Day 1: Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu

Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake, before landing. Upon arrival, your Earth Trip representative will greet you and drive you to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Along the way, stop at Tamchoe Lhakhang, a historical temple linked to Thangtong Gyalpo, a 14th-century Tibetan Buddhist master. He is known for building iron chain suspension bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, some of which are still in use today. The two-story temple houses several sacred items left by him.

Overnight at a hotel.

Day 2: Explore Thimphu Valley

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a large stupa dedicated to Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Next, head to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), home to the world’s largest seated Buddha statue, offering panoramic views of Thimphu valley. Visit the Arts and Crafts School to see students creating traditional Bhutanese paintings and crafts, then continue to Sangaygang, a viewpoint with breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Afterward, explore the Takin Preserve, where Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, is cared for.

In the afternoon, visit the National Library, housing a collection of ancient manuscripts, followed by the Folk Heritage Museum, offering insight into Bhutanese rural life. End your day with a tour of Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government, home to the King’s office, government ministries, and the quarters of the Chief Abbot and senior monks.

Overnight at a hotel.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdue

Today, take a scenic three-hour drive from Thimphu to Punakha, passing through a constantly changing landscape of forests, waterfalls, flowers, and meadows. En route, stop at the Dochula Pass (3,100m), where, on clear days, you can enjoy stunning views of the eastern Himalayan range, including snow-capped peaks ranging from 6,000m to 7,554m. The 108 Buddhist stupas surrounding the pass add to the grandeur of the spot, with the Druk Wangyel Chorten adding spiritual significance.

The journey continues as you descend into the subtropical valley of Punakha, once the capital of Bhutan. Here, you’ll visit the Punakha Dzong, a striking fortress built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Known for its impressive architecture, it resembles a giant ship floating on the confluence of the Male and Female Rivers. Although it was destroyed several times by fire and earthquakes, the Dzong has been meticulously restored and remains a vital religious and administrative center.

On the way to Punakha, enjoy a 45-minute hike to the Chimi Lhakhang Monastery, dedicated to the “Divine Mad Monk,” Drukpa Kunley, who is known for his unconventional ways. This 15th-century temple offers a fascinating insight into Bhutanese spirituality and culture.

Overnight at Hotel.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 04: Punakha/Wangdue to Trongsa

After breakfast, you’ll start your journey to Trongsa via Wangduephodrang, crossing the Pele La Pass (alt. 3,300m), a traditional boundary between eastern and western Bhutan, marked by prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The scenic drive offers magnificent views of the mountains and valleys.

En route, you’ll stop at the Chendbji Chorten, an 18th-century Nepalese-style stupa built by Lama Shida. The stupa is unique for the eyes painted on its four cardinal points, symbolizing protection and spiritual guidance.

Before continuing the drive, you’ll take a 45-minute hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, located on a hilltop overlooking the Punakha Valley. The hike winds through scenic fields, and the vantage point provides breathtaking panoramic views, making it a peaceful and rewarding stop.

Overnight at the hotel.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 5: Trongsa to Bumthang

After breakfast, take a walk around Trongsa Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This impressive structure was once the seat of Bhutan’s central administration and is historically significant as every king, before ascending the throne, must first serve as the Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa.

Next, visit the Ta Dzong, a watchtower that offers panoramic views of the dzong and the surrounding area. Following the visit, we will drive to Bumthang, a journey of about 3 hours. On the way, we’ll stop at Yutong La Pass (alt. 3,400m) and then continue for 13 kilometers through the Chumey Valley, a fertile, wide valley. On arrival in Bumthang, check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight at the hotel.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 6: Bumthang

Bumthang Valley is one of Bhutan’s most sacred regions, filled with a blend of ancient legends and spiritual significance.

Start your day by visiting Kurje Lhakhang, a temple where Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) is said to have subdued a local demon, leaving his body imprint on a rock. Next, explore Jamphel Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet.

You will also visit Jakar Dzong, also known as the Fortress of the White Bird, built in the 17th century by Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi (temporal ruler) of Bhutan.

In the afternoon, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, one of Bhutan’s revered saints. The monastery is famous for its murals and spiritual significance. Continue your exploration with a visit to Kuenchosum Lhakhang and Membertsho (the Flaming Lake), where it is believed that Pema Lingpa discovered sacred religious texts.

Overnight at the hotel.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 7: Bumthang – Trongsa – Gantey/Phobjikha

After breakfast, begin your journey towards Gantey/Phobjikha via Trongsa. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes, with oak and rhododendron forests leading the way to the picturesque Phobjikha Valley.

Phobjikha is a stunning glacial valley, known for being the winter home of the black-necked cranes that migrate from the central Asiatic Plateau to escape the harsh winters. The valley’s peaceful environment, combined with its natural beauty, makes it one of the most tranquil and scenic spots in Bhutan.

Overnight at the hotel.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 8: Gantey/Phobjikha – Wangdue – Thimphu – Paro

After breakfast, explore the Phobjikha Valley starting with a visit to the Crane Center, where you can learn about the black-necked cranes that migrate to the valley. Next, enjoy a short walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, taking in the serene landscape. You’ll also visit the Gangtey Monastery, a significant site in the valley.

Following the exploration, drive back to Paro via Wangduephodrang, completing a scenic loop through Bhutan’s diverse landscapes.

Overnight at the hotel.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 9: Paro

Start the day with a visit to Kyichu Monastery, one of Bhutan’s oldest, built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Afterward, take a short drive to explore the ruins of Drugyel Dzong, or the “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” which commemorates the Bhutanese victory over Tibetan forces in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Continue to visit the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in the Ta Dzong, where you can learn about Bhutan’s history, culture, and art.

Overnight at the hotel.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 10: Paro – Taktsang Monastery Hike

Today, embark on a hike to one of Bhutan’s most revered landmarks, Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched 1000 meters (3000 feet) above the valley, this architectural marvel is associated with the legendary Indian saint Guru Padmasambhava, who is said to have flown from Tibet on the back of a tigress to subdue five demons and spread Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D.

The hike takes about 5 hours (round trip), following a scenic path with river-powered prayer wheels and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The monastery itself, dramatically nestled against the cliff face, is a deeply spiritual site and a must-see for any visitor to Bhutan.

Overnight at the hotel.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 11: Paro – Departure

After an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Paro International Airport for your flight to your onward destination.

End of tour.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast