Amazing Bhutan takes you to the mystical valleys of central Bhutan. Bumthang houses some of the most revered and ancient monasteries in Bhutan with equally fascinating tales of miracle and magic. You will experience the majestic wilderness and rugged splendour of the country at its best, making it nothing less than a feast for your souls and your senses.
Duration – 12 days, 11 nights
Places of visit – Western and central Bhutan
Best time to travel – All year round
Day 1: Arrive at Paro by flight. Your personal guide will receive you at the airport. After refreshment, take a drive across the valley to visit the National Museum of Bhutan, which is housed in a historical tower. The conical-shaped tower once served as a watchtower, overlooking the Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress). Later in the afternoon, you will leave for Thimphu, the capital city, 60 km away. On the way, visit Tamchhog Lakhang (temple).
Night halt: Thimphu
Day 2: Full day sightseeing in Thimphu. Indulge yourself in some of the notable landmarks of the city – The Memorial Chorten (Stupa), Folk Heritage Museum, Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Institute of Zorig Chusum, Trashichho Dzong and the Royal Textile Museum. Stroll in the town and visit the local weekend market in the evening.
Night halt: Thimphu
Day 3: Early start to Punakha, with a stop over at Dochhu La (3,050m). On a clear day, you will enjoy the spectacular view of the Himalayan range in the horizon. In Punakha, visit the magnificent 17th Century Punakha Dzong. Take a walk in the paddy fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the ‘Temple of Fertility’, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley – the Divine Madman.
Night halt: Wangdue Phodrang/Punakha
Day 4: Drive to Bumthang in central Bhutan. On the way, stopover at Trongsa to visit the charming Trongsa Dzong, the largest in the country, which sits dramatically on a low-raising ridge. Pop into Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower and now a museum. Continue the journey to Bumthang.
Night halt: Bumthang
Day 5: Spend your day sightseeing and exploring the vast Bumthang valley. A traveller’s delight, Bumthang valley houses some of the most revered monasteries in the country. Visit the Jakar Dzong, the seventh century built Jambay Lhakhang and the three temples of Kurjey Lhakhang. In the evening get up close with the locals and visit the Swiss Farm and indulge in some Swiss- inspired cheese and local beer.
Night halt: Bumthang
Day 6: Drive to Ura for a day visit. Visit the picturesque Ura village and the new Ura Monastery. On the way back to Bumthang visit the Membartsho (The Burning Lake). Evening explore the town and the local shops.
Night halt: Bumthang
Day 7: Start early to drive back to visit the charming Phobjikha valley. It will be a leisurely drive with plenty of stops along the way. The bowl-shaped glacial valley is arguably the most beautiful valley in Bhutan and the winter home to the migrating black-necked cranes.
Night halt: Phobjikha
Day 8: In the morning, visit the Gangtey Monastery and the surrounding village. Visit the Royal Society for Protection of Nature to know more about the cranes. You might catch sight of the rare and endangered black-necked cranes if visiting early spring or late autumn. Later in the afternoon, drive back to Wangdue Phodrang.
Night halt: Wangdue Phodrang
Day 9: After breakfast, you will start for Paro, 130 km away. Continue to Paro. En route, take an easy walk through the paddy fields to visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley – the Divine Madman. Continue to Paro.
Night halt: Paro
Day 10: After breakfast, leave for the Haa valley for a day visit, 70 km away. The drive to Haa will take you up the Chele la pass (3810m), one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. Stopover at Chele La pass to enjoy (given it’s a clear day) the panoramic view of the mountains in the distance. Drive along the winding road, down to the valley below. Visit the two monasteries of Lhakhang Karpo (white) and the nearby Lhakhang Nakpo (black). The small Haa town is along the Haa Chu river with a central bazaar, main shops and restaurants. In the evening, slowly make your way back to Paro.
Night halt: Paro
Day 11: Today, you will trek up the mountain to view the enchanting Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) that clings dramatically on a huge rock cliff, 900m above the valley. The 2-3 hours hike (each way) takes you through pine forests with spectacular view of the valley below. In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse.
Night halt: Paro
Day 12: Your guide will see you off at the Paro International Airport.
*Now with the domestic flights operating between Bumthang and Paro, you could choose to fly one way, which will reduce road travel and allow for a more leisurely travel. Please let us know if you would like a detailed itinerary with the flight option.