Western & Central Bhutan Exploration

As your flight lands in Paro, our experienced guide will greet you outside the customs of the airport. Then, we will transfer you to the capital city, Thimphu, which is about 1.5-hour drive. On the way, we will pass by the Tamchog Lhakang Iron Bridge. Upon arrival in Thimphu, we visit its landmark building, National Memorial Chorten, which also serves as a Buddhist tower for locals to worship. Then, we pay a visit to the Buddha Dordenma Statue, one of the largest Buddha figures all over the world. Next is the Motithang Takin Preserve with Bhutan national treasure animal - Takin, which has the body of a cow and the head of a sheep. Then, we move our steps to the Zikukha Nunnery. The last stop today ends at Tashichho Dzong, which is a prestigious Buddhist Monastery. Moreover, it is a political center where the king and other politicians deal with national affairs. 

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Tashi Yoedling or similar

Today we will start with the Tango Monastery, a Buddhist monastery built in the 13th century. Later, we visit the Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts School, whose courses cover painting, carpentry, stone carving, sculpture, paper-making, embroidery and so on. Then, we proceed to Folk Heritage Museum, where you can learn more about daily life of Bhutanese people. After that, we will make a short stop at the National Library to appreciate its splendid appearance. The National Museum has a large collection of classical documents on religion, culture, legendary and history. Later, we will conclude today's trip at a traditional paper making factory.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Tashi Yoedling or similar

In this morning, we drive to Punakha. Along the way, we will pass by the Dochula Pass, where we can have a view of the eastern part of the Himalayas, and explore the nearby 108 Grand Stupas built in 2005 to pray for world peace if it is a clear day. Each of the 108 Buddhist towers is different in style and exquisite in shape. Upon arrival, we approach the Chimmi Lhakhang, where people pray for kids. Thereafter, we will come to the most beautiful holy place in Bhutan - Punakha Dzong, which is characterized by white buildings and red windows. Finally, we will visit the Suspension Bridge to round off the day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lobesa Lodge or similar

This morning, we will leave for Gangtery/ Phobjikha, by driving. When we arrive, we visit one of the oldest villages in Bhutan - Rechengang Village, where it gathers over 40 Butanese style dwellings. Thereafter, we explore the ancient Gantery Monastery, where you can appreciate the holy prayer wheels, mysterious murals, peculiar animal images, and the glorious Buddhist palaces.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Dewachen or similar

Today, we will hike across the Gangtery Nature Trail, the most beautiful and shortest nature trails in Bhutan. Along the way, we will encounter the beautiful scenery of Phobjikha Valley. Later, we will reach the Crane Information Center and then continue to visit the Gangtery Primary School, and you can experience the Bhutanese learning atmosphere and know more about its education system. After, we will take a 5-6 hours’ drive to Trongsa. On the way, pass by the Pele La Pass and Chenbdji Chorten, a large white building by a stream.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yangkhil Resort or similar

After breakfast, we continue to Trongsa Dzong, which once served as the ancestral house of the royal family of Bhutan. This splendid Dzong includes 23 mazy buildings, most of which were beautifully decorated during the reign of the first king of Bhutan. Later, we drive to Bunthang. After getting off the car, you will be guided to visit the Weaving Center and several shops there. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Valley Resort or similar

Today's itinerary takes you to deeply experience the Buddhism culture. We will visit Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakang, and Tamshing Lhakhang in turn. Kurje Lhakhang has 108 stone Buddhist towers around it, and the stones on the wall and on the hillside beside the temple are carved with praying scriptures. Jambey Lhakang was said to be built in 659 CE by Songtsen Gampo, Tibetan King at that time. In the inner hall of Tamshing Lhakhang, there are three statues of Buddha, respectively, the Padmasambhava, Maitreya and Sakyamuni. Later, we proceed to Jakar Dzong, administration center of Bumthang. Then, you will be guided to stroll in the village and make a short stay at a local handicraft shop. In the afternoon, we will take you to the Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery. The monastery includes four parts: a 2-storey building, dormitories, library and office area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Valley Resort or similar

This morning, we will transfer you to the airport to catch a 25-minute morning flight to Paro. When the flight lands, our local guide will pick you up at the arrival hall and then take you to the hotel for checking in. Then, we will continue the trip at the round-shaped Ta Dzong, which once was a religious monastery but now serves as the National Museum. Next is the Paro Dzong, which stands on a steep cliff and is surrounded by the fascinating scenes of Paro Valley. What’s more, Thankan Thongdel, the most delicate and largest art masterpiece in Bhutan, can be seen inside the Paro Dzong. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

After breakfast, we will hike to Taktsang Goemba, aka Tiger's Nest. Sitting on a 900-meter (3,000-foot) steep cliff in Paro, it is Bhutan's holiest monastery and one of the top 10 temples in the world. Thereafter, we pay a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Nevertheless, the monastery houses a lot of precious cultural relics. After that, we will visit Aum Chenco Farm House. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

Your 10 days Bhutan tour ends today. You will have some leisure time before our guide transfers you to the airport for your departure flight. We wish you a nice trip home!

Meals: Breakfast