Tour Overview
This package covers popular destinations in the west and take you further east, seldom visited by tourists. You will pass through many secluded communities leading simple lifestyle as you make your way from the west to the east. As you venture east, the tour is less about tourist attractions and more about the experience of going a road trip across Bhutan.
Tour Highlights
Day 1
Arrive in Paro
Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport.
Drive from Paro to Thimphu
Distance: 54 Km| Driving Time: 1 hour
After a quick stop at your hotel and lunch, you'll spend the rest of the day exploring Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
Thimphu Authentic Craft Bazaar Buddha Dordenma Folk Heritage Museum Tashichhodzong Centenary Farmers Market Institute of Traditional Medical Services VAST Studio
Accommodation options:
City Hotel Hotel Bhutan Le Meridien
Day 2
Drive from Thimphu to Dochula
Drive from Thimphu to Dochula
Distance: 31Km|Driving Time: 1 hour
Dochula, at 3100 metres, is one of many motorable mountain passes in Bhutan. Take in the astonishing panoramic view of the snowcapped mountain range.
The place also has a memorial, 108 identical stupas to commemorate the victory against insurgency and honour the fallen.
Lunch will be served on your way to Punakha.
Drive to Punakha
Distance: 63Km Driving |Time: 1 Hr and 30 Mins
A short hike to Chimi Lhakang (the fertility temple) will take you through Sopsokha village. The unusual practice of worshipping phallus in Bhutanese culture originates from this village.
Places and attractions:
Punakha Dochula Pass Lungchutse Hike Punakha Dzong - The Palace of Great Bliss Punakha Suspension Bridge Chimi Lhakhang - The Fertility Temple
Accommodation options:
Drubchhu Resort Zhingkham Cottages
Day 3
Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha
Early Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha
Distance: 78 Km |Driving Time: 3 Hr. 30 Min
Let the serenity of the valley with its wide-open spaces and pristine nature help you unwind.
A 16th-century Gangtey Goemba (monastery) sits atop a hill overlooking the valley. The complex consists of monks' quarters, guesthouses, and meditation centres.
There are nature trails that run along the field and through the pine forest connecting small villages. You can explore them on a foot or go biking.
It's one of those destinations where you just want to clear your schedule and go with the flow.
Places and attractions:
Phobjikha Valley Black Necked Crane Information Centre Gangtey Monastery Hot Stone Bath in Gangtey
Accommodation options:
Amankora Gangtey Gangtey Goenpa Lodge Dewachen Hotel
Day 4
Drive from Phobjikha to Bumthang
Distance: 179 Km |Driving Time: 8 hours
It will be a long drive from Phobjikha to Bumthang. The drive will take you through a rich forest of rhododendrons and oak woods and cross over Pele la pass at 3351 meters and Yotongla Pass at 3425 metres.
You'll get to explore the Trongsa district and attractions along the way.
Attractions include Chendebji Chorten which resembles the Boudhanath temple in Kathmandu Nepal and the medieval watch tower and the Trongsa Dzong at Trongsa.
Places and attractions:
Trongsa Ta Dzong Museum Trongsa Trongsa Dzong Chendebji Chorten
Accommodation options:
Swiss Guest House
Day 5
Explore Bumthang
Spend the day exploring attractions in Bumthang valley.
Places and attractions:
Bumthang Mebar Tso Kurjey Lhakhang Yathra Weaving Center Jambey Lhakhang
Accommodation options:
Amankora Bumthang Moutain Lodge
Day 6
Drive from Bumthang to Mongar
Early Drive from Bumthang to Mongar
Distance: 184 Km| Driving Time: 8 hours
Mongar will be your first eastern district. The small town is located on a hill top.
Places and attractions:
Mongar Ura Village
Accommodation options:
Wangchuk Hotel
Day 7
Drive to Lhuntse from Mongar
Distance: 76km| Driving Time: 3 hours
At Lhuntse, you will visit the 157 feet bronze statue of Guru Nangsey Zileon built atop a hill overlooking a local village. You will also visit Khoma village known for producing the best textile in Bhutan.
Spend a night at a local homestay and enjoy a home cooked meal.
Places and attractions:
Lhuntse Mongar Takila Guru Statue Khoma Village
Accommodation options:
Wangchuk Hotel
Day 8
Drive to Tashigang from Lhuntse
Distance: 167 Km| Driving Time: 7 hours
You will drive back to Mongar and onward to Tashigang.
Places and attractions:
Trashigang
Accommodation options:
Druk Deothjung Resort
Day 9
Day excursion to Tashi Yangtse District
Distance: 110 Km| Driving Time: 5 hours
At Tashi Yangtse, you'll visit Bumdeling valley. Bumdeling like Phobjikha valley is a roosting ground for the black-necked cranes. You'll also visit Chorten Kora, the stupa resembles Boudhanath temple in Kathmandu Nepal.
In evening, you'll return to Tashigang.
Places and attractions:
Trashiyangtse Trashigang Chorten Kora Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
Accommodation options:
Druk Deothjung Resort
Day 10
Fly back to Paro
You'll board a 45 minute flight back to Paro in the west. The domestic flight cost will be extra and is not included in the package price.
Please note last-minute cancellations for domestic flights due to weather particularly during the summer season is common.
In the evening, it's worth taking a stroll along the oldest street in Paro town. The street is lined with traditional houses renovated with western-inspired storefronts running cafes and souvenir shops.
Places and attractions:
Paro Paro Town Paro Rinpung Dzong
Accommodation options:
Gangtey Palace Hotel
Day 11
Hike to Taktsang
With a few days to acclimatise, you are now ready for the ultimate experience in Bhutan.
An avid hiker will find this experience deeply rewarding. Bask in the scent of pine as you climb the trail in and out of the woods. Let your imagination run wild as your guide narrates the Buddhist mythology surrounding this place to keep you company on your hike.
When you get to the top, let the cold mountain air, the waterfall cascading down the cliff, and the ambiance of a secluded monastery inspire a spiritual experience for you.
Places and attractions:
Paro Tigers Nest Hike
Accommodation options:
Tashi Namgay Resort Le Meridien Paro Riverfront Gangtey Palace Hotel
Day 12
Depart From Paro
End of Trip