Detailed Day Wise Itinerary (11 Days 10 Nights)

Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)

Arrive at Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arriving to Thimphu, check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park…

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 02: Local sightseeing in Thimphu

After breakfast, drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve – Takin is national animal of Bhutan. Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum..  Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha (75km, approx 2 ½ hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La pass Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).

Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 04: Punakha to Bumthang (220km, approx 9 hrs drive)

After an early breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Trongsa across Pele-La-Pass (11,120 ft.), Then drive to Bumthang over the Yutong-La-Pass (11,155 ft.).

You will reach Bumthang by late in the evening and on arrival, check in to the hotel, refresh and relax..

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 05: Travel to Ura Valley for Ura Yakchoe (Ura Festival)

After breakfast, you will travel to the historic village of Ura in the Ura Valley with packed picnic lunch. This intriguing village will delight you with its narrow cobble stoned streets and ancient houses.  The people of this region are mostly Yak and sheep herders and the women of the village still wear the traditional white headscarves and sheepskin shawls. The shawls are used as a cushion and also as protection when they are carrying heavy loads.

You will attend the first day of Ura Yakchoe ( Ura Festival).The mask and folk dances are performed during and also sacred relic is put on display so that the people can receive blessings from it.

According to legend, a lama visited an old woman who was sitting outside her house. This Lama seemed very mysterious and all he asked from the old lady was a glass of water. The old lady  went to get water for the lama and when she returned the Lama just disappeared. But left behind a sack outside her doorsteps. Out of curiosity,she opened the sack and found a statue in the sack. The statue was no ordinary statue, for it was a relic which is now displayed annually during Ura Yakchoe. This relic has been passed on from generation to generation and is still owned by the descendants of the woman.

You will enjoy your picnic lunch here and then after the festival you will travel back to Bumthang.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 06: Full day Bumthang Local Sightseeing

After breakfast visit Jakar Dzong (Castle of White Bird). Then visit Lamey Goemba, Jambay Lhakhang and Chakhar Lhakhang (Iron Castle). After lunch visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing  Lhakhang (Temple of the good message) and to the Membarstho (“The burning Lake”)..

While in Chumey valley in Bumthang, visit the Yathra Weaving Factory. In the evening visit a local handloom weaving house and Interact with the weavers.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 07: Bumthang to Punakha / Wangdue (220km, approx 9 hrs drive).

After breakfast, drive back to Punakha.On your way visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong (An ancient watch tower) drive further and Enroute to visit Chendbji Chorten (built in the style of the great Bodhanath Chorten of Nepal).

Reach Punakha by late afternoon so, check into your hotel, refresh and relax.

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 08: Punakha to Paro (125km, approx 4 ½ hrs drive)

After breakfast drive back to Paro across Dochu la pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to paro and after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”).

Day 09: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike)

After breakfast hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s next) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. After the Hike drive back to the hotel refresh and relax.

On arrival back to paro after hike visit Drukgyel Dzong, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.

Evening an exploratory walk around the market area and hang out in some renown coffee shops…

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 10: Day Excrusion to Chelela Pass (75km round trip, approx 4 hrs)

After breakfast, driving excursion to Chelela pass.

Chelela (pass), at an elevation of 3,988 meters is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About 2 hrs of drive along a thickly-forested road, is a botanical paradise.

On your way stop to view the Dzongdrakha Goempa. Often called as mini Takstang, Dzongdrakha is a cliff-side temple complex on the western side of the Paro Valley.

Evening time at leisure to cherish your last night stay in Bhutan…..

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 11: Departure

After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with all the exit formalities and then bid you farewell. Have a safe Flight!!