Immersive Journey through Central Bhutan

Your journey to Bhutan begins with one of the world’s most breathtaking flights, offering panoramic views of the towering Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tserim Gang.

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. En route, you’ll stop at Tachhogang, where a short and scenic hike across a traditional suspension bridge leads you to the charming Tachhogang Temple, perched on a hilltop.

Upon reaching Thimphu, check in at your hotel and, depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely stroll to explore the town at your own pace.Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.

Altitude: 2,300 m | Drive: 1h20 | Distance: 50 km

After breakfast, visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, which overlooks the Thimphu Valley. Next, stop at the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the 3rd King of Bhutan, followed by a visit to the Painting School, where students are trained in 13 traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. You may also visit Changlimithang Ground to watch an archery match, the national sport of Bhutan.

In the afternoon, drive to Sangaygang and enjoy a one-hour hike to Wangditse Temple. This scenic hike offers breathtaking views of the Thimphu Valley. You can also visit the zoo to see the Takin, Bhutan's national animal. Later, explore Tashichho Dzong, the summer residence of the central monastic body, before ending your day with a leisurely stroll around the craft market to discover local products.Overnight at the hotel.

Altitude: 2300m | Drive: 1 hour | Distance: 30km

As you journey towards Punakha, make several stops along the way to enjoy the stunning landscapes and forests. One of these stops will be at Dochula Pass, which is adorned with 108 stupas. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

From the pass, you'll descend into the fertile Punakha Valley. Upon arrival, visit the Punakha Dzong, beautifully located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. After exploring the Dzong, take a walk to Changyul and cross Bhutan's longest suspension bridge.

Next, head further north and walk through rice fields to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Temple, which offers panoramic views of the Punakha Valley. Afterward, drive back towards Lobesa and take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple. Built in the 15th century, this temple is also known as the Fertility Temple, where couples seeking blessings for children come to pray.Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Altitude: 1200m | Drive: 2 hours | Distance: 70km

After breakfast, drive towards Wangdue Phodrang and visit Wangdue Dzong, originally built in 1638. Unfortunately, the Dzong was destroyed by fire in 2012 but was beautifully reconstructed in 2022. After exploring the Dzong, continue your journey towards Phobjikha, with a stop at Nobding Village along the way.

As you approach Pelela Pass (3,420 meters), you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Black Mountain ranges, historically marking the border between eastern and western Bhutan. Just before reaching the pass, take a right turn towards the valley, which is famous for being the winter habitat of the rare Black-Necked Cranes.

Your first stop will be the village of Gangtey (3,000 meters), followed by a visit to Gangtey Gompa. The villagers are believed to be descendants of around 50 gomchens, or lay monks, who settled there centuries ago. Afterward, enjoy a hike through the glacial valley of Phobjikha (2,900 meters), one of Bhutan’s most picturesque valleys and the winter nesting ground for the endangered Black-Necked Cranes.Overnight at the hotel.

Altitude: 2900m | Drive: 2 hours | Distance: 75km

As you continue your journey, make a stop at Pelela Pass, located at 3,420 meters. From here, you’ll begin your descent towards Langthel Village, where the locals raise sheep and yaks. Along the way, you’ll catch a glimpse of Rukubji Village, nestled among fields of potatoes, barley, and mustard, depending on the season.

Next, you’ll pass through Chendebji, renowned for its large white stupa, built in the 19th century and modeled after the Swayambhunath Stupa in Nepal.

As you approach Trongsa, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of Trongsa Dzong, which overlooks the Mangde Chhu river in the deep valley below. Upon arrival in Trongsa, visit the 17th-century Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most strategically important fortresses. The first two kings of Bhutan once resided here during the winter months.

You will also visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower that was converted into a museum in 2008. The museum houses around 244 artifacts used over the years by the Wangchuck dynasty. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Trongsa town before checking into your hotel.Overnight at the hotel.

Altitude: 1800m | Drive: 2h30min | Distance: 80km

After leaving Trongsa, you will head towards Jakar, crossing over Yotongla Pass at 3,420 meters and passing through the scenic Chumey Valley. In Chumey Village, take a moment to observe the local women weaving Yaktra, a traditional fabric made from a blend of wool and yak hair.

Continue your journey to Jakar and visit Jakar Dzong, built in the 17th century. This historic fortress has withstood numerous attacks from both foreign and domestic enemies. The name "Jakar," meaning "white bird," originates from a local legend. Today, the Dzong serves as the district headquarters and is home to around 60 monks from Bumthang.

You will also visit Jambay Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the future Buddha, built in the 7th century, making it one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Next, head to Kurjey Lhakhang, where "Kurjey" means "Body Imprint." According to legend, Guru Rinpoche visited this site to cure the local king of a serious illness, leaving an imprint of his body on a rock.

Before exploring the town in the evening, you can also visit the 15th-century Tamshing Monastery.Overnight at the hotel.
Altitude: 2500m | Drive: 2 hours | Distance: 70km

On your way to Tang, make a stop at the renowned Burning Lake, where the saint Terton Pema Lingpa discovered sacred religious treasures. Continue towards Tang, taking time to visit Tang Rimochen Temple, named after the "Tiger’s Stripe" pattern that the large rock behind the temple resembles.

Next, stop at Metsi Zampa and enjoy a 45-minute hike to Ugyenchholing, the former residence of the most powerful governor of Trongsa in the 19th century. Today, it houses a family museum, showcasing an impressive collection of household items from the governor's era.

In the evening, drive back to Jakar and visit Kharchung Monastery to witness the evening ceremony and observe the monks practicing metaphysics.Overnight at the hotel.

Altitude: 2500m | Drive: 3 hours | Distance: 90km

After breakfast, you will take a short 30-minute flight to Paro. Upon arrival, your first stop will be the National Museum, located in the Ta Dzong. Originally built in the 17th century as a watchtower to protect Paro Rinpung Dzong below, the Ta Dzong now houses an impressive collection of rare stamps and other artifacts.

Next, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, constructed in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Today, the Dzong serves as the district headquarters, housing both administrative offices and a monastic community of about 200 monks. After your visit, take a short hike down to the bridge and then drive into town, where you’ll have some leisure time to explore the area.

Overnight at the hotel.
Altitude: 2300m | Drive: 30 minutes | Distance: 10km

A trek to the revered Taktsang Monastery is a must-do experience for all visitors to Bhutan. This ancient monastery, founded by Guru Rinpoche, is dramatically perched on a cliffside, offering stunning views of the Paro Valley. The ascent takes about four hours and passes through a beautiful landscape of waterfalls, meditation caves, prayer wheels, and colorful flags—perfect for photography.

After exploring the temple complex, enjoy lunch at a teahouse while taking in the magnificent scenery. The hike back down to the valley takes around 45 minutes, offering additional opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Later in the day, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and experience a hot stone bath, a unique and traditional way of relaxation in Bhutan. Locals believe the hot stone bath has therapeutic benefits and can cure various ailments. You’ll also have the chance to sample the local alcohol, "Ara," during a typical Bhutanese dinner.Overnight at the hotel.

Altitude: 3150m | Drive: 20 minutes | Distance: 7km

Transfer to airport for departure