13 Days In-Depth Nature Tour from West to Central Bhutan

Highlights: Arrive in Bhutan and visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and Buddha Dordenma Statue.

Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”.

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will meet your local travel guide and driver at the airport’s Arriving Hall.

Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of around 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).

On the way, you will first encounter a private temple - Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the excellent horse. Keep driving to Thimphu, you will have a short stop at Chuzom, a confluence where the Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu meet. It is decorated with three different styles of stupas, namely Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese.

After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will help you check in at the hotel. You can also take a short rest if needed.

Later, you will visit Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

After that, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (National Memorial Chorten), a stupa built in memory of the third king in 1974. The display inside shows good statues of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Highlights: Visit the National Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Simtokha Dzong, and Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will first visit the National Folk Heritage Museum. It dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum will strive to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms.

Next, you will head to visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The factor is located approximately 1 kilometer from Thimphu city, and uses the bark of two tree species (the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree) in the manufacture of traditional paper. You can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Besides, you are able to try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir.

Later, you will drive to Upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals here.

You will end today’s sightseeing after visiting Simtokha Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung to consolidate his domain and subdue the demon in 1629. Nowadays, it is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Visit the Takin Preserve

Highlights: Cross Dochula Pass and visit Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong.

In the morning, you will take a drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242m). The distance from Thimphu to Punakha is 71 kilometers, and it takes around 3 hours to complete. On the way, you will have an excellent opportunity to appreciate the panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges in Bhutan and take photos of the impressive collection of 108 chortens at Dochula Pass (3,140m).

Then, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Monastery. Standing on a small hillock close to the village of Lobesa, it is a beautiful Buddhist monastery that was built in the 14th Drukpa hierarchy, Ngawang Choegyel.

After that, you will head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and one of the top favorite attractions in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular-shaped fortress is also an honoraable treasury that preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Punakha Dzong

Highlights: Drive through Phobjikha Valley and visit Gangtey Monastery and Black-Necked Crane Information Center.

After breakfast, you will start your journey to Gangtey (2,890m), located 80 kilometers from Punakha. Also known as Phobjikha, Gangtey is one of Bhutan’s most stunning destinations and serves as the winter home for a group of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate annually from the Tibetan Plateau.

Upon your arrival, you will visit Gangtey Monastery, generally known as Gangtey Goempa. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2800m, the monastery offers a stunning view of Phobjikha Valley.

Then, you will visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Center, located on the edge of the forest and wetlands along the main road in Phobjikha Valley. The center features an observation room with high-powered telescopes and spotting scopes for the best views of the cranes. If you visit between November and January, you'll have the chance to see many black-necked cranes.

Stay overnight in Gangtey.

Black-Necked Crane Information Center

Accommodation

The following local hotels are for your reference. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring about your trip to Bhutan.

• 

  Gangtey Dewachen
• 

  Gangtey RKPO Green Resort
• 

  Amankora Gangtey

Highlights: Visit Chendebji Chorten, Trongsa Dzong, and the old tower of Trongsa.

After breakfast, you will start a drive to Trongsa (2,220m), the geographical and historical center of Bhutan. En route, you will enjoy lush forests of oaks and pine trees and get a fantastic mountain view from Pelela Pass (3,300m).

Then, you will visit the Chendebji Chorten, a large Nepalese-style chorten by the side of the road to Trongsa. It is said that Chendebji Chorten was built in the 19th century by Lama Zhida to cover the remains of an evil spirit who was killed at this spot.

Upon arrival in Trongsa, you will visit the Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan. From there, you will enjoy a stunning view overlooking the gorge of the Mangde River.

Then, you will head to the Tower of Trongsa Royal Heritage Museum, a key historical site in Bhutan. The five-story building showcases Buddhist art and royal memorabilia, including treasures like the 500-year-old coat of Ngagi Wangchuk and the football boots worn by the young fourth king.

Stay overnight in Trongsa.

Accommodation

The following local hotels are for your reference. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquiring about your trip to Bhutan.

Highlights: Cross the Yotong La Pass and visit the Yathra Weaving Center and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang.

After breakfast, you will start the overland journey eastwards to Bumthang (2,700m), the spiritual heart in central Bhutan. After driving through the zigzag road to Yotong La Pass, you'll see a Tibetan-style Buddhist stupa surrounded by countless colorful prayer flags.

As you drive downhill, you'll head to the Yathra Weaving Center in Zugney village, where you can watch locals weaving Yathra textiles.

Upon arrival in Bumthang, you will worship the Jambay Lhakhang, a temple built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 659 AD. It is one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, which was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rinpoche restored his life with his magical powers.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Jambay Lhakhang

Accommodation

The following local hotels are for your reference. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquiring about your trip to Bhutan.

• 

  Bumthang Ugyenling
• 

  Bumthang Jakar Village
• 

  Amankora Bumthang

Highlights: Explore landmarks in Bumthang, such as Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba.

In the morning, you will first visit Jakar Dong in Bumthang Valley. With a circumference of more than 1,500 meters, Jakar Dzong is one of the most majestic dzongs in Bhutan and is widely accepted as a wonderful piece of architectural art all over the country.

Then, you will continue to visit the nearby Kurjey Lhakhang. It houses the imprint of Guru Rimpoche, who meditated in a cave where the monastery was built.

Finally, you will explore Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba, a large Nyingmapa monastery located on a hill to the east of Jakar. Built in the 1970s by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, it offers a serene and spiritual experience.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Kurjey Lhakhang

Accommodation

The following local hotels are for your reference. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquiring about your trip to Bhutan.

• 

  Bumthang Ugyenling
• 

  Bumthang Jakar Village
• 

  Amankora Bumthang

Highlights: Travel to the Ura Valley to visit Ura Lhakhang and Mebar Tsho.

After breakfast, you will travel to Sheltang La and walk down hill to Ura Lhakhang. You will admire the diverse flora and fauna along the short trek.

En route, you will also visit the Mebar Tsho, known as the Flaming Lake. It is located on the way to Tang Village, where the renowned treasures revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa, discovered treasures from the lake in the late 15th century.

After the day trip in the Ura Valley, you will return to your hotel in Bumthang.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Visit Ura Lhakhang

Accommodation

The following local hotels are for your reference. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquiring about your trip to Bhutan.

• 

  Bumthang Ugyenling
• 

  Bumthang Jakar Village
• 

  Amankora Bumthang

Highlights: Head to Wangdue Phodrang via Trongsa.

Today, you will have a day-long drive to Wangdue Phodrang via Trongsa. Following the same route westward, you will appreciate the overland landscapes from the centural Bhutan back to its west.

Upon your arrival in Wangdue Phodrang (1,240m), you can explore the charming surroundings of Wangdue Phodrang at your leisure and relaxed pace. The rest of the day is free for you.

Stay overnight in Wangdue Phodrang.

Visit Trongsa Dzong

Highlights: Drive to Paro and visit Ta Dzong, Paro Rinpung Dzong, and Drukgyel Dzong.

After breakfast, you will have a 3-hour journey heading back to Paro. The journey passes through the awe-inspiring mountains and lush vegetation along the highway and will include photo stops during the journey.

Upon your arrival in Paro, you will drive up to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, the glorious fortress and Buddhist monastery in ancient time.

Then, you will visit the famous Paro Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. Nowadays, it serves as an administration center and school for monks.

After that, you will visit Ta Dzong, the national museum located on the hill behind the Paro Dzong. It houses many fine arts, religious relics, handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, etc. You can get a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich history, culture, and religion.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Visit Simtokha Dzong

Highlights: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.

After breakfast, you will start your hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (also known as Taktsang Monastery). Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is about 3 km one way and takes around 5 to 6 hours for the round trip.

After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.

In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Highlights: Enjoy a day trip to Haa Valley and visit Lhakhang Nagpo.

Today, you will drive 2.5 hours from Paro to Haa (2,740m). On the way, you will pass through the Chele La Pass (3,988m), which offers the majestic panorama of the Himalayan Ranges and the valley beyond. If the weather permits, you will capture a stunning view of Bhutan's second-highest peak, Mt.Jomolhari (7,314m), from here.

After arriving at Haa, you will head to visit Lhakhang Nagpo, also called the Black Temple. With a history of 1300 years, it is one of the oldest temples in the Haa Valley. It is said that when searching out auspicious locations for two new temples, the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo released one black pigeon and one white pigeon. And the black pigeon landed here, the white one at Lhakhang Kharpo (White Chapel).

In the late afternoon, you will drive back to Paro.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro Rinpung Dzong

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.

The tour services end.