Tour Overview
This Bhutanese Buddhism cultural holiday is all about giving you a deeper understanding of Bhutan's spiritual side. While the trip can be tailored to match your personal interests, the heart of the experience will focus on exploring the country’s unique spiritual practices, traditions, and religious customs. It is a meaningful way to connect with Bhutanese culture for the role Buddhism plays in everyday life.
Itinerary (13 Days/12 Nights)
Day 1: Arrival at Paro International Airport – Thimphu
Meet the guide and drive to Thimphu capital city. Enroute visit magnificent Tamchog Lhakhang. Late afternoon walk around the capital city, through craft market where you can find purely homemade artifacts.
Overnight: Thimphu
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu
Morning after breakfast visit to huge statue of Buddha Dordenma. After paying respect to Sitting Buddha take a walk through Nature Park to Changangkha Monastery, perched on the hilltop. The walk takes you through beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forests, with fantastic views of Thimphu valley. Afternoon visit the weekend market, Memorial Chorten, Textile Museum and Takin preservation center.
Overnight: Thimphu
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
Drive via Dochula pass for panoramic Himalayan mountain views. Walk across terraced fields to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of fertility). Lunch at hotel and visit to magnificent Punakha Dzong.
Overnight: Punakha
Overnight: Punakha
Day 4: Sightseeing in Punakha
Drive to Chorten Ningbo, a 17th-century temple with a magnificent statue of Maitreya and images of great lamas. After picnic lunch, hike to Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten. Evening walk around Punakha town.
Overnight: Punakha
Overnight: Punakha
Day 5: Punakha – Trongsa – Bumthang
Drive to Trongsa (visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong), then continue to Bumthang.
Overnight: Bumthang
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 6: Explore Bumthang
Visit sacred sites: Kurji Lhakhang, Jamba Lhakhang, Tamshing Monastery. Later visit Jakar Dzong and stroll around Bumthang town.
Overnight: Bumthang
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 7: Day Excursion to Tang Valley
Day tour to Tang valley. Enroute visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), visit Ugyencholing Palace (now a museum).
Overnight: Bumthang
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 8: Bumthang – Gangtey
Drive to Gangtey. Explore Chumey Zungney village (see women weaving traditional Yathra). Visit Gangtey Monastery.
Overnight: Phobjikha
Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 9: Sightseeing in Phobjikha
Phobjikha valley and Black Necked Crane Festival. Visit the black necked crane Information Center.
Overnight: Gangtey
Overnight: Gangtey
Day 10: Gangtey – Paro
Drive to Paro via Wangdiphodrang (visit rebuilt Wangdiphodrang Dzong). Evening free time in Paro.
Overnight: Paro
Overnight: Paro
Day 11: Paro
Visit National Museum (Ta Dzong), hike to Zhuri Lhakhang, visit Paro Rinpong Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, and (if time) Dungse Lhakhang.
Overnight: Paro
Overnight: Paro
Day 12: Hike to Tiger’s Nest
Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), one of the most holy sites in Bhutan. Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria with spectacular monastery view.
Overnight: Paro
Overnight: Paro
Day 13: Depart Bhutan
Early morning transfer to airport. Your guide and driver will accompany you to airport, wishing you Tashi Delek.
*This is a personalized private tour that can be curated to your liking—whether you are a solo traveler, part of a family, or with a group of friends. We will be happy to adjust the activities matching your interest and schedule. This is your trip, your way!