Grand Bhutan Tour – 10 Days | Explore Western & Central Bhutan

Day 1 · Arrive at Paro International Airport

1. 1

   Paro

   30 min

   Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our English speaking guide and drive to Thimphu, the capital city.

2. 2

   Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge

   30 min

   On the way visit Tamchog Lhakhang, which is located on the ridge with beautiful view. Walk through the bridge with picturesque landscape.

3. 3

   Clock Tower Square

   30 min

   After arrival in Thimphu Walk through Bhutan’s capital city exploring Clock Tower Square, a prominent landmark adorned with intricate Bhutanese motifs and stroll towards Thimphu’s iconic traffic junction, famously known as the main traffic circle as it has no traffic lights. Instead, you’ll witness a white-gloved traffic officer gracefully directing vehicles in a choreographed style that has become a tourist attraction in its own right.

4. 4

   Centenary Farmers Market

   30 min

   The Centenary Farmers Market (Now Kaja Throm) is a vibrant and dynamic space, offering a diverse range of products and experiences.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   40 min

   Tashichhodzong. This magnificent structure stands proudly on the banks of the Wang Chhu River and serves as both a religious and administrative hub of Bhutan. Now it houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King and central monk body.

3-star accommodation

Day 2 · Thimphu Sightseeing

1. 1

   Stop 1

   2 hours

   After breakfast, drive north of Thimphu (approx. 30 minutes) to the trailhead of Chari Monastery. Begin a scenic hike through pine and oak forests, crossing a traditional cantilever bridge over the Wang Chhu River. The hike takes about 1–1.5 hours uphill.

2. 2

   Pangri Zampa Monastery

   40 min

   On the way back visit Pangri Zampa – Astrology College and seek and find out your astrology birth chart. Learn your Bhutanese name and your fortune in a fascinating sitting with a Buddhist monk.

3. 3

   Takin Perserve, motithang

   30 min Admission included

   Royal Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin - Bhutan’s national animal

4. 4

   Stop 4

   30 min

   visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper. You can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   30 min Admission included

   Visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of Thimphu’s most important religious landmarks. Built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, the chorten is a serene place where locals gather daily for prayers and circumambulation, offering a meaningful insight into Bhutanese spiritual life.

3-star accommodation

Day 3 · Thimphu to Phobjikha

1. 1

   Buddha Dordenma

   30 min Admission included

   Visit the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, overlooking the Thimphu Valley. The site offers panoramic views of the valley and houses thousands of smaller Buddha statues inside, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and enlightenment.

2. 2

   Dochula Pass

   30 min

   After breakfast, drive to Trongsa which is 5 hours (approx). The drive is scenic with beautiful landscapes and villages along the way. On the way, stop over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks snowclad mountains from the pass. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyel Chorten – 108 stupas.

3. 3

   Wangdue Dzong

   10 min

   We continue our drive toward Phobjikha (3 hrs), pausing briefly for photography of Wangduephodrang Dzong at the Bridge. Our journey then takes us over the scenic Lawa La Pass as we make our way to Gangtey.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   one hour

   After arrival, hike across Gangtey Nature Trail which is one and a half hours and enjoy the breathtaking view of Phobjikha valley.

5. 5

   Phobjikha Valley

   20 min

   Phobjikha valley is also the winter home of Black Necked Cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north (Tibetan plateau) to pass their winter in the milder and lower climate. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and offers incredible scenery.

3-star accommodation

Day 4 · Phobjikha - Bumthang

1. 1

   Gangtey Monastery

   30 min Admission included

   Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century, perched atop a small hill that overlooks almost the entire Phobjikha Valley, the spectacular Gangtey Monastery is surrounded by a large village. A must-visit when in Gangtey.

2. 2

   Pelela Pass

   10 min

   Then head to Trongsa (2-3 hours). Stop at Pelela Pass and look around the roadside strolls where locals sell handwoven textiles.

3. 3

   Chendebji Chorten

   20 min

   Chendebji Chorten is one of Bhutan's most iconic and picturesque stupas, located in Chendebji Village in the Trongsa District, along the East–West Highway. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, this beautiful white stupa is a popular stop for travelers journeying between western and central Bhutan.

4. 4

   Tongsa Dzong

   30 min Admission included

   Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong situated on a spur, a wild rocky area, with the scenic backdrop of the Mountains provides a strategic location to control Bhutan for centuries and it was the seat of the Wangchuck dynasty who effectively ruled over much of eastern and central Bhutan.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   20 min

   En route, visit the renowned Yathra Weaving Centre in Chumey Valley, where you can observe the traditional art of weaving Bhutan’s distinctive woolen textiles.

3-star accommodation

Day 5 · Bumthang

1. 1

   Stop 1

   2 hours Admission included

   Kunzangdrak is a Buddhist sacred site in the Tang Valley of central Bhutan. It lies at an altitude of 3,350 metres (10,990 feet) in the hollow of a cliff.

   Best way to enjoy the place is to take hike through the villages and see beautiful view of the village.

2. 2

   Burning Lake

   30 min Admission included

   The Burning Lake is a 30-minute drive from Chamkhar Town, located along the road to Ura or the Tang village in central Bhutan's Tang Valley.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   30 min

   Visit Pema Choling Nunnery, a peaceful Buddhist nunnery where resident nuns engage in prayers, meditation, and religious studies. The visit offers insight into the spiritual life, discipline, and daily routines of Buddhist nuns in Bhutan.

4. 4

   Jambay Lhakhang Temple

   20 min Admission included

   After lunch, take a gentle walk starting from Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan.

5. 5

   Kurje Lhakhang

   20 min Admission included

   Continue your walk to Kurjey Lhakhang, an important monastery complex with deep historical and spiritual significance.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   20 min Admission included

   Conclude the walk at Tamshing Monastery, renowned for its ancient murals and its role in preserving Bhutanese Buddhist traditions.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   30 min Admission included

   Wangduechholing Palace is one of the most historically significant palaces in Bhutan and the birthplace of Bhutan’s monarchy. Built in the mid-19th century. Now carefully restored as the Wangduechholing Palace Museum.

3-star accommodation

Day 6 · Bumthang - Phobjikha

1. 1

   Stop 1

   2 hours

   The hike takes about 1hr 30 minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see

   the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hiking places for the Nature

   lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds – Black Neck Cranes.

2. 2

   Black Necked Crane Center

   30 min Admission included

   The Royal Society for Protection of Nature, also known as The Crane Centre, displays material on the

   cranes and their environment, as well as guiding conservation awareness operations on this

   threatened bird.

3-star accommodation

Day 7 · Gangtey - Punakha

1. 1

   Gangtey Monastery

   30 min Admission included

   In the morning visit Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century, perched atop a small hill that overlooks almost the entire Phobjikha Valley, the spectacular Gangtey Monastery is surrounded by a large village. A must-visit when in Gangtey.

2. 2

   Punakha

   2 hours

   Then head to Punakha(2 hours). Punakha is one of Bhutan's most beautiful valleys, renowned for its majestic dzong, fertile farmlands, and rich cultural heritage. Nestled at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters (3,940 feet), Punakha enjoys a warmer climate than Thimphu, making it an ideal destination throughout the year.

3. 3

   Punakha Dzong

   50 min Admission included

   visit Punakha Dzong, one of the majestic fortresses which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan.

4. 4

   Punakha Suspension Bridge

   30 min

   And take a short walk to the iconic Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding valley.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   one hour Admission included

   Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch by the riverside in Punakha, with breathtaking views of the majestic Punakha Dzong, beautifully situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It is the perfect setting to relax and soak in the serene natural surroundings.

6. 6

   Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

   2 hours

   Later, 45 minutes hike (one way) to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Khasum Yulley Namgyal is a beautiful chorten located on a ridge at Kabesa Gewog in Punakha overlooking several villages.

3-star accommodation

Day 8 · Punakha - Paro

1. 1

   Chimi Lhakhang Temple

   2 hours Admission included

   After breakfast, walk across farmhouses in Sopsokha village to reach Chimi Lhakhang, A 15th-century fertility temple, blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing.

2. 2

   Rinpung Dzong

   50 min Admission included

   Visit to Paro Rinpung Dzong

3. 3

   Stop 3

   one hour

   Take a leisurely stroll through Paro’s charming downtown, where you can explore quaint shops, browse local handicrafts, and pick up unique souvenirs. Pause at a cozy café to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere and the vibrant rhythms of daily life in this picturesque Bhutanese town.

3-star accommodation

Day 9 · Paro

1. 1

   Paro Taktsang

   6 hours Admission included

   Taktsang Monastery: The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. From the road, the hike toward Taktsang follows an uphill route and returning back takes approximately 5-6 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   one hour Admission included

   Later we welcome you to visit Bhutanese homes for Hot Stone Bath. A Bhutanese hot stone bath is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing and is also believed to have numerous health benefits. Practice archery at the farmhouse. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. With our archery lessons, your guide will set up the targets and teach you the rules, as well as how to correctly hold the bow.

   Or Join for the dinner.

3-star accommodation

Day 10 · Departure

1. 1

   Stop 1

   20 min

   In the morning drive to the Airport for flight to your onward destination.