Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Paro International Airport, complete immigration, and ease into Bhutan with a gentle introduction to its culture and scenery.
Morning
Arrival & Airport Transfer
Land at one of the world's most dramatic airports, surrounded by peaks. Meet your guide and driver, complete visa formalities, and transfer to your hotel. The drive itself is your first glimpse of Paro Valley's serene beauty.
1-2 hours
Included in daily tariff
Lunch
Hotel lunch or local restaurant like Sonam Trophel Restaurant
Bhutanese set meal (Ema Datshi, red rice)
Mid-range
Afternoon
Start at the
National Museum (Ta Dzong), housed in an ancient watchtower, for an overview of Bhutanese art and history. Then, walk downhill to the magnificent Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels), a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and an active monastic and administrative center.
3 hours
Included in daily tariff
Evening
Leisure & Acclimatization
Take a leisurely stroll through Paro town, browse local handicraft shops, and enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Where to Stay Tonight
Paro Valley (Hotel like Tashi Namgay Resort or Olathang Hotel)
Convenient location for acclimatization and as a base for next day's hike.
Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity to help with altitude adjustment. Paro is at 2,200m.
Day 1 Budget: $280
Start the iconic hike to the sacred Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), perched on a sheer cliff face.
Morning
Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Begin the 4-5 hour round-trip hike to Bhutan's most famous landmark. The trail winds through pine forests adorned with prayer flags. Stop at the halfway point cafeteria for a impressive view of the monastery before the final descent and ascent to the temple complex itself.
4-5 hours
Included (Bhutanese visa includes permit)
Start early (by 8 AM) to avoid crowds and afternoon heat. Wear sturdy hiking shoes.
Lunch
Taktsang Cafeteria (halfway point) or packed lunch
Simple buffet or picnic
Budget
Afternoon
Explore Tiger's Nest & Return Hike
Explore the monastery's several temples and caves with your guide. Feel the profound spiritual energy of this site where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. After soaking in the atmosphere, begin your descent back to the trailhead.
2-3 hours
Included
Cameras and phones are not allowed inside the temple interiors.
Evening
Relax & Traditional Hot Stone Bath
Unwind your muscles with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath (Menchu) at your hotel or a local farmhouse. Enjoy a well-earned dinner.
Where to Stay Tonight
Paro Valley (Same hotel as previous night)
Logical base after a tiring hike; no need to pack and move.
Hire a walking stick at the trailhead for a few Ngultrum; it's very helpful for the descent. Ponies are available for part of the way if needed.
Day 2 Budget: $280
Visit Paro's oldest temples before driving to the capital city,
Thimphu, with stops en route.
Morning
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang & Drukgyel Dzong
Start at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples, believed to have been built in the 7th century. Then, drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th-century fortress with a impressive backdrop of Mt. Jomolhari on a clear day.
2.5 hours
Included in daily tariff
Lunch
Local restaurant en route to
Thimphu
Bhutanese or Indian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Drive along the Paro and
Thimphu rivers to the capital (approx. 1.5 hours). Stop at the Tachog Lhakhang, a temple across an ancient iron-chain bridge built by the saint Thangtong Gyalpo. Continue to
Thimphu and check into your hotel.
2 hours (with stops)
Included in daily tariff
Evening
Visit the weekend market (if applicable) or the permanent Craft Bazaar by the river for authentic handicrafts. Dinner at a restaurant like Zombala 2 for momos.
Where to Stay Tonight
Thimphu City Center (Hotel like Hotel Druk or Kisa Hotel)
Central location allows for easy walking to shops and restaurants in the evening.
Change some money at the Bank of Bhutan in
Thimphu if you need local currency (Ngultrum) for small purchases at markets.
Day 3 Budget: $280
A full day exploring
Thimphu's meeting point of ancient tradition and modern development.
Morning
Buddha Dordenma & National Memorial Chorten
Visit the gigantic 51-meter tall Buddha Dordenma statue for panoramic views of the
Thimphu Valley. Then, join the locals in a clockwise walk (kora) around the National Memorial Chorten, a beloved stupa built in memory of the Third King.
2.5 hours
Included
Lunch
Bhutan Kitchen
Authentic Bhutanese buffet in a traditional setting
Mid-range
Afternoon
Traditional Arts & Textile Museum
Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (13 Arts & Crafts) to see students learning traditional painting, sculpture, and weaving. Then, explore the Textile Museum to understand the intricate patterns and significance of Bhutanese national dress (Gho & Kira).
2.5 hours
Included
Evening
Free Evening in the Capital
Enjoy some personal time. You could visit the Simply Bhutan museum for a fun, interactive experience or relax at a cafe like Ambient Cafe.
Where to Stay Tonight
Thimphu City Center (Same hotel as previous night)
Maintains convenience for two nights in the capital.
If your visit coincides with a weekend (Fri-Sun), don't miss the active Centenary Farmers' Market, a hub of local life and produce.
Day 4 Budget: $280
Cross the impressive Dochu La Pass and descend into the subtropical Punakha Valley, the ancient winter capital.
Morning
Drive over Dochu La Pass
Drive to the 3,100-meter Dochu La Pass. On a clear day, enjoy impressive panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas. Visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and the new temple built by the Queen Mother. Enjoy a warm drink at the cafeteria.
2 hours (including stops)
Included
Lunch
Dochu La Cafeteria or a restaurant in Lobesa
Simple Bhutanese/Indian
Budget
Afternoon
Punakha Dzong & Suspension Bridge
Descend into the lush Punakha Valley. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, arguably Bhutan's most beautiful fortress, situated at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. Walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan nearby for thrilling views.
3 hours
Included
Remember to dress modestly to enter the dzong (no shorts, hats, or revealing clothing).
Evening
Relax in Punakha Valley
Check into your riverside hotel or a farmhouse. Enjoy the warmer climate and serene evening views.
Where to Stay Tonight
Punakha Valley (Hotel like Drubchhu Resort or a traditional farmstay)
Experience the peaceful, rural atmosphere of the valley, closer to next day's sights.
The climate in Punakha is significantly warmer. Pack lighter clothes you can layer for this part of the trip.
Day 5 Budget: $280
Explore the valley's spiritual sites, including the famous fertility temple, and enjoy a gentle countryside walk.
Morning
Chimi Lhakhang & Countryside Walk
Take a pleasant 30-minute walk through rice paddies and villages to Chimi Lhakhang, the 'Temple of Fertility' associated with the eccentric saint Drukpa Kunley (the Divine Madman). The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for blessings.
2.5 hours
Included
Lunch
Local farmhouse or hotel in Punakha
Home-cooked Bhutanese meal
Mid-range
Afternoon
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Hike
Start a beautiful 1-1.5 hour hike uphill through pine forests and terraced fields to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. This impressive temple, built for peace and harmony, offers spectacular views of the Punakha Valley.
2.5 hours round-trip
Included
The hike involves some stairs but is less strenuous than Tiger's Nest.
Evening
Farmhouse Experience
If staying at a farmhouse, participate in preparing a local dish like Hoentay (buckwheat dumplings). Otherwise, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Where to Stay Tonight
Punakha Valley (Same hotel/farmhouse as previous night)
Consolidates your stay in the valley, minimizing travel.
Try the local Punakha specialty, 'Puta' (buckwheat noodles), if you get the chance at a farmhouse lunch.
Day 6 Budget: $280
Drive to the beautiful glacial valley of Phobjikha, a protected conservation area and winter home to the endangered black-necked cranes.
Morning
Scenic Drive to Phobjikha Valley
Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive from Punakha, climbing back into cooler temperatures. The road winds through forests of oak and rhododendron before opening into the wide, bowl-shaped Phobjikha Valley.
3 hours
Included
Lunch
Hotel in Gangtey or Phobjikha
Bhutanese/Western
Mid-range
Afternoon
Gangtey Monastery & Crane Center
Visit the impressive Gangtey Goemba, a major Nyingma school monastery overlooking the valley. Then, learn about the endangered black-necked cranes at the Black-Necked Crane Information Center, which has informative displays and telescopes for viewing (in season, Nov-Feb).
2.5 hours
Included
Evening
Gangtey Nature Trail Walk
Take a leisurely walk on part of the Gangtey Nature Trail, a beautiful path through the valley floor, magical at sunset. Dinner and overnight at a lodge with valley views.
Where to Stay Tonight
Phobjikha Valley (Lodge like Dewachen Hotel or Gangtey Lodge)
To fully immerse in the tranquil, remote atmosphere of this special valley.
Even outside crane season, the valley is impressively beautiful. It can get quite cold at night, so use the bukhari (wood stove) in your room.
Day 7 Budget: $280
A long but incredibly scenic driving day, crossing the Pele La pass and visiting the majestic Trongsa Dzong en route to central Bhutan.
Morning
Drive to Trongsa via Pele La
Depart early for the drive to Trongsa. Cross the Pele La Pass (3,300m), marked by a chorten and prayer flags. The descent offers changing vegetation and impressive views. Stop for photos and a hot drink.
3 hours
Included
Dress in layers as temperatures vary greatly during the drive.
Lunch
Restaurant in Trongsa town
Bhutanese/Chinese
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Trongsa Dzong & Ta Dzong
Visit the massive Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family, strategically built to control east-west traffic. Then, climb up to the Ta Dzong (Watchtower), now the excellent Royal Heritage Museum, detailing the history of the Wangchuck dynasty.
2.5 hours
Included
Evening
Drive to Bumthang & Check-in
Continue the drive (approx. 2.5 hours) to the Jakar valley in Bumthang, the spiritual and cultural heartland of Bhutan. Check into your hotel and rest after the journey.
Where to Stay Tonight
Jakar, Bumthang (Hotel like Mountain Lodge or Swiss Guest House)
Jakar is the main town in Bumthang, providing a good base for exploration over the next three days.
This is the longest driving day. Embrace the journey as part of the experience—the landscapes are phenomenal. Pack snacks.
Day 8 Budget: $280
Spend time in Bumthang's dense concentration of ancient temples and monasteries.
Morning
Jakar Dzong & Jambay Lhakhang
Visit Jakar Dzong (Castle of the White Bird), the administrative center for the region. Then, proceed to Jambay Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to pin down a demoness.
2.5 hours
Included
Lunch
Local restaurant in Jakar like Hotel Ugyen
Bhutanese
Mid-range
Afternoon
Kurjey Lhakhang & Tamshing Lhakhang
Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, a complex of three temples where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint in a cave. Then, cross the river to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded by Bhutan's 'treasure revealer' Pema Lingpa. Here, you can see ancient frescoes and even try on a chain mail vest for blessings.
2.5 hours
Included
Evening
Local Brewery & Cheese Factory Visit
Visit the Red Panda Brewery and/or the Bumthang Cheese Factory (the first in Bhutan) for tastings. Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Jakar.
Where to Stay Tonight
Jakar, Bumthang (Same hotel as previous night)
Bumthang is best explored over multiple days from a single base.
Try the local Bumthang specialty, 'Bumthang Nakey' (fern curry), if it's in season. Also, sample the honey and apple products from the valley.
Day 9 Budget: $280
A day trip to the more remote Tang Valley, home to sacred sites and beautiful rural landscapes.
Morning
Drive to Tang Valley & Visit Mebar Tsho
Drive to the serene Tang Valley. Visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where the great treasure revealer Pema Lingpa is said to have retrieved hidden religious texts in the 15th century. The site is a deeply spiritual place of pilgrimage.
3 hours round-trip from Jakar
Included
Lunch
Packed picnic lunch by the river
Picnic
Budget
Afternoon
Ugyen Chholing Palace Museum
Visit the Ugyen Chholing Palace Museum, a traditional manor house turned museum that has an intimate look into the lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family. The drive there and back through the valley is spectacular.
2.5 hours
Included (small museum fee may apply)
Evening
Free Evening in Jakar
Enjoy some personal time. You could visit the local market or simply relax by the fireplace at your lodge.
Where to Stay Tonight
Jakar, Bumthang (Same hotel as previous nights)
Maintains your comfortable base in Bumthang.
Offer a butter lamp at Mebar Tsho for good fortune. The walk down to the lake is short but can be slippery, so wear appropriate shoes.
Day 10 Budget: $280
Begin the journey back west with a long scenic drive, stopping for key sights along the way.
Morning
Scenic Drive Back to Central Bhutan
Depart Bumthang after breakfast for the long drive back towards Wangdue. Retrace your route, enjoying different perspectives of the landscapes you passed earlier in the trip.
4-5 hours
Included
Lunch
Restaurant in Trongsa or Chendebji
Simple Bhutanese/Indian
Budget
Afternoon
Chendebji Chorten & Wangdue Phodrang
Stop at the Chendebji Chorten, a white stupa built in the Nepalese style. Continue to Wangdue Phodrang town. Visit the new Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, reconstructed after a fire, or explore the local market.
2 hours (with stops)
Included
Evening
Overnight in Wangdue
Check into your hotel in Wangdue. Enjoy a quiet evening in this smaller, less touristy town.
Where to Stay Tonight
Wangdue Phodrang (Hotel like Drukchholing Hotel)
Breaks up the long return journey from Bumthang to Paro/Thimphu.
This is a good day to catch up on rest during the drive. Listen to Bhutanese folk music or ask your guide to share stories.
Day 11 Budget: $280
Take a day trip to the remote and beautiful Haa Valley, recently opened to tourism and rich in alpine scenery.
Morning
Drive to Haa Valley via Chele La Pass
Drive from Paro over the Chele La Pass (3,988m), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. Enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Descend into the secluded Haa Valley, an area of pristine beauty and traditional villages.
2.5 hours
Included
The pass can be foggy or cold; bring a warm jacket.
Lunch
Local restaurant in Haa town
Bhutanese
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Haa Valley
Visit the Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), two of the valley's oldest temples. Take a short walk through the serene valley floor, visiting a traditional farmhouse and enjoying the peaceful, rural atmosphere.
3 hours
Included
A special permit is required for Haa; your tour operator will arrange this.
Evening
Return to Paro
Drive back to Paro over the Chele La Pass, perhaps catching a beautiful sunset. Enjoy a farewell dinner in Paro.
Where to Stay Tonight
Paro Valley (Hotel in Paro)
Paro is the logical base for accessing Haa Valley and for your final nights before departure.
Look for the unique 'Haa Hoentey' (buckwheat dumplings with turnip greens) for lunch—a local delicacy.
Day 12 Budget: $280
A flexible day to relax, revisit favorite spots, shop for souvenirs, or try an optional activity like a cooking class.
Morning
Optional Activities or Relaxation
Choose your own adventure: Opt for a Bhutanese cooking class, visit a traditional paper factory, go for a gentle hike to Dzongdrakha Temple (mini Tiger's Nest), or simply relax at your hotel and process the journey.
3-4 hours
$30-80 for optional classes/activities
Discuss options with your guide the day before to make arrangements.
Lunch
Your choice in Paro town
Any
Mid-range
Afternoon
Souvenir Shopping & Last Visits
Spend time shopping for quality souvenirs: hand-woven textiles (Kiras/Ghos), traditional crafts (Dappa wooden bowls), or local products like honey and spirits. You could also revisit the Paro Dzong for final photos.
2-3 hours
Variable
Evening
Farewell Cultural Dinner
Attend a traditional cultural show with mask dances and folk songs over a farewell dinner, often arranged by your hotel or a local restaurant.
Where to Stay Tonight
Paro Valley (Same hotel in Paro)
Convenient for the final departure from Paro International Airport the next morning.
If you buy a textile or painting, ask the shop for a certificate of authenticity to avoid issues at customs.
Day 13 Budget: $310
Bid farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan and depart from Paro Airport.
Morning
Breakfast & Transfer to Airport
Enjoy a final Bhutanese breakfast. Your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport in time for your departure flight. Complete exit formalities and take one last look at the majestic mountains.
1-2 hours
Included in daily tariff
Ensure your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) receipts and visa documents are handy for airport check-in.
Lunch
Onboard flight or at airport
N/A
N/A
Afternoon
Departure
Board your flight, carrying with you the memories and serenity of your journey through the Dragon Kingdom.
N/A
N/A
It's customary to offer a small tip to your guide and driver as a token of appreciation for their service. Discuss the appropriate amount with your tour operator.
Day 14 Budget: $50 (for incidentals/tips)