10 Days Essence of BHUTAN

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, our guide and driver will extend a warm Bhutanese welcome and escort you to visit the National Museum housed in the 17th-century watchtower called Ta Dzong. After lunch at one of the local restaurants, transfer to the enchanting capital city of Thimphu. En route, visit one of the last surviving iron chain bridges, Chakzam, dating back to the 15th century.

Immerse yourself in Bhutan's rich cultural tapestry as we begin with a visit to the Green Weaving Center to get insights into the country’s weaving culture, followed by a visit to the National Memorial Chorten. In this sacred Buddhist stupa, people from diverse backgrounds gather to seek solace in the teachings of Lord Buddha. If interested, you may also want to visit Bhutan Postal Museum to understand Bhutan's evolution of communication systems. You can also have postage stamps printed with your own photos and mail postcards to your friends and loved ones back home.

Dinner and overnight at the Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

Distance: 55km | Driving Time: 1.5-hour | Thimphu Altitude: 2,334 meters (7,650 ft) | Paro Altitude: 2,195 meters (7,200 ft)

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the towering Buddha Dordhenma Statue overlooking Thimphu city. From there we drive to Thimphu's northern outskirts to meet the Takin, Bhutan's national animal. Next, we head to the Sangaygang viewpoint and embark on a 1.5-2 hours round-trip hike through pristine forests to the 18th-century Wangdi Tse Monastery. Here, enjoy breathtaking views of Thimphu Valley, including the Tashichho Dzong, Royal Palace, and National Assembly Building. You will visit the temple, housing eight sacred stupas constructed out of pure sandalwood and a 3-storey Buddha statue. You can either return to the starting point or hike further downhill to the road where the driver will pick you up.

If interested, visit the Dechen Phodrang Monastic School where the original Tashichho Dzong was located before it was relocated to the present location in the 1640s. From there visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum where the 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught.

After a traditional lunch at one of the local restaurants, visit Craft Bazaar along the main Thimphu Street followed by a visit to the Centenary Farmers' Market to learn about the food preferences and culture in Bhutanese society. You’ll see farmers from across the country selling their farm produce.

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

Following breakfast, embark on a picturesque journey to Punakha valley, making a stop en route at the sacred Dochula pass, situated at 3150m asl. From Dochula pass, you can take an easy 2.5-3-hour hike through pristine forests to the village of Lumitsawa, where you'll rejoin the vehicle and continue your drive to Punakha.

Stop at the village of Sopsokha for lunch at a local restaurant and visit the renowned 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang, famously known as the "Temple of Fertility." Explore the nearby village, where houses are adorned with giant phalluses on either side of the main entrance as a protective charm against malevolent spirits. Resume your drive to Punakha town and visit 17th-century Punakha Dzong known for its remarkable Bhutanese architecture, intricate woodwork, and sacred murals.

Conclude the day with a leisurely walk on Bhutan's longest suspension bridge.

Dinner and overnight stay at Meri Puensum Resort or Zhingkham Resort. You may also choose to stay at Cheychey Homestay or La La Homestay with the local family for a unique experience.

Distance 74km | Driving Time 2.5 hours | Punakha Altitude 1,200 meters (3,930 ft)

After breakfast, embark on a captivating hike to Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten, an awe-inspiring monument with commanding views of the lush Punakha valley. The round-trip hike takes approximately 1.5-2 hours, guiding you through terraced rice fields and a short climb, culminating in this serene and sacred site. After your hike, return to the roadhead and commence your journey to Trongsa in central Bhutan. Along the way, take a moment to visit the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which has been recently reconstructed to its original grandeur following a tragic fire in 2012. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant during your journey.

Upon reaching Trongsa, if time allows, explore the historic 17th-century Trongsa Dzong, largest fortress in Bhutan. From here, the First and Second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country.

Dinner and overnight stay at Yangkhil Resort or Norbu Lingka Resort

Distance 135km | Driving Time 4.5 hours | Trongsa Altitude 2,200 meters (7,220 ft)

Following breakfast at the hotel, visit the Trongsa Dzong if not visited earlier, explore the Royal Heritage Museum to gain insights into the history and significance of the Trongsa Dzong and the crucial role played by Bhutan's monarchs in the nation's history. Then, transfer to Bumthang, also known as Jakar.

During the journey, make a brief stop at Yotongla. Optionally, embark on a 2.5-3-hour trek downhill from Yotongla along a section of ancient trails revived by the Trans Bhutan Trail, historically used by the Royal family and traders. The trek covers about 10 kilometers and concludes at Geytsa village, where you'll enjoy home-cooked local cuisine for lunch. After lunch, rejoin the vehicle and proceed to Jakar, with a stop at the Yathra Weaving Center in Chumey village for insights into the weaving culture of the Bumthang valley residents. If time allows, visit the Tamshing Lhakhang, a sacred site built in the early 16th century by Terton Pema Lingpa, who is revered as Bhutan's patron saint.

Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Ugyenling or Kaila Guest House

Distance 65km | Driving Time 2.5 hours | Bumthang Altitude 2,700m/8,860ft)

Following breakfast, embark on a scenic 2.5-hour round-trip drive to the Tang valley, with an en-route stop at the sacred Mebar Tso, also known as the Burning Lake, a revered pilgrimage site in Bhutan. In Tang valley, delve into the rich heritage of the region by visiting the Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, a private museum owned by descendants of a noble family with royal lineage, offering a unique glimpse into the valley's history and culture. Relish a traditional cuisine unique to the Bumthang valley at the Ogyen Choling Heritage House. After this culinary experience, return to Jakar, where you can explore some of the region's historical and religious landmarks, including Kurjey Lhakhang and the adjacent holy water sites, adding a touch of spirituality to your day.

Dinner and overnight at Hotel Ugyenling or Kaila Guest House

After an early breakfast, visit the Wangdi Choeling Palace Museum, the birthplace of the First King of Bhutan.

We will then drive to Phobjikha valley, a winter home to the endangered Black-necked Cranes. Continuing our journey, we'll gradually ascend to the serene Yotong La mountain pass at 3,425m/11,235ft before descending to Trongsa, where lunch will be served.

Continue the drive and stop briefly at the 18th-century Chendebji stupa and continue the drive. Arriving in Phobjikha Valley, visit the Gangtey Monastery, an important landmark in the valley.  After visiting the monastery, start Gangtey Nature Hike. The hiking distance is about 5km and takes about 2.5 hours. This hiking adventure is one of the main highlights of Phobjikha valley.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at Phuentsho Yangkhil Resort or Hotel Phobjikha

Distance 150km | Driving Time 4.5-5 hours | Phobjikha Altitude 3,000 meters

After breakfast, visit the Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre to learn about the conservation of these endangered birds and how local farmers coexist with them during the winter months. The majestic cranes usually return to the valley from the Tibetan Plateau by late October and make it their winter home until early March.

Transfer to Paro. En route, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong which was recently reconstructed to its former glory following the fire disaster in 2012.

In the neighbourhood lies the Rinchengang Village, renowned for its cluster of traditional rammed-earth houses. The village has been designated as a model for development, showcasing cultural preservation and sustainable innovation.

Afterl lunch on the way, continue the driver to Paro & spend some leisure time exploring Paro town.

Dinner and overnight at Shomo Chuki Resort or Mandala Resort

Distance 170km | Time 5 hours | Paro Altitude 2,200m/7,220ft

After breakfast, embark on an early morning adventure with a hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang, famously known as Tiger's Nest. The round-trip hike takes around 4-5 hours but you can hike at your own pace. Starting early is recommended for a less crowded experience at Taktsang. After visiting the Tiger’s Nest, enjoy a vegetarian lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria. If you start the hike early, you will arrive back in town for lunch.

Descend to the base and drive to visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples and a national treasure, followed by leisure time in charming Paro town.

Towards the evening, visit Ugyen Farmhouse or Deki Farmhouse and savor authentic home-cooked local cuisine. If  interested, you can soak in a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of Nu.2,000 per person. Specially selected river stones are heated in a wood-fired fireplace. The bathtub is made of wood and a medicinal shrub is added to the hot bath.

Overnight at Shomo Chuki Resort or Mandala Resort