Day 01: Arrival in Paro and travel to Thimphu

• Altitude in Thimphu: 2,320m
• Distance: 55km
• Estimated travel time: 1.30hr

Welcome to Bhutan and let’s begin your once-in-a-lifetime adventure in this magical land!

You will arrive at Paro International Airport (2,280m). The first sight of Bhutan that you’ll see from the airplane window is the peaceful yet magnificent picture of great mountain peaks covered by a thick blanket of snow. On good days, the white snow blanket glisters under the sunlight, making it a sight to behold for lucky visitors!

As soon as you walk out of the Arrival Gate, our representative will be waiting for you at the airport. The real journey will start in Thimphu – Bhutan’s charming capital.

On the way from Paro to Thimphu, we will follow Pachu River to the river confluence at Chuzum. You will see sights of small villages on the way to the capital. Before reaching our destination, we will stop at Tachogang Lhakhang (Temple of The Excellent Horse). This impressive temple was founded by Thangtong Gyalpo (1385-1464), a great figure in Bhutanese culture. He is known as a mental emanation of Guru Padmasambhva, a master of the highest Vajrayana teachings, and had unparalleled skills as an architect, artist, writer of Ihamo (Tibetan operas), and many more.  Tachogang Lhakhang is a famous work of Thangtong Gyalpo, but he also built many other important monasteries and bridges across the kingdom of Bhutan.

In Thimphu, we will first see a very significant landmark – the National Memorial Chorten. Bhutan’s Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk erected the Chorten to pray for world peace and prosperity. The iconic Tibetan-style building later became a memorial to the Third King after he passed away. Inside, there are many Buddhist paintings and statues and also 5 red prayer wheels, which people will walk around, turn them and pray.

After lunch, we will visit Pangri Zampa Lhakhang, one of the most ancient temples in Bhutan. It was built in the 16^th century by Ngawang Choegyal, the great-great-grandfather of the Zhabdrung. It is believed that the temple appeared in Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s vision. Following his vision, he became a resident at Pangri Zampa Lhakhang after traveling from Tibet to Bhutan in 1616. Today, this is a monastic school where Buddhist students learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.

Late in the afternoon, we can explore the vibrant streets of Thimphu to fully experience this intriguing destination. Walking between shops and bazaars, cafes, restaurants, and bars, you will see a different, livelier side of Thimphu, besides its historic landmarks. We will also visit the DSB book store. They are the oldest book store in the entire kingdom. It is the place to go to when visitors wish to find a wide range of books on Bhutan, Buddhism, Himalayan Studies Nature, and more.

We will stay the first night at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing

Today, you can exercise your body a bit as we will hike to Tango monastery in the morning. This is a moderate hike with an elevation gain of 400m, and it will take about 1 hour to reach the monastery. The trail will lead us through pristine forests of blue pine, oak, and rhododendron. As we climb up the hill, we will pass through verdant alpine woods.

Tango monastery is a renowned university of Buddhist studies in Bhutan. In Buddhist studies, Tango is the highest level, equivalent to the academic master's degree. Situating at 2,800m, this building was the work of the ‘divine madman’, Lama Drukpa Kunley. It was built long ago, back in the 15^th century. But more than that, it was the residence of Gyalse Rinpoche – an important trulku (reincarnated lama), who is recognized as the seventh reincarnation of the fourth desi (secular ruler), Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye (the founder of Taktshang Goemba).

Next, we will head to a very interesting destination – the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, or the Arts and Crafts School, or Painting school, as called by the locals. The students enroll in a number of courses that teach the 13 traditional arts of Bhutan. The craft presentations here are fascinating, and the sight of young students practicing Bhutan’s traditional arts is just as captivating for visitors.

After learning about the way the Bhutanese pass down their traditional arts to younger generations, we will travel to Buddha Point (Buddha Dordenma Statue). It is a remarkably giant 51.5m statue, watching Thimphu valley from its place atop of the hill. It is believed that it was built to fulfill an old prophecy from the 8^th century and that it emanates an aura of peace of prosperity to the world. Placed inside the colossal statue is 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, all cast in bronze and gilded.

We will visit Simtokha Dzong and then return to the city center. Built-in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, this is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. The dzong houses statues and paintings of various Buddhas, deities, and religious figures, including The Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche, Jampelyang the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Sakya Gyalpo the Buddha of Compassion, and others.

The second night we will still stay in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu to Gangtey

• Altitude in Gangtey: 2,900m
• Distance: 160km
• Estimated travel time: 6hrs

After two days in the capital, the picturesque Gangtey (or ‘Phobjikha valley’) will be our next destination. On the way to Gangtey, we will have time to enjoy the striking scenery at Dochula pass at 3,050m. Dochula pass is one of the most scenic mountain passes you will ever see, and it is one of the few locations to enjoy the amazing panoramic view of the eastern Himalaya.

The sight of 108 Chortens gracing along the green hillside with the backdrop of the snow-laden Himalayas is unforgettable even for a long time after your trip to Bhutan! On clear days, stand from Dochula pass and you can see the high mountain peaks including Gangkar Puensum (7,564m), Gangchen Singye (7,205m), Jongphu Gang or Table mountain (7,094 m), Jejekangphu Gang (7,190 m), Tari Gang (7,304 m), Tshenday Gang (6,994 m), Masang Gang (7,194 m), Gangchey Ta (6,784 m), Gangchen Dhagang (6,563 m), and Khang Bum (6,494 m).

Upon arriving in Gangtey, we will first see Gangtey Goemba (Gangtey monastery). The famous monastery stands on the crest of a hill atop the beautiful Gangtey valley. The legendary treasure finder Pema Lingpa had a vision that a goemba named Gangteng (hilltop) would be erected here, and his teaching would be spread from this place. So following the prophecy, Pema Thinley, the grandson, and reincarnation of Pema Lingpa had built a Nyingma temple here in 1613.

Not only known for its mesmerizing landscape, but Gangtey valley is also the winter home of the rare Black Necked Cranes. The birds migrate from late October to March, so you can see them in Gangtey if you are traveling in Bhutan during this time.

It is impossible to miss out on a trip to Shedra when you are in Gangtey. Shedra is an institute where the monks learn Buddhist philosophy, poetry, logic, meditation, and debate. The institute also provides a meditation class for visitors, mainly on compassion and Shamata (tranquility and calm abiding meditation). This special class is led by highly qualified teachers, who are fluent in English. This meditation practice will help you to overcome stresses, build a peaceful mind, and to generate kindness.

This may (or may not) be your first time, but practicing meditation can be a life-changing experience for you. Also, as you are going on a pilgrimage in Bhutan, meditation should be an essential part of the experience. When you meditate, you will feel like you are connected with everything, including the majestic nature that surround you. Your mind will become enlightened, and free from the mundane thoughts or worries in daily life. Gradually, you will feel like your vision is clearer, and your body will be totally relaxed.

(Meditating regularly brings many benefits for you. It helps in decreasing stress, improving concentration, lowering blood pressure, and reducing anxiety. These are only some of the many benefits one may gain from meditation. Meditation is the chance for you to touch your inner self, hence enhances one’s self-awareness and allows them to see things from a different perspective. This may help the practitioner becoming more understanding of others and generating kindness from them.)

Another recommended experience for visitors is the morning/evening prayer at the Shedra. The Morning Prayer (also referred to as the Tara Ceremony) is from 05:15 – 06:15 am (except Sundays) and the Evening Prayer is from 06.30 – 07.30 pm. There will be time for a short discussion with the instructor after your class, the topics can be about meditation or other aspects of Buddhism that you wish to know more about. Participating in the prayer session is a great way to gain a deep understanding of this essential part of Bhutanese life.

During the morning and evening pray, you will hear very special and unique kinds of music. And it is the traditional music of the Tibetan Buddhists. The music of Tibetan Buddhists is played wisely in the countries in the Himalayas, including Bhutan. Their music is unlike anything that you may have encountered. Tibetan’s life is intertwined strongly with Buddhism, and so is their music. The music is an essential part, crucially guiding the ritual performances of the monks. It is characterized not only by its integration of ritual dance but also by a large collection of instruments – including the long Tibetan horns suited to a mountain environment—and unique forms of polyphonic overtone singing. The echo fills up the whole space, and you will feel the vibration going through your body. While instruments are played, the monks use a technique called throat-singing to chant the sacred text, expressing devotion, warding off feral spirits, and invoking deities.

We will stay overnight at the hotel in Gangtey.

Day 04: Gangtey to Bumthang

• Altitude in Bumthang: 2,800m
• Distance: 158km
• Estimated travel time: 6hrs

Today’s journey will start with the Gangtey Nature Trail. The pleasant walk will begin at the hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, descend slowly to the lovely meadows, and trail towards the village of Semchubara. Following the trail, we will meet with ancient blue pine forests before coming to a valley viewpoint. The hike will end once we are at the spectacular building of Khewang Lhakhang (Khewang temple).

Leaving the scenic land of Gangtey, we will head to the spiritual heartland of Bhutan – Bumthang, comprised of four smaller valleys namely Tang, Ura, Choekhor, and Chumey. The region is home to a remarkable number of the oldest palaces, Buddhist temples, and monasteries with striking architecture in the entire kingdom.

On the way to Bumthang, we will visit at Yathra Weaving Center. At the weaving center, you can learn about the intriguing process of weaving yathras, the local’s unique woven textile with deep colors and eye-catching designs. Besides, we will drive slowly and stop for refreshments and sightseeing at some other spots.

Tonight will be our first night in Bumthang.

Day 05: Bumthang discovery 

First place in today’s schedule will be the famous Jambay Lhakhang, one of the holy temples built by the 7^th-century Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. It is believed the temples were erected in 659 in only one day to subdue a Tibetan demoness, and Jambay Lhakhang pinned down her left knee. The ancient temple was later visited by Guru Rinpoche and renovated by the Sindhu Raja after the Guru restored his life force.

After that, we will visit the imposing temple complex Kurjey Lhakhang, consisting of 3 buildings. The sacred site is where the body (kur) print (jey) of Guru Rinpoche is preserved, located in a cave in the oldest of the three buildings in the complex.

Near the Kurjey Temple is Kurjey Drupchu, where the holy water can be found. Kurjey Drupchu is believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche himself.

Later, we can either drive or walk for 1 hour to Tamshing monastery. The building formally called Tamshing Lhendup Chholing (Temple of the Good Message), is the most important Nyingma goemba in Bhutan. Established in 1501 by the great spiritual master Pema Lingpa, the site remained privately owned by his descendants. Only until 1960, it was opened to the public. The unusual structure of the building was erected by Pema Lingpa himself, with the help of Khandromas, who had made many of the statues.

Afterwards, we will arrive at Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery. The sacred monastery was blessed by Guru Rinpoche and it was also the seat where Nub-ben Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche became an accomplished Yangdag master. The edifice was established in the 1970s and you will find large statues of Guru Rinpoche, Chenresig and Sakyamuni in its Tshokhang (assembly hall).

We will continue to stay in Bumthang tonight.

Day 06: Bumthang sightseeing

In the early morning, we will travel to Tang valley, which is the most remoted area in Bumthang, to visit the holy Mebar Tsho (The Flaming Lake). The sacred lake is located along the way to Tang village over the feeder road under Bumthang valley.

Legend says that Pema Lingpa had jumped into the lake with a butter lamp in his hand. He later emerged from the water with a paper scroll and a chest hidden by Guru Rinpoche, while the lamp was still burning brightly. Once we are there, you will see hundreds of beautiful prayer flags placed around the sacred lake and there is also a small altar dedicated to Pema Lingpa. On auspicious days, people will offer butter lamps at the lake.

After Mebar Tsho, we will spend time wandering the ground of Kunzang Drak Lhakhang. In the 15^th century, this monastery was founded by Terton Pema Lingpa. It will take about 2 hours of hiking to reach there.

Apart from Pema Lingpa’s living quarters, the monastery also consists of three temples: the Wangkhang, in which the principal statue is Avalokiteshvara with a thousand eyes and a thousand hands; Oezerphug, the meditation cave of Pema Lingpa’s son, Dawa Gyeltshen; and the Khandroma Lhakhang, which contains a gilded copper statue of Pema Lingpa.

Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, a remarkable temple stands surrounded by prayer wheels, will be the last destination of the 6^th day. The place was constructed in the 14^th century by Pema Lingpa to mark the spot where the great Guru Rinpoche and his consort Yeshe Tsogyal had meditated and left imprints of their hands and feet. The rocks that surround this holy place are imbued with spiritual significance.

We will have another night at a hotel in Bumthang.

Day 07: Bumthang sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to Chumey valley to visit Tharpaling monastery. The main part of the monastery was founded by Longchen Rabjam (1308- 1363), the great philosopher of the Dzogchen, a religious movement of the Nyingmapa school.

This monastery was used as a place of meditation of other great figures – Jigme Lingpa, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. The monastery houses the statues of Longchenpa and Jigme Lingpa in meditation posture and frescoes of the lineage of Longchenpa and Jigme Lingpa.

Right above Tharpaling monastery, you will see Choedrak, where Guru Rinpoche had meditated at. For this reason, Lorepa – a lama from Tibet decided to live and build a temple there in 1234.

This will be our last night in Bumthang.

Day 08: Bumthang to Trongsa

• Altitude in Trongsa: 2,216m
• Distance: 80km
• Estimated travel time: 3hrs

Trongsa is an old but very charming town situated on a sheer ridge. This historic town is known as the gateway to the eastern region of Bhutan and renowned for the spectacular landscapes of the deep lush valleys surrounding it.

On the way to Trongsa, we will spend some time at the historic Ta Dzong, the famous watchtower which once guarded Trongsa Dzong against internal rebellion. Standing on a promontory above Trongsa town, it is now the National Museum with impressively large collections dedicated to the Wangchuck dynasty. There is no better place for visitors to learn about the kingdom’s history than the ancient Ta Dzong.

After visiting the old watchtower, we will come inside Trongsa Dzong. It has a very strategic location, sitting high above the roaring Mangde Chhu river. Built-in 1644, the complex is perhaps the most spectacular sited dzong in the country, and it is easy to see why. From afar, Trongsa Dzong is a striking architecture with a sheer drop to the south that disappears behind the thick veils of cloud. The buildings trail down the ridge and are connected by a succession of alley-like corridors, with wide stone stairs and lovely paved courtyards. Trongsa Dzong is so massive that it is easily visible from anywhere in town, thus remains a captivating sight to behold for visitors and locals.

We will return to the hotel in Trongsa afterward.

Day 09: Trongsa to Punakha

• Altitude in Punakha: 1,300m
• Distance: 150km
• Estimated travel time: 5hrs

Parting with Trongsa town in the early morning, we will travel to Punakha. Punakha was once Bhutan’s capital. It is where you will see many important sites which have been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history.

En route, we will pay a visit to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), which can be reached after a nice short walk across hillock fields. The temple is where childless women come to pray and to receive a wang (blessing or empowerment). The trail to this stunning temple takes about 25 minutes and passes through the fertile farmlands of Lobesa Village. You can watch the local farmers at work on the way up to the site.

After arriving at the town, we will check in your hotel and spend the night in Punakha.

Day 10: Punakha – Gasa – Punakha

• Distance Punakha – Gasa: 70km

Leaving Punakha in the morning, we can get to Gasa (2,770m) after about 4 hours.

We will visit the historical Gasa Dzong, erected in 1646 by Zhabdrung. It is dedicated to commemorate the victories over the Tibetans and also guarded the region against invasions in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. The locals call it the Tashi Thongmon Dzong, named after the region’s protecting deity Tashi Thongmon. The dzong has a distinctive structure with a circular shape and three watchtowers standing at strategic points. During clear days, the sight of Gasa Dzong becomes extremely breathtaking with the backdrop of the mighty Mount Gangboom.

After Gasa Dzong, time to relax! You can rejuvenate your body with the mineral water at Gasa Tsechu (hot springs). This is one of the most famous hot springs in Bhutan and you will absolutely love this place!

Late in the afternoon, we will head back to our hotel in Punakha.

Day 11: Discover Punakha

After breakfast, we visit Chorten Ningpo or the temple of ‘The Divine Madman’ Drukpa Kunley. From this temple, we will spend about 1-hour hiking down to visit Sirigang village.

Next, walk through rice fields and pine trees to sightsee Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. It will take 1 hour to hike to the stunning Chorten, which sits on a ridge above the lush valley at an altitude of 1,500m. The building is ranked as a high point in Bhutanese architecture. Its unique structure was established by Her Majesty the Queen Mother for the wellbeing of the whole country as well as for the long life of our beloved King. The Chorten also offers a magnificent view of Punakha valley that is not to be missed.

In the afternoon, we visit the astonishing site of Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), which was the former seat of the Bhutan government until the 1950s. The grand architecture was opened in 1637, and at the time, it was the second dzong erected in Bhutan.

Just passing the beautiful Punakha Dzong, we will reach another famous landmark – Pho Chhu suspension bridge. With 160m length, it is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, and you can enjoy the stunning sight of small colorful prayer flags gracing the bridge. The incredible view of Punakha Dzong and the alluring land of Pho Chhu valley can be seen when standing from Pho Chuu bridge.

We will stay in Punakha before leaving for Paro the next day.

Day 12: Punakha to Paro

• Distance: 125km
• Estimated travel time: 4hrs

After breakfast, we will head back to Paro. Along the way, you can choose to do a hike to the Drak Karpo Lhakhang. This striking temple is one of the holiest and sacred sites in Bhutan for the Buddhist pilgrimage, located above a system of caves. The great master Guru Rinpoche arrived here in the 8^th century. It will take around 4 hours of hiking in total.

Leaving Drak Karpo Lhakhang, let’s travel to Dzongdrakha monastery. Bhutan’s first king, Chogay Dragpa built this place in the 16^th century. The four temples are dedicated to Tara, Tsheringma, Guru, and Jowo Jampa. The trail to the monastery will be only 15 minutes and you will have a beautiful view of Shaba village.

We will stay the night at the hotel in Paro.

Day 13: Paro discovery

Day 13^th is scheduled with a hike to Chumphu Ney monastery. Drugda Dorji erected this place on a hilltop in the 15^th century. The building has two floors and is surrounded by three mountains shaped like a crown.

The hike will guide you along the river, lead you through the forever-green forests of pine trees and hemlocks. The highlight of the visit to Chumphu Ney monastery is the statue of the floating Dorje Phagmo (Vajravarahi). Today’s hike can be around 6-7 hours in total.

We will stay a second night at the hotel in Paro.

Day 14: Paro sightseeing

In the morning, we will drive to Chelela's pass and later visit Kila nunnery. Asides from Dochula pass, Chelela pass is one of the highest mountain passes in the entire kingdom at an altitude of 3,800m. From afar, you can recognize the pass with hundreds of colorful prayer flags. On clear days, it provides a breath-taking picture of Himalayan peaks, like Mt. Jomolhari (7,314 m), Mt. Jitchu Drake (6,794 m), and Mt. Kangchenjunga (8,586 m).

After Chelela pass, we will hike to get to Kila Nunnery. Built-in the 9^th century on the edge of a cliff, it is believed as the oldest nunnery in Bhutan. About 50 nuns live here and pursue higher Buddhist college studies.

In the afternoon, we will spend time admiring Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of The Heap of Jewels), which is a wonderful example of Bhutanese architecture. In 1644, the extraordinary construction was erected on the foundation of a monastery founded by Guru Rinpoche. The edifice sits on a steep hillside, which offers terrific views of Paro valley.

The next dzong will be just as interesting as the famous Paro Dzong. Right on top of the hill above Paro Dzong is Ta Dzong, or as it is known today – the National Museum of Bhutan. Its position atop the hill is a strategic location since it was a watchtower protecting the Paro Dzong. Thus, it offers a wonderful view of the valley. Turned into a museum in 1968, Ta Dzong’s invaluable collections include many antique thangka paintings, weapons and armor, and rich diversity of natural and historic artifacts.

Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most imposing temples in the country, will be the next site. It is believed that the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo had built 108 temples in the Himalayas in the 7^th century, and Kyichu Lhakhang was one of them. The purpose of these temples was to pin down an evil demon that tried to stop the teaching of Buddhism to people. Visitors are usually intrigued not only by the grand temple’s extraordinary structure but also by the beautiful scene of the pilgrims constantly shuffling around the temple and spinning its many prayer wheels. It is a wonderful sight that you would not want to miss out on!

Tonight we will stay in Paro.

Day 15: Paro sightseeing

“If you have never been to the Tiger Cave Temple, your trip to Bhutan is not complete.” This statement emphasizes the importance of the sacred Taktsang Monastery (or ‘Tiger’s Nest’) is to the Bhutanese, and it is completely true. On a pilgrimage in Bhutan, this place is a must-visit for any monks and Buddhists.

Clinging to a steep cliff at more than 3,000m, the hike to the monastery will be approximately 4-5 hours. The trail is 4.5km one way and has an elevation gain of 600m. It can be tiring, so during the trip, we will have many stops to enjoy the incredible views of Paro’s pristine landscape, from the untouched dense forests to the snow-covered Himalayan peaks. The unparalleled natural scenes are some of the most precious memories of travelers about Bhutan. After sitting down and watching over the picturesque landscape below, you will feel energized again to continue the hike.

The morning will be well spent at Taktsang Monastery. Then we will have a special meal with a local family in the late afternoon. This is a very good opportunity for you to chat with the locals, to listen to their stories while tasting the authentic and delicious Bhutanese dishes.

We also recommend a nice hot stone bath to relax your body after a day of hiking or spend time exploring the many cool pubs and shops in Paro. The town is well-known for its fun nightlife with amazing live music and mouth-watering snacks and local alcohols for one to try out. This is the best way to celebrate the last night of your unforgettable adventure in Bhutan.

We will also sleep in Paro for the last night.

Day 16: Depart Paro 

After a good breakfast at the hotel, your guide will accompany you to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck) and we hope to welcome you to Bhutan again!

To get the price for your tour, please contact us any time by email us at info@bhutanpelyabtours.com or phone us at

+975 1795 2136 (Telegram or WhatsApp).