11 Days Classic Western and Central Bhutan Tour

Highlight: Arrive in Bhutan and visit National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and Local Bazaar.

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

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will meet your local travel guide and driver at the Arrival 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).

After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will help you check in at the hotel.

Later, you will head to visit the King's Memorial Chorten (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.

Then, you will explore 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 have the option to take a stroll through the town or visit the Local Crafts Bazaar. The bazaar offers a variety of hand-woven textiles, thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, and more. You can also pick up some unique gifts for friends and family.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

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

After breakfast, you will first visit 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 the 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.

Visit the Takin Preserve

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).

After arrival in Punakha, 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.

After witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong, you will continue to 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.

Later, you will drive back to Punakha.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong

Highlight: Cross two mountain passes with scenic views and visit Chendebji Chorten and Yathra Waving Center.

After breakfast, you will take a 7-hour journey covering 197 kilometers from Punakha to Bumthang (2,700m). En route, you will enjoy lush forests of oaks and pine trees and get a fantastic mountain view from Pelela Pass (3,300m).

Then, you will visit the Chendebji Chorten, a large Nepalese-style chorten by the side of the road to Trongsa. 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.

Next, you will keep driving to Bumthang by passing through Yotong La Pass (3,400m). At Zugney Village, you will visit the Yathra Waving Center, where you can witness the locals waving Yathra, a colorful Bhutanese woolen cloth with geometric patterns.

Finally, you will arrive in Bumthang Valley.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Chendebji Chorten

Highlight: Explore landmarks in Bumthang, such as Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba.

In the morning, you will first visit Jakar Dong 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 one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, which was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rinpoche restored his life with his magical powers.

After that, you will continue to visit the nearby Kurjey Lhakhang. It houses the imprint of Guru Rimpoche who meditated in a cave where the monastery was built.

Finally, you will explore Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba, a large Nyingmapa monastery located on a hill to the east of Jakar. Built in the 1970s by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, it offers a serene and spiritual experience.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Kurjey Lhakhang

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

After breakfast, you will drive around one hour to the remote but surprisingly lush Tang Valley, one of the most popular valleys in Bumthang. Since the local people living here raise yaks and sheep rather than other food crops, you can see the nomadic lifestyle in central Bhutan.

Next, you will visit the Ugyen Choling Heritage Museum, which was built a century ago and once belonged to the Royal Family of Tang Valley.

After lunch served at a farmhouse, you can enjoy the peaceful life in the Tang Valley as you like.

After the day trip in Tang Valley, you will travel back to Bumthang.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Ugyen Chholing Palace

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

After breakfast, you will start your journey to Wangdue (2,890m), located 198 kilometers from Bumthang. En route, you will visit Gangtey, one of Bhutan’s most stunning destinations, which serves as the winter home for a group of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate annually from the Tibetan Plateau.

Upon your arrival, you will 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.

In the afternoon, you will have plenty of time to explore the Phobjikha Valley and visit the Black Necked Crane Center.

Stay overnight in Wangdue / Gangtey.

Gangtey Monastery

Highlight: Hike to upper Punakha Valley, visit the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang, and then drive back to Paro.

In the morning, you will first take a drive to Punaka. You will enjoy a leisure hiking to the upper Punakha Valley. After crossing the hanging bridge through large tracts of paddy fields, you will visit the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang.

Then, you will continue you journey back to Paro.

Upon your arrival in Paro, your guide will assist you with checking into the hotel. You can spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Khansum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Highlight: Visit Drukgyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, Paro Rinpung Dzong, and Ta Dzong.

After breakfast, you will drive up to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, the glorious fortress and Buddhist monastery in ancient time.

Then, you will head to the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo like the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.

Then, you will visit the famous Paro Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. Nowadays, it serves as an administration center and school for monks.

You will visit Ta Dzong, the national museum located on the hill behind the Paro Dzong. It houses many fine arts, religious relics, handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, etc. You can get a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich history, culture, and religion.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Kyichu Lhakhang

Highlights: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.

After breakfast, you will start to 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 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.