11-Day Enchanted Bhutan Discovery Tour

Welcome to Bhutan – the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, your personal guide will warmly welcome you at the arrival hall.Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Thimphu, the charming capital nestled in the mountains. Check in to your hotel and enjoy your first authentic Bhutanese meal.

Begin light sightseeing:

• Sangaygang Viewpoint – Located near the Bhutan Broadcasting Tower, enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu Valley.

Dive into Bhutan’s rich heritage with today’s cultural highlights:

• Folk Heritage Museum – Step back into rural Bhutan through exhibits of traditional household items.
• Textile Museum – Explore Bhutan’s rich weaving traditions and textiles.
• National Memorial Chorten – A revered monument dedicated to King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
• Paper-Making Factory – Learn about Bhutan’s ancient art of handmade paper.

Today, travel from Thimphu to Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient winter capital.

Highlights in route:

• Tashichho Dzong – The seat of Bhutan’s monarch and a beautiful example of fortress architecture.
• Dochula Pass (3,100m) – Admire the 108 chortens built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers, with panoramic views of the Himalayas on a clear day.

Start your drive to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland.

En route:

• Visit Chhimi Lhakhang(if not done earlier).
• Stop at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, dramatically perched above the river confluence.
• Pass by Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family.

Note: Travel between Trongsa and Bumthang may be subject to delays during monsoon season (June–Sept).

A full day of exploration in Bumthang, renowned for its sacred temples and legends.

• Kurjey Lhakhang– Contains a rock imprint believed to be left by Guru Rinpoche.
• Tamshing Goemba – Built in 1501 by the great saint Pema Lingpa.
• Jambay Lhakhang – One of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

• Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) – A spiritual site where Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered hidden treasures while holding a still-burning butter lamp underwater.
• Drive to Tang Valley and hike to Ugyen Choling Palace – a beautifully preserved ancestral home turned museum. Explore its exhibits, traditional living spaces, and historical relics.
• Enjoy a cultural evening with music and dance in the remote palace setting.

Today’s journey takes you back west to Gangtey, via Trongsa.

• Trongsa Dzong – The largest fortress in Bhutan, strategically perched high above the Mangde River.
• Taa Dzong – A former watchtower, now a museum displaying royal and religious artifacts.

Drive onward to the serene Phobjikha Valley, home to the Black-Necked Crane in winter.

Spend the morning exploring Phobjikha Valley, a protected habitat for the endangered Black-Necked Cranes (Nov–Mar).

• Visit Gangtey Monastery, an elegant 17th-century structure.
• Enjoy scenic views and fresh mountain air before driving to Paro Valley.

In Paro:

• Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) – A striking example of Bhutanese architecture.

Take a scenic drive to Haa Valley via the Chele La Pass (3,988m), Bhutan’s highest motorable point.

• Stop at the pass for incredible views of the Himalayas and surrounding valleys.
• Visit Katsho Village and Katso Lhakhang in Haa.
• Return to Paro for overnight, as Haa has limited tourist accommodation.

The pinnacle of Bhutan’s sacred heritage awaits.

• Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) – A legendary site where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. The hike offers incredible mountain scenery and spiritual ambiance.
• After lunch, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century.

Bid farewell to Bhutan with cherished memories and heartfelt connections. Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.

Tashi Delek! May your journey through Bhutan remain etched in your heart forever.