16 Days Panoramic Bhutan Tour from West to East

Highlight: Arrive in Bhutan and visit National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and Local Bazaar.

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 Arrival 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).

After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will help you check in at the hotel.

Later, you will head to 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.

Then, you will explore 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.

In the evening, you have the option to take a stroll through the town or visit the Local Crafts Bazaar. The bazaar offers a variety of hand-woven textiles, thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, and more. You can also pick up some unique gifts for friends and family.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

Highlight: 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 the 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.

Simtokha Dzong

Highlight: Hike to Tango Monastery and enjoy spectacular views from it.

In the morning, you will take a drive to the base camp of Tango Monastery that lies north of the Thimphu City. Starting from the base camp, you will follow the route in dense oak and pine tree dominated forest to the monastery, along which the fresh air drives away all the tiredness you suffer.

After reaching Tango Monastery, you will visit the monastery with your guide, who will share the story about this ancient monastery. It is home to the highly revered Buddhist monks who once brought the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism to Bhutan. From the monastery, you can also enjoy a spectacular view of the valley.

After the short trekking trip to Tango Monastery, you will return to Thimphu downtown.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Tango Monastery

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

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).

After arrival in Punakha, 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 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.

Punakha Dzong

Highlight: Cross two mountain passes with scenic views and visit Chendebji Chorten and Yathra Waving Center.

After breakfast, you will take a 7-hour journey covering 197 kilometers from Punakha to Bumthang (2,700m). 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.

Next, you will keep driving to Bumthang by passing through Yotong La Pass (3,400m). At Zugney Village, you will visit the Yathra Waving Center, where you can witness the locals waving Yathra, a colorful Bhutanese woolen cloth with geometric patterns.

Finally, you will arrive in Bumthang Valley.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Chendebji Chorten

Highlight: 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 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: Visit local villages and enjoy bird watching.

You will set off in early morning, and drive on the winding roads with rugged terrain. With the distance being about 192 kms, the entire trip will cost you about 6-7 hours. The road ascends to a pass and descends to Ura village.

The bus continues to move ahead and make a steep descent into Kuri Chu Valley after passing Thrumsingla pass (3,750m). The views along the route is spectacular with rock cliffs and numerous waterfalls.

The village itself is also a fantastic place for birds watching, prepare your camera in advance and shoot the unique little animals. Then the road climbs uphill through the Chir-pine forest and the large cultivated fields come into your eyes. Continue to ascend, you will finally arrive at the hilltop where Mongar is located.

Stay overnight in Mongar.

Bhutan Mongar

Highlight: Visit Drametsi Monastery and Khaling waving center.

Today’s drive brings you to the eastern most regions. Galloping along the route, the bus takes you through lush forests, large corn fields and banana groves to reach Yadi village. Then follow the river to arrive at Drametsi, a medium sized monastery perched at the top of the hill and founded in 16th century and the exact place where the popular Drametsi Nga Chham, the mask dance with drums, originated.

After lunch, visit Khaling, the waving center under the women association of Bhutan’s Government and the place you can witness the whole process of waving. Then drive back to Trashigang.

Stay overnight in Trashigang.

Highlight: Visit the monastery of Gom Kora and excursion to Trashiyangtse.

Today, we will first head to Gom Kora, which is an extraordinarily picturesque temple, just beneath the road, surrounded by terraced rice fields. In the north of Trashigang about 21 km away, it is a gateway to Trashiyangtsi. There are many relics inside this two-story temple and the murals are said to date from its original construction period.

In March/April, the three-day Gom Kora Tsechu is held here, which is quite unique from other Tsechu around Bhutan. Pilgrims circumambulate the Goemba aruond the large rock throughout the night during the festival. Many nomadic tribes from Merak and Sakten also come here during this period and for many of whom, the evening event results in marriages.

After tour the temple, we will continue to Trashiyangtse. At an average altitude of 1715m, Trashiyangtse is a relatively new town, though much small but pretty, with the river flowing through it. The region is center of paper making and the art of making wooden cups and bowls.

Stay overnight at Tashiyangtse.

Gomkora Monastery

Highlight: Enjoy beautiful scenery along the way back to Mongar.

Today, we will return to Mongar after sightseeing the Trashigang valley. When driving up back, you can visit sights and villages along the way.

Stay overnight in Mongar.

Highlight: Transfer from Mongar and Bumthang and get prepared for the following trip.

After breakfast, we will set off to drive back to Bumthang from Mongar. It is a long drive of about 6 to 7 hours. Upon your arrival, you can have a good rest in your hotel.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Highlight: Explore Probjikha valley and visit Gangtey Monastery.

After breakfast, you will start your journey to Wangdue. The distance between Bumthang and Wangdue is about 197 kilometers, which will take you 6 hours. On the way, the bus will first make a temporary stop at Gangtey Monastery, a can’t-miss monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Then drive towards the Phobjikha valley which is one part of the beautiful Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.

During the winter, a large flock of black-necked cranes, the endangered species, gather there to escape from the chilly weather. Besides, the forest covered mountains around the valley have been widely accepted as the most remote areas where only the rarely seen nomadic shepherds and yak herders can find the trails.

In the afternoon, you will have plenty of time exploring the Phobjikha valley and visiting the Black Necked Crane Center. Then continue your travel to Wangdue Phodrang, the capital of Wangdue Phodrang District.

Stay overnight in Wangdue / Gangtey.

Gangtey Monastery

Highlight: Visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang and Simtokha Dzong.

After breakfast, we will head to visit the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang after hiking to the upper Punakha valley and crossing the hanging bridge through large tracts of paddy fields. It takes you about 1 hour to reach the temple and the view sighted from the temple is also stunning.

Then head for Thimphu and visit Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan on the route. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang

Highlight: Visit Kyichu Temple and ruins of Drukgyel Dzong.

Today we will leave for Paro. Along the route, the tourist bus will make a temporary stop at the Kyichu Temple, which is one of 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa, Tibet, the temple has the great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni.

After lunch, drive up to the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong where the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century.

In the evening, you can choose to either stay in your hotel or stroll round the downtown and pay a visit to some local handicraft stores.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Kyichu Lhakhang

Highlight: Enjoy the wonderful trekking to Tiger’s Nest.

Today, we will leave for Paro to enjoy the exciting trek to the Taktshang Goemba, also known as Tiger's Nest. Standing incredibly on the side of a sheer cliff 900m above the Paro Valley, Taktshang Goemba (3210m) is the landmark of Bhutan and also the holiest temple of the country. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) had flied here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the caves on the cliffside for three months. The temple has therefore become the holy site worshipped by all Bhutanese devotees, and known as one of the world’s top ten temples. 

After the trek, we will head back to Paro.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Trek to Taktshang Monastery

Your tour guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.

service end.