Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Paro international airport
During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon you can visit the following places:
~~Paro Rinpong Dzong (fort)
~~National Museum (watchtower)
~~Kyichu Lhakhang (oldest monastery)
~~Drugyal Dzong (victory dzong)
In the evening you can explore Paro town.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 2

Paro - Thimphu (hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery)
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion.

After lunch, drive to Thimphu. In the evening you can explore Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and absorb the lifestyle of the people. You can also visit some interesting handicraft shops. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3

Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the Takin reserve, which contains the national animal of Bhutan. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong, and Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom). Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4

Thimphu - Wangduephodrang (3-hour drive)
After breakfast you will drive to Wangduephodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. On the way back from Punakha, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.

Day 5

Wangduephodrang - Trongsa (5-hour drive)
You will begin the day by driving to Gantey. You'll pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gantey village, where you'll visit Gantey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gantey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjika Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. From there you'll head to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La, and at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. You can browse through the Trongsa shops and town in the afternoon. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 6

Trongsa - Bumthang (3-hour drive)
In the morning you'll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you'll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong. After lunch, you'll proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way you will stop at a yethra (textile weaving) factory, where the yethras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. You can spend the evening strolling through Bumthang town. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 7

Bumthang (hike to Petshiling Monastery)
Bumthang consists of four valleys--Chumey, Choekhar, Tang, and Ura--with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000 meters. It is home to many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Today you will hike to Petsheling Monastery, It is located about three hours' hiking distance above the Swiss Guesthouse on a steep incline. It offers fine panoramic views of the central Bumthang valley. You can also hike beyond the monastery across the ridge and feel the spirit of the mountains and monastery. In the evening you can relax in the town. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 8

Bumthang sightseeing
After breakfast you will visit the following places:
~~Jakar Dzong (fortress)
~~Jambey Lhakhang (one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan)
~~Kurjey Lhakhang (temple of Guru Rinpoche's body print)
~~Tamshing Lhakhang (see old Buddhist paintings)
~~Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)
~~Short hike to Thangbi Monastery in the afternoon
You can spend the evening exploring Bumthang town. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 9

Bumthang (day excursion to Ura Valley)
Day excursion to Ura Valley. The road to Ura Valley is off the main road, and this enjoyable excursion will provide a nice view of the Jakar Dzong. You'll make a stop in Ura village for lunch and will have a chance to visit the main temple and explore the village. Ura Village has a medieval look to it because of the cobblestone streets, and the typical clothing of the women includes a sheepskin shawl. In the evening you can visit local shops. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 10

Bumthang - Wangduephodrang
You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangduephodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings and bamboo work. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.

Day 11

Wangduephodrang - Thimphu
In the morning you will drive back to Thimphu. After lunch, you will tour the Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum, and you can explore Thimphu town. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 12

Thimphu to Paro (hike to Tango Monastery)
In the morning you can hike to Tango Monastery, which was built by the "Divine Madman" in the 15th century. It's a center of study for monks, and it affords a great view of the Thimphu Valley. In the afternoon you will drive to Paro. In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and if you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight in Paro.

Day 13

Depart Paro

Extra Information

Extras -

High Season Cost(Jan. to June and Sept. to Dec.)
Individual travelers: $2880
2 people in a group: $2760/person
3 or more people in a group: $2400/person
Low-season cost (July and August)
Individual travelers: $2460
2 people in a group: $2340/person
3 or more people in a group: $1980/person