11 Days Charming Bhutan Family Tour

Highlights: Visit National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong and local Crafts Bazzar in Thimphu.

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport by Druk Air, your local guide and driver will meet you at the arriving hall of the airport. And they will have a brief introduction about themselves. Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of nearly 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).

After arriving at Thimphu, your guide will help you check in the hotel. And you can have a brief rest at your hotel if you need. Later, you will pay a visit to National Memorial Chorten, which was built in memorial of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third King of Bhutan in 1974.

After that, you can visit Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

In the evening, you are able to take a stroll in the town or visit the Local Crafts Bazaar. The bazaar is full of hand-woven textiles, thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, etc. If you like, you can choose some gifts for your friends and relatives here.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Visit the Takin Preserve

Highlights: Visit National Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Simtokha Dzong, and Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

Today’ s tour will first bring you to the National Folk Heritage Museum. It dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum will strive to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms.

Next, you will head to visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The factor is located approximately 1 kilometer from Thimphu city, and uses the bark of two tree species (the Daphne tree, and Dhekap tree) in the manufacture of traditional paper. You can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Besides, you are able to try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir.

Later, you will drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals here.

You will end today’s sightseeing after visiting Simtokha Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung to consolidate his domain and subdue the demon in 1629. Nowadays, it is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Highlight: Cross Dochu La pass and visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.

In the morning, we will drive to Punakha and Wangdue. On the way, you will stop for a rest at scenic Dochu La Pass (3,100m). The pass is a perfect vintage point where you can have an unobstructed vista of the mighty Himalayas. The bus will also make a temporary stop at the amazing 108 chortens built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (The Queen mother of Bhutan) for the safety and wellbeing of His Majesty (The king of Bhutan).

After lunch at Wangduephodrang (1,350m), we will keep driving to Punakha. In Punakha, you will visit the celebrated Punakha Dzong, the second largest Dzong in Bhutan, built in 1657 at the onflunence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers. After that, you will go to visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Lhakhang. Located near Lobesa, it stands on a round hillock and was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Chimi Lhakhang

Highlight: Visit Chendebji Chorten en route and visit Trongsa Dzong and the Royal Heritage Museum after arrive in Trongsa.

Today, you will continue to drive to Trongsa (2,220m), the center of Bhutan historically and geographically, from Phobjikha. The distance between the two places is 84 kilometers, which will take you 3 hours and 20 minutes.

The first attraction in today’s journey is Chendebji Chorten. It is a large Nepalese style chorten sitting quietly by the side of the road to Trongsa. The chorten is modeled after the Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. It is said that Chendebji Chorten was built in the 19th century by Lama Zhida to cover the remains of an evil spirit who was killed at this spot.

Upon your arrival in Trongsa, your guide will lead you to visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan and built on a spur overlooking the gorge of the Mangde River.

Then, you will head to visit the old tower of Trongsa (also called Royal Heritage Museum), a brilliant historical center of Bhutan. The five stories of showcases center on Buddhist workmanship and imperial memorabilia, including such fluctuated treasures as the 500-year-old coat of Ngagi Wangchuk and the football boots utilized by the teenaged fourth king.

Stay overnight in Trongsa.

Chendebji Chorten

Highlight: Pass through Yotong La Pass and explore the cultural heritages in Bumthang, such as Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba.

Today's tour continues to go eastwardly to Bumthang (2,700m). Covering a distance of 56 kilometers, it will take you 2 hours 40 minutes to get to Bumthang from Trongsa. Firstly, the zigzag road will bring you to Yotong La Pass (3,425m). Here, you can view a Buddhist Stupa with Tibetan style and countless colorful prayer flags. Driving downhill, you will head to the Yathra Weaving Center at Zugney village where you can witness the locals waving Yathra.

After that, keep driving to Bumthang. On arrival at Bumthang, you are going to visit Jakar Dzong in Bumthang valley. With a circumference of more than 1,500 meters, Jakar Dzong is one of the most majestic dzongs in Bhutan and widely accepted as a wonderful piece of architectural art all over the country.

Then, you are going to worship the Jambay Lhakhang, a temple built by the King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 659 AD. It is said that Guru Rinpoche was the one who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. It was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rinpoche restored his life with his magical powers.

Not far from Jambay Lhakhang sits the Kurjey Lhakhang. It houses the imprint of Guru Rimpoche who meditated in a cave where the monastery was built.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Kurjey Lhakhang

Highlight: Explore scenic Tang Valley and visit Ugyen Choling Heritage Museum.

After breakfast, we will drive around one hour to the remote but surprisingly lush Tang valley. Tang valley is among the popular four valleys in Bumthang district. Residents in this valley prefer to raise sheep rather than other food crops for the soil here is inappropriate for cultivation. At higher elevations, locals raise yaks and lead a nomadic life.

Then we will visit Ugyen Choling Heritage Museum which was built a century ago and once belonged to the Royal Family of Tang valley. After the lunch served at a farmhouse, you enjoy the peaceful life in the Tang valley.

After that, we will travel back to Bumthang.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Ugyen Chholing Palace

Highlight: Drive back to Gangtey through Phobjikha Valley and visit Gangtey Monastery.

After breakfast, you will start your journey to Wangdue. The distance between Bumthang and Wangdue is about 197 kilometers, which will take you 6 hours. On the way, you will first make a temporary stop at Gangtey Monastery, a can’t-miss monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Then drive towards the Phobjikha valley which is one part of the beautiful Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.

During the winter, a large flock of black-necked cranes, the endangered species, gather there to escape from the chilly weather. Besides, the forest covered mountains around the valley have been widely accepted as the most remote areas where only the rarely seen nomadic shepherds and yak herders can find the trails.

In the afternoon, you will have plenty of time exploring the Phobjikha valley and visiting the Black Necked Crane Center. Then continue your travel to Wangdue Phodrang, the capital of Wangdue Phodrang District.

Stay overnight in Gangtey.

Gangtey Monastery

Highlight: Drive back to Paro and visit Simtokha Dzong and Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Today, you will get up early and say farewell to the charming Gangtey valley. About a 5-hour drive will bring you back to Paro. You will encounter the Simtokha Dzong en route. Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha Dzong is often said to be the first dzong in Bhutan.

In the afternoon, your guide will bring you to visit the imposing Paro Rinpung Dzong (also named as Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. However, it now serves as an administration center and school for monks.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro Rinpung Dzong

Highlight: Day trip to Haa valley and visit Lhakhang Nagpo.

Today, you will drive 2.5 hours from Paro to Haa (2,740m) with a whole distance of 70 kilometers. On the way, you will drive through Chele La Pass (3,988m), which offers the majestic panorama of Himalayan Ranges and the valley beyond. If weather permits, you will capture a stunning view of Bhutan's second highest peak, Mt.Jomolhari (7, 314m) from here.

After arriving at Haa, you will head to visit Lhakhang Nagpo, also called the Black Temple. With a history of 1300 years, it is one of the oldest temples in Haa valley. It is said that when searching out auspicious locations for two new temples the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo released one black pigeon and one white pigeon. And the black pigeon landed here, the white one at Lhakhang Kharpo (White Chapel).

In the late afternoon, you will drive back to Paro.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Lhakhang Nagpo

Highlight: Enjoy the wonderful trekking to Tiger’s Nest.

Today, we will leave for Paro to enjoy the exciting trek to the Taktshang Goemba, also known as Tiger's Nest. Standing incredibly on the side of a sheer cliff 900m above the Paro Valley, Taktshang Goemba (3210m) is the landmark of Bhutan and also the holiest temple of the country. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) had flied here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the caves on the cliffside for three months. The temple has therefore become the holy site worshipped by all Bhutanese devotees, and known as one of the world’s top ten temples. 

After the trek, we will head back to Paro.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Trek to Taktshang Monastery

Your tour guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination. Tour service end.