CENTRAL BHUTAN - TRADITIONAL

Upon arrival at the Bhutan border in Phuentsholing/Jaigaon, you will be greeted by our representative, who will assist you with immigration formalities and transfer you to Thimphu. Situated at an altitude of 2,300 meters, Thimphu is a scenic valley located on the west bank of the Thimphu Chhu River, covering an area of approximately 1,809 square kilometers. After check-in, enjoy your evening at leisure. You can take a relaxing stroll around the valley and try the local delicacy momo kopi, steamed dumplings filled with cabbage, onion, cheese, and butter. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Thimphu. Visit the Art & Craft School, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, and the National Library to gain insight into Bhutanese culture. Continue to the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and the iconic Tashichho Dzong. The day also includes stops at the Buddha Dordenma Statue, Bhutan Simply Museum, Folk and Heritage Museum, and a Handmade Paper Factory. Visit the 15th-century Changangkha Monastery, the BBS Tower, and the SAARC Building, followed by the Motithang Takin Preserve, where you can see the national animal, the Takin. Conclude your day with a visit to the Drubthob Nunnery Temple and enjoy some free time exploring the local market. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

After an early breakfast, check out and drive to Punakha/Wangdue, approximately 70 kilometers away (a 2-hour drive). En route, visit Simtokha Dzong and stop for tea at the picturesque Dochu La Pass, located at an elevation of 3,100 meters, which offers spectacular views of the Himalayas on clear days. Continue to Wangduephodrang, stopping at Mehsina Village to visit Chimi Lhakhang, the 15th-century Temple of Fertility built by Lama Drukpa Kinley, also known as the "Divine Madman." After lunch, proceed to Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital, to visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, renowned for its beauty and historical significance. End your day with a visit to the Punakha Suspension Bridge, the second-longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which connects Punakha Dzong to the rest of the valley. Spend your evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Punakha.

After breakfast, check out and embark on a scenic drive to Bumthang, approximately an 8-hour journey. On the way, pass through Trongsa, where you will visit Trongsa Dzong and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Trongsa Valley. Bumthang, located at an altitude of 2,700 meters, is known as the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. After arriving, spend your evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Bumthang.

Start your day with breakfast and then head out for a full-day sightseeing tour of Bumthang. Explore Jakar Dzong, Jambey Lhakhang, Sumthrang Lhakhang, Jakar Lhakhang, and Wangdue Choling. Visit the sacred site of Mebar Tsho, or “The Burning Lake,” located in the Tang River Gorge. This site is believed to be where Guru Padmasambhava hid sacred treasures, which were later discovered by the saint Terton. Enjoy lunch during your tour and return to your hotel in the evening. Overnight stay in Bumthang.

After an early breakfast, check out and drive back to Punakha/Wangdue, a journey of approximately 7–8 hours. After arriving, check in to your hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Punakha/Wangdue.

Post-breakfast, check out and transfer to Paro, a 3–4 hour drive. Along the way, visit the historic ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647. Stop at Paro Airport Viewpoint for a glimpse of one of the most scenic airports in the world. After arriving in Paro, explore the main street lined with shops offering Bhutanese items such as brassware, scarves, silver jewelry, and traditional attire like gho and kira. Overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast, embark on an excursion to Chele La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan at an elevation of 3,988 meters. The pass offers stunning views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, surrounded by wildflowers and rhododendrons during the blooming season. Continue your journey to Haa Valley, a serene and picturesque region. Return to Paro for an overnight stay.

Begin the day with breakfast and head to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, perched on a steep cliff at an altitude of 2,950 meters. This sacred site is deeply associated with Guru Rinpoche. Visitors who choose not to hike can view the monastery from the base and proceed with local sightseeing. Explore Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Dungtse Lhakhang, and Kyichu Lhakhang. You can also dress in traditional Bhutanese attire for a cultural experience. Return to your hotel in the evening and spend the rest of the time at leisure. Overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Phuentsholing. Bid farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon as your journey comes to an end, leaving you with beautiful memories.