spot birdlife and wildflowers en route. Descend into the Tang Valley, camping near Tahung village by the river.

Day 10: Tahung to Mesethang (16 km, 5–6 hrs)

Cross Tang Chhu to reach Ghambling village. Optional visit to Ugyen Choling Manor Museum, once the residence of local nobility. Continue via Tang Rimochen Lhakhang and possibly visit a local school. Camp overnight near Mesethang.

Day 11: Drive to Trongsa

Depart Tang Valley via a rough track to rejoin the main east-west highway. Stop at Jakar and Chume Valley en route. After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family, and Ta Dzong (watchtower). Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 12: Trongsa to Thimphu

Drive back west across the Pelela Pass. Enjoy sweeping views, rural landscapes, and varying vegetation. Reach Thimphu by late afternoon. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 13: Thimphu Sightseeing & Return to Paro

Visit any remaining sights in Thimphu or spend time shopping and strolling through the town. Choose to stay overnight in Thimphu or drive to Paro in preparation for your departure.

Day 14: Departure from Paro

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Safe travels and tashi delek!