10 Days Classic Bhutan Himalaya Tour

Highlight: Visit landmarks in Paro including Ta Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, and Paro Rinpung Dzong after arriving in this amazing city by flight.

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

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be picked up by your tour guide at the airport and then escorted to the hotel. After a short rest, you will go to tour the Paro city.

First, 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.

Then, you will head to the Kyichu Lhakhang, which is one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Built in a manner similar to the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet, it has the great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni.

After that, you will go to explore the famous Paro Rinpung Dzong. It is a large Buddhist monastery and fortress that was built in the 17th century to protect Paro Valley. It houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro including Ta Dzong Museum

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

In the morning, you will take a drive from Paro to Punakha (1,242m). On the way, you will pay a visit to Tachog Lhakhang (Tachong Temple). The 14th-century temple was built by the great master-level architect Thangtong Gyalpo and houses some of the unique and precious statues.

Then, 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).

After lunch, you will keep driving to Punakha. Upon arrival, you will visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is the second-largest Dzong and one of the most impressive buildings in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular-shaped fortress is also an honorable treasury that preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.

After witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong, you will continue to 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.

Later, you will drive back to Punakha.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Chimi Lhakhang

Highlights: Cross two mountain passes with scenic views and visit Chendebji Chorten.

Get up early this morning, you will start your journey to Bumthang (2,700m) in central Bhutan. Covering a distance of nearly 200 kilometers, it will take you around 7 hours to get to Bumthang from Punakha. You will enjoy lush forests of oaks and pine trees and see the view change as you ascend the mountain. Upon arrival at Pele La Pass (3,300m), you will get a fantastic panoramic view of the mountain ranges.

Then, you will visit Chendebji Chortern, a large Nepalese-style chorten that sits quietly by the side of the road. The Chorten is modeled after the Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. 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.

After that, you will continue your journey to Bumthang, passing through Yotong La Pass (3,400m). The route during this section takes you to the Yathra Waving Center at Zugney village where you can witness the locals waving Yathra, a name that refers to the colorful and woolen cloth with geometric design in Bhutanese.

Stay overnight in Bumthang

Chendebji Chorten

Highlight: Explore the cultural heritages 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 are going to 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.

After that, 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

Highlight: Drive back to Gangtey through Phobjikha Valley and visit Gangtey Monastery.

After breakfast, you will start your journey to Gangtey (2,890m), located 163 kilometers from Bumthang. 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.

In the afternoon, you will have plenty of time to explore the Phobjikha Valley and visit the Black Necked Crane Center.

Then, you will continue your travel to Wangdue Phodrang, the capital of Wangdue Phodrang District.

Stay overnight in Wangdue.

Gangtey Monastery

Highlight: Explore Thimphu’s cultural wonders like National Memorial Chorten, National Textile Museum and Traditional Paper Making Factory etc.

After breakfast, you will start your journey to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan.

Upon arrival, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chortern (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.

Then, you will visit the National Textile Museum, which preserves the traditional art of weaving and displays a rich collection of ancient, colorful textiles in various forms.

Next, you will head to visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, which makes traditional paper using the bark of two trees: the Daphne and Dhekap. You can watch the whole process and even try making your own paper as a souvenir.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Highlight: Visit National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Takin Preserve, Craft Bazaar and Hike to Tango Monastery.

In the morning, you will enjoy a half-day tour around Thimphu. You will first visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, to see the productive process of Bhutan’s traditional medicine, herbs mostly, and watch the medical practitioner training.

Then, you will visit the Takin Preserve and get a closer look at the housed national animal - Takin, which is only found in Bhutan.

After that, you will explore the Craft Bazaar, which is a unique shopping site to get an in-depth knowledge of Bhutan culture. You can buy the handcrafts with Bhutan characteristics that you are interested in.

After lunch, you'll reach the base camp of Tango Monastery, located north of Thimphu. The monastery is known for housing respected Buddhist monks who brought the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism to Bhutan. From there, you can enjoy spectacular views. The hike through the forest, filled with oak and pine trees, passes vibrant red rhododendrons and fresh air that refreshes you along the way.

After trekking, you will return to Thimphu.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Tango Monastery

Highlight: Explore beautiful Haa Valley and take in stunning Bhutan Himalayas views along the way.

After breakfast, you will drive to Haa Valley, a steep north-south valley with a narrow floor in Haa District. Along the route, you will witness distinguished Bhutanese farmhouses in the fields.

Then, you will visit Lhakhang Karpo (The white temple) or Lhakhang Nagpo (The black temple) in Haa Valley if time permits.

Then, you will pass through the mountain road winding up to the Chele La Pass (3,822m), where you can appreciate a spectacular view of the Himalayas in Bhutan.

Finally, you will arrive in Paro.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Chele La Pass

Highlight: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it.

After breakfast, you will start your hike to Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest 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 and freely explore Paro to experience its unique lifestyle here.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Trek to Taktshang Monastery

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

The tour service end.