Bhutan Tour 14 Nights 15 Days

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Paro and the Drive to ThimphuYour journey begins as you land at Paro International Airport (PBH), often described as one of the most scenic airports in the world. After completing immigration formalities, you will be met by your guide and driven to the capital city, Thimphu. Along the way, you'll make a stop at the picturesque Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built by the legendary iron bridge builder, Thangtong Gyalpo. The drive offers the first breathtaking views of Bhutan's pristine landscape. Upon arrival in Thimphu, you will check into your hotel, and enjoy a welcome dinner and an overnight stay, preparing for the days ahead.

Day 02Thimphu SightseeingYour first full day in Bhutan is dedicated to exploring the cultural gems of Thimphu. You will start with a visit to Buddha Point (Kuenselphodrang), home to one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, offering a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley. Next, you'll head to the Takin Zoo (Motithang Takin Preserve) to see the unique national animal of Bhutan, the Takin. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Bhutanese traditions at Simply Bhutan, an interactive museum, followed by a visit to Zorig Chusum (the National Institute for Zorig Chusum), where students are trained in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts. The day concludes with a visit to the magnificent Tashichhoedzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), the seat of the government and the King’s throne room. Dinner and overnight stay will be at your hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03Thimphu SightseeingThe final day in Thimphu delves deeper into the kingdom's history and textiles. The morning begins with a visit to Pangri Zampa Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, now a monastic school of astrology. Following this, you will explore several key museums: the National Museum (not the one in Paro, but the one in Thimphu, which is the Folk Heritage Museum or similar, if the itinerary meant a museum in Thimphu), the fascinating Textile Museum to witness the intricate art of Bhutanese weaving, and the Bhutan Postal Museum, which showcases the evolution of communication in the country. The afternoon is reserved for souvenir shopping at the Crafts Bazaar, where local artisans sell authentic handmade products. Enjoy another delightful dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 04Drive from Thimpu to TrongsaToday marks the start of your journey into central Bhutan. You will drive from Thimphu over the dramatic Dochula Pass (3,100m), where, on a clear day, you can see a breathtaking panorama of the eastern Himalayan range, decorated by 108 chortens. The journey continues further east across the Pelela Pass, a natural boundary between western and eastern Bhutan. The day's highlight is the historic town of Trongsa. You will visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong (Taa Dzong), a vast fortress strategically located on a spur overlooking the gorge. Later, you will explore the fascinating Trongsa Taa Dzong (Watchtower), which has been converted into a museum showcasing royal artifacts and Bhutanese history. Dinner and overnight stay will be in your hotel in Trongsa.

Day 05Drive from Trongsa to BumthangToday, you drive to Bumthang, often called the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. You will cross the high Yotongla Pass before arriving in the picturesque valleys. On the way, you'll stop at the Yathara Weaving Centre to observe the unique and colorful wool weaving characteristic of this region. In Bumthang, you will visit the sprawling Jakar Dzong (The Fortress of the White Bird), followed by two of the most sacred temples: Kurjey Lhakhang, the resting place of Guru Rinpoche’s body print, and Tamsing Lhakhang, a significant Nyingmapa monastery. Dinner and overnight stay will be at your hotel in Bumthang.

Day 06Bumthang SightseeingYour second day in Bumthang is dedicated to its ancient sacred sites. You will visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and the charming Kenchosum Lhakhang. The day includes an excursion to the Tang Valley, a beautiful, remote area. The highlight of the afternoon is a visit to Me Bartsho (The Burning Lake), a sacred site where Pema Lingpa, the great treasure discoverer, retrieved religious relics from the lake. Dinner and overnight stay in your hotel in Bumthang.

Day 07Day Excursion to Ura Valley – Village LifeToday features a scenic drive and cultural immersion with an excursion to the idyllic Ura Valley. The drive offers magnificent views of the landscape. You will visit the impressive Ura Lhakhang and then spend time exploring the quaint Ura Village, known for its clustered houses and cobbled streets. Here, you will have a unique opportunity to interact with the local people and gain insight into their traditional way of life. This final night in the east will be spent with dinner and an overnight stay in Bumthang.

Day 08Drive Back from Bumthang to GangteyDrive back from Bumthang to Gangtey. After descending into the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, your destination is Gangtey. Here, you will visit the majestic Gangtey Goenba, a 17th-century monastery perched on a hill. You will then embark on the gentle Gangtey Natural Trail Hike, winding through the serene valley. The day concludes with a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Centre, dedicated to the conservation of the endangered cranes that migrate here in winter. Dinner and overnight stay will be at your hotel in Gangtey.

Day 09Drive from Gangtey to PunakhaToday is primarily a travel day, retracing your steps westward to the warmer, lower altitude of Punakha. The journey provides a different perspective on the landscapes you passed earlier. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have the evening free to relax, having traveled back over several mountain passes. Dinner and overnight stay in your hotel in Punakha.

Day 10Punakha SightseeingPunakha, the former capital of Bhutan, offers a day of historical splendor. The morning starts with a visit to the stunning Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), arguably the most beautiful Dzong in the country, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. You will then experience the thrill of crossing the Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan, offering spectacular views of the river. The afternoon is dedicated to a short, pleasant walk through paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang (The Temple of Fertility), a pilgrimage site founded by the eccentric divine madman, Drukpa Kunley. Dinner and overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 11Punakha SightseeingYour final day in Punakha focuses on two beautiful spiritual sites. You will hike up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful monument consecrated to bring peace to the world, offering fantastic views of the Punakha Valley and the Mo Chhu River. Afterward, you will visit the Sangchen Dorji Nunnery, which houses a spectacular bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara. The day concludes with dinner and overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 12Drive from Punakha to ParoLeaving Punakha, you drive toward Paro. En route, you will stop at Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in Bhutan that is still intact and in use, built in 1629. Arriving in Paro, you will visit the stately Paro Dzong (Rinchen Pung Dzong), an imposing fortress that overlooks the Paro Valley. Following this, you will ascend to the Taa Dzong (National Museum), formerly the watchtower for Paro Dzong, which now holds an extensive collection of thangkas, art, and artifacts. The day concludes with a stroll through the quaint Paro Town for some last-minute shopping. Dinner and overnight stay will be in your hotel in Paro.

Day 13The Tiger's Nest Hike/ Taktsang MonasteryThis is perhaps the most iconic day of your trip: the hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest Monastery). This incredible monastery clings precariously to a cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The Taktsang Day Hike is a challenging but deeply rewarding experience, offering unparalleled views and a profound sense of spiritual accomplishment. You will spend the day on this trek, culminating in a beautiful spiritual experience. Upon returning, you will enjoy a celebratory dinner and your second overnight stay in Paro.

Day 14Day Excursion of Haa ValleyYour penultimate day is dedicated to a full-day excursion to the picturesque and traditionally isolated Haa Valley. The drive takes you over the dramatic Chele La Pass (3,988 m), the highest road pass in Bhutan, offering stunning views of Mount Jomolhari and the Haa and Paro valleys. In the Haa Valley, you will visit the two guardian temples, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), both deeply rooted in local folklore. After exploring this enchanting valley, you will drive back over the pass to Paro for your final dinner and overnight stay.

Day 15Departure: Fly from Paro to KathmanduAfter breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport (PBH) for your onward flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your epic 15-day journey through the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
The tour guide or/and our airport representative holding the AUTHENTIC ADVENTURES signboard and group name-list will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and transfer you to the Hotel on our private vehicle, which takes about 20 minutes from the airport.
After refreshments, we take an interesting walk around the buzzing streets of Thamel and visit Ason Bazaar to explore the local markets and enjoy a local shopping experience.

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