Arrival, Paro, Thimphu

Drive to Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha. This drive crosses the beautiful Dochula Pass, located 3,050 m above sea level, and the 108 stupas. On a clear day, one can enjoy the most spectacular views of Bhutan’s Mountain ranges. We will visit Punakha Dzong, walk across the suspension bridge, and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility.

Drive to Bumthang

Drive to Bumthang, a 6-hour journey away. The road winds through dense forests filled with tall pines and colourful rhododendrons, depending on the season. As you descend into the Ura Valley, you will get closer to Bumthang, often regarded as the spiritual heart of Bhutan. As you approach Bumthang, you will notice a change in scenery, with more open valleys.

Drive to Mongar

The drive to Mongar is a breathtaking journey through the heart of Bhutan, showcasing stunning landscapes and scenic vistas along the way. This journey crosses the Phrumsengla Pass, the second-highest pass in Bhutan.

Mongar

We will take a day excursion to Lhuntse, which is a 3-hour drive from Mongar. Visit Lhuntse Dzong and Takila Guru Statue. It is one of the tallest Guru Rimpoche statues in the world, measuring about 52 meters.

Drive to Trashigang

Travelling from Mongar to Tashigang is a scenic journey that showcases the beautiful landscapes of Bhutan. The distance between the two towns is approximately 90 kilometres, and the drive typically takes around 3 hours. Visit Radhi village, renowned for its traditional silk weaving, and also explore Chorten Kora and Gom Kora.

Tashigang to Bumthang

You can either choose to fly to Paro from Tashigang (Yonphula) or drive to Bumthang, which is about 8-hour drive.

Bumthang to Gangtey

Drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha, a glacial valley and home to the black-necked cranes, which migrate from the harsh winters of the Tibetan Plateau. The endangered birds are seen from the 1st week of November until February. Free evening

Gangtey to Thimphu

Visit Gangtey Monastery and proceed to Thimphu via Wangdiphodrang. We will make a short stop at the Lamperi botanical garden. After lunch in Thimphu, we will walk along the craft bazaar, visit Bhutan Post and the centenary farmer’s market. In the evening, visit Tashicho Dzong.

Thimphu to Paro

In the morning, we will visit the memorial chorten, a stupa built in memory of the 3rd King. Drive to Kuenselphodrang to view the Buddha statue, overlooking the capital city. Drive to the Takin zoo to see the national animal of Bhutan. We will also visit the painting school. After lunch, drive to Chele la. Chelela is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan.

Paro taktsang hike

This morning, we will drive to the base of the Taktsang Monastery. This monastery is built on a very steep ledge, approximately 900 meters above Paro Valley, by Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan. He is believed to have flown on the back of a tigress. Taktsang is a key highlight of the tour and one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Bhutan.  Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. The cafeteria offers a beautiful point from which the Taktsang Monastery is visible. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang on the way

Departure

This morning, I drove to the airport where our guide will bid farewell.