15-Day Grand Bhutan Discovery

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Upon landing at Paro International Airport, your guide will greet you warmly as you exit the arrival hall. Today is a gentle introduction to Bhutan’s altitude as you drive to Thimphu and check into your hotel. Enjoy your first authentic Bhutanese meal. Next, visit Sangaygang — a hillock about 15 minutes from the city where the Bhutan Broadcasting Tower stands. From here, relish panoramic views of Thimphu City. Along the way, spot the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, at its enclosure, a popular site among locals.

Fly from Paro International Airport to Yonphula Airport. From there, drive down to Trashigang. En route, stop by the university town of Kanglung, home to Sherubtse College founded in 1978. Time permitting, visit the sacred Zangtokpelri Monastery. Pass through the village of Khaling, known for its historic battlefield and the National Handloom Centre, where young women are trained in traditional weaving and dyeing. Explore Trashigang town, stroll the plaza with its large prayer wheel, and visit the impressive Trashigang Dzong — once the governing seat of eastern Bhutan.

Travel about 1 hour 45 minutes to Trashi Yangtse via Gom Kora, stopping at Chorten Kora, a revered stupa. Trashi Yangtse borders Arunachal Pradesh, India, and was historically a trade route between east and west Bhutan. Visit the village of Duksum, famous for its vibrant handwoven cloth produced on backstrap looms by local women. Alternatively, spend a leisurely day exploring Trashigang’s local culture.

Depart leisurely towards Mongar. Descend into the fertile Kuri Chhu valley with its cornfields, rice terraces, and tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples. Eastern Bhutan’s dominant language is Sharchop, distinct from western Bhutan’s Dzongkha. Visit Mongar Dzong, built in the 1930s without nails or plans, showcasing traditional Bhutanese architecture. Unlike earlier strategic fortress sites, Mongar Dzong sits on a gentle slope overlooking the town.

Note: Due to seasonal roadblocks and landslides between Trongsa and Bumthang, tours between June and September are not conducted.

The drive from Mongar to Jakar (Bumthang) is one of Bhutan’s most spectacular. Crossing the Thrumsing La Pass (3,800m), you officially leave eastern Bhutan. Descend through varied landscapes from high-altitude pine forests to lush pastures.

Bumthang is Bhutan’s spiritual heartland with over 40 temples built by Guru Rinpoche and his lineage of treasure finders (Tertons). The region is rich in flora and fauna. Hike to Tamshing Goemba, built in 1501 by Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa. Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s most sacred monasteries, housing a rock bearing Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint. Hear legends of his manifestation as a Garuda to defeat a demon.

Visit Me-Bar Tsho (Burning Lake), one of Bhutan’s holiest lakes where treasure finder Pema Lingpa discovered sacred relics while holding a burning butter lamp. Drive about two hours to Ugyen Choling Palace, passing a roadside temple and nunnery, ending in Tang Valley’s Kesum village. Hike over a suspension footbridge and farm fields to the mystical palace, built in the 17th century by Deb Tsokey Dorji.

Travel westward towards Gangtey via Trongsa, ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty. Visit Trongsa Dzong, founded in the 16th century by Pema Lingpa and expanded under Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century. The dzong commands a strategic position above the Mangde Chu Valley. Explore Taa Dzong, a former watchtower turned heritage museum with exhibits on the region’s history.

Continue west through Wangdue Phodrang to Punakha Valley. Stop in Wangdue village to browse traditional shops (note: village slated for demolition). Approach the dramatic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, guarded by large cacti planted to deter invaders. Pass by Rinchengang village, one of Bhutan’s oldest, known for skilled craftsmen specializing in dzong and temple construction.

Walk 20 minutes through terraced fields to Chhimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple built by Ngawang Chogyel, revered as a pilgrimage site for women seeking fertility. Visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture located at the confluence of two rivers. The dzong serves as the winter home of Bhutan’s clergy. Despite damage from fires and floods, it has been meticulously restored.

Drive via Dochula Pass, home to 108 chortens built by the Queen Mother to commemorate Bhutan’s military victories and honor fallen soldiers. Return to Punakha Dzong for another visit. Then stop at Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a unique architectural marvel built by the third Queen Mother over eight and a half years, richly decorated based on religious scriptures.

Visit the Heritage Museum, showcasing Bhutanese rural life through artifacts. Explore the Textile Museum, highlighting traditional weaving arts, and the National Memorial Chorten, built to honor the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Visit the Papermaking Factory to witness this traditional craft. Stop at Semtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest fortress, located five miles from Thimphu.

Drive to Haa Valley through Chele La Pass (3,988m), where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Paro Valley on one side and Haa Valley on the other. Enjoy a picnic at the pass if you like. In Haa, visit Katsho Village and Katsho Lhakhang before returning to Paro.

Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), an iconic Buddhist sacred site perched on a cliff. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on a tigress to meditate in the 8th century, giving the site its name. Visit Drukgyal Dzong ruins, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Though destroyed by fire, the ruins stand as a powerful reminder of Bhutan’s past. After lunch, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.

Today, bid farewell to this enchanting Himalayan kingdom. We hope your journey was filled with friendship, rich experiences, and unforgettable memories. Take with you countless photos and stories, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Bhutan, the land of endless enchantments! Tashi Delek!