Bhutan Discovery Journey

After arriving at Paro International Airport, a tour representative will welcome you and accompany you on the transfer to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. Along the way, we will stop at Chuzom, where the Thimphu and Paro rivers meet. Just before reaching Chuzom, you will notice Tschogang Lhakhang, known as the ‘temple of the excellent horse’, on your left. Upon arrival in Thimphu, you will check into your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure—take a stroll along Thimphu’s Main Street and visit the local Crafts Bazaar, where you can browse a variety of traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, including hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, and jewellery made from local materials. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we explore the Thimphu valley, beginning with the National Library, home to an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. Next, we visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, also known as the Painting School, where students undertake a six-year course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. We then continue to the Textile Museum to gain insight into one of Bhutan’s most distinctive art forms, followed by a visit to Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio that showcases the country’s cultural heritage. After lunch, we take a short 15-kilometre drive to Pangri Zampa, one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and a monastic school where monks study Lamaism and astrology rooted in Buddhist philosophy. Later, we visit Buddha Point (Kensal Phodrang) for panoramic views over Thimphu, then the Memorial Chorten, a stupa built for world peace and prosperity, where locals often circumambulate, chant mantras, or spin prayer wheels. Our final stop is Trashichhoedzong, one of Bhutan’s most important dzongs, before returning to the hotel. In the evening, you have free time to stroll through Thimphu’s city centre, exploring shops and the local market. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we drive to Punakha via the scenic Dochula Pass at 3,080 metres. The pass is marked by a large Bhutanese chorten and fluttering prayer flags, offering stunning views of the eastern Himalayas on clear days. The Druk Wangyel Stupas, a series of one hundred stupas, stand prominently against this backdrop. The route follows the picturesque Dang Chhu river before ascending through bamboo and oak forests into the Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley. Upon arrival in Gangtey, we check into the hotel. In the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the charming Gangtey Village. Overnight in Gangtey.

After breakfast, we drive to Bumthang, crossing the Pele La pass at 3,300 metres via Trongsa. The pass is marked by a large white chorten and colourful prayer flags, where the landscape shifts abruptly from mountain forest to high-altitude dwarf bamboo. En route, we stop at Chendbji Chorten, modelled on Kathmandu’s renowned Swayambhunath Stupa. After lunch in Trongsa, we visit Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648 and historically the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. We also explore Ta Dzong, a five-storey cylindrical stone tower constructed in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, now restored as a museum blending tradition with modernity. The journey continues with a 68-kilometre drive across the Yutong La pass at 3,400 metres, leading us into the expansive and scenic Bumthang valley. We then check into the hotel for the night.

After breakfast, we explore Bumthang valley, a region comprising four valleys—Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura—ranging in altitude from 2,600m to 4,000m. This area is renowned for its significant Buddhist temples and monasteries. We visit Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava is said to have subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock. Next, we see Jambey Lhakhang, a temple dating back to the 7th century, followed by Tamshing Lhakhang, which houses some of Bhutan’s oldest wall paintings. We also visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the region. Afterwards, take time to stroll through the village, browse the small handicraft shop at the town’s entrance, and perhaps enjoy refreshments at a local café. In the afternoon, we take a short hike to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery, located about 3 km from Chamkhar town. Founded in 1984 by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, the monastery plays a key role in preserving Tibetan culture through its comprehensive curriculum, which includes prayer, ritual arts, and traditional studies. We return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Bumthang.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and settle in for the evening. Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast, we visit Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress built at the confluence of two rivers. Once the capital of Bhutan until 1955, it remains the winter residence of the monastic body. Afterwards, we drive about 15 minutes to the start of a motorable road leading to Chimi Lhakhang. From there, you will take a 1½-hour walk through rice fields and local villages to reach this hilltop temple, known as the temple of fertility. It is believed that couples who pray here are often blessed with children. The walk passes through the small settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the local community. We return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Punakha.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro, stopping en route to visit Simtokha Dzong. This historic fortress houses sacred shrines that provide a tranquil and reflective atmosphere. Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel before visiting the Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower and now home to the National Museum. The museum’s extensive collection features antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, armour, household items and a variety of natural and historical artefacts. Later, explore Rinpung Dzong, known as the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels. Its wooden galleries and inner courtyard walls display intricate paintings depicting Buddhist stories such as the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, the Wheel of Life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Perched dramatically on a cliffside 900 metres above the Paro valley floor, this is one of Bhutan’s most revered sites. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated, giving the monastery its name. The walk to the monastery takes approximately five hours, offering stunning views throughout. On the return journey, you may choose to visit the base of Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress recently undergoing restoration. This site was once a stronghold against Tibetan invasions and provides impressive views of the sacred Chomolhari mountain. Later in the evening, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning at the hotel before your transfer to Paro Airport for your onward flight. This marks the conclusion of your journey through Bhutan.