8 Days Bhutan Tour with Central Exploration

Highlight: Arrive in Paro and visit Tschogang Lhakhang on the way to Thimphu; visit Tashichho Dzong and King's Memorial Chorten in Thimphu.

Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”!

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will meet our local travel guide and driver at the airport’s Arriving Hall.

Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of around 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).

On the way, you will first encounter a private temple - Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the excellent horse. Keep driving to Thimphu, you will have a short stop at Chuzom, a confluence where the Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu meet. It is decorated with three different styles of stupas, namely Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese.

After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will help you check in at the hotel. You can also take a short rest if needed.

Later, you will 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.

After that, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chortern (National Memorial Chorten), a stupa built in memory of the third king in 1974. The display inside shows good statues of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Highlight: Cross Dochula Pass and visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.

In the morning, you will take a drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242m). The distance from Thimphu to Punakha is 71 kilometers, and it takes around 3 hours to complete. On the way, you will have an excellent opportunity to appreciate the panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges in Bhutan and take photos of the impressive collection of 108 chortens at Dochula Pass (3,140m).

Next, you will continue your journey to Punakha. En route, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Monastery. Standing on a small hillock close to the village of Lobesa, it is a beautiful Buddhist monastery that was built in the 14th Drukpa hierarchy, Ngawang Choegyel.

After that, you will head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and one of the top favorite attractions in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular-shaped fortress is also an honorable treasury that preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong

Highlight: Visit Chendebji Chorten along the way, then explore Trongsa Dzong and the Royal Heritage Museum upon arrival in Trongsa.

Today, you will continue to drive to Trongsa (2,220m), the historical and geographical center of Bhutan. The distance from Punakha to Tringsa is around 134 kilometers, which takes around 3.5 hours.

En route, you will visit Chendebji Chorten, 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.

Then, upon your arrival in Trongsa, you will visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan built on a spur overlooking the gorge of the Mangde River.

Next, you will head to explore the old tower of Trongsa (also called the 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 teenage 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, and Kurjey Lhakhang.

After breakfast, you will start today’s journey from Trongsa to Bumthang (2,700m). Covering a distance of 80 kilometers, it will take around 2.5 hours to get to Bumthang from Trongsa.

Firstly, you will arrive at Yotong La Pass (3,425m) after passing through a zigzag road). Here, you can view a Buddhist Stupa in 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, you will continue your journey to Bumthang. Upon arrival, you will 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 is 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 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.

Last, you will explore the Kurjey Lhakhang which is not far from Jambay Lhakhang. It houses the imprint of Guru Rimpoche who meditated in a cave where the monastery was built.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Jambay Lhakhang

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

After breakfast, you will start your journey to Gangtey (2,890m). The distance between Bumthang and Gangtey is about 155 kilometers, which will take around 4.5 hours. Gangtey, also called Phobjikha, is one of the most beautiful destinations in Bhutan. It is also the winter home to a group of globally endangered black-necked cranes that arrive every year from the Tibetan Plateau.

Upon your arrival, you will first visit Gangtey Monastery, generally known as Gangtey Goempa. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2800m, the monastery offers a stunning view of Phobjikha Valley.

Then, you will visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Center, located on the edge of the forest and wetlands along the main road in Phobjikha Valley. The center features an observation room with high-powered telescopes and spotting scopes for the best views of the cranes. If you visit between November and January, you'll have the chance to see many black-necked cranes.

Stay overnight in Gangtey.

Gangtey Monastery

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

After breakfast, you will say farewell to the charming Gangtey Valley and take a 5-hour drive back to Paro.

En route, you will encounter the Simtokha Dzong. Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Simtokha Dzong is often said to be the first dzong in Bhutan.

In the afternoon, you will visit the imposing Paro Rinpung Dzong (also named 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: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.

After breakfast, you will start your hike to Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery). Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is about 3 km one way and takes around 5 to 6 hours for the round trip.

After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.

In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.

The tour service end.