Mystical ShangrilaTravels · Thimphu, Bhutan
11 days · 10 nights · Culture

Cultural Heartland

Most visitors never go further than Punakha. This trip crosses the Black Mountains to Trongsa, seat of the royal family, and spends three nights in Bumthang, the valleys where Bhutan's oldest temples stand.

Plan this trip See the itinerary
Duration
11 days, 10 nights
Style
Private, with your own guide and driver
Activity level
Easy to moderate, with long drives
Highest point
3,425 m at Yotong La
Best season
March–May and September–November
Starts & ends
Paro International Airport
  1. Paroarrive
  2. Thimphu2 nights
  3. Punakha1 night
  4. Phobjikha1 night
  5. Trongsa1 night
  6. Bumthang3 nights
  7. Paro2 nights

Highlights

  • Trongsa Dzong and the royal heritage museum in its watchtower
  • Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, among Bhutan's most sacred temples
  • Mebar Tsho, the 'Burning Lake' of the treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa
  • Yathra weaving in the Chumey valley
  • The domestic flight back over the mountains to Paro

Day-by-day itinerary

Every trip is private, so we can change the pace, add a rest day or swap a hotel. This is the route we recommend, and a starting point for yours.

  1. Day1

    Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu

    Meet your guide at Paro airport and drive to Thimphu. Afternoon at the Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma.

    Drive about 1 hour · Overnight in Thimphu

  2. Day2

    Thimphu

    The traditional arts school, the Folk Heritage Museum, Changangkha Lhakhang, the takin preserve, and Tashichho Dzong when it opens to visitors.

    Overnight in Thimphu

  3. Day3

    Thimphu to Punakha

    Over Dochula to Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong, then walk to Chimi Lhakhang.

    Drive about 3 hours · Overnight in Punakha

  4. Day4

    Punakha to Phobjikha

    Morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, then drive to the Phobjikha valley. Late afternoon at Gangtey Goenpa.

    Drive about 3 hours · Overnight in Phobjikha

  5. Day5

    Phobjikha to Trongsa

    Walk the Gangtey Nature Trail, then cross Pele La into central Bhutan. Stop at Chendebji Chorten, a white stupa built in the Nepali style. Trongsa Dzong comes into view long before you reach it, its buildings stacked down a ridge above the Mangde Chhu gorge.

    Drive about 4–5 hours · Overnight in Trongsa

  6. Day6

    Trongsa to Bumthang

    Visit Trongsa Dzong and the Tower of Trongsa Royal Heritage Museum, then cross Yotong La into the Chumey valley. Stop to watch yathra, the region's woollen cloth, being woven, before arriving in Jakar.

    Drive about 3 hours · Overnight in Bumthang

  7. Day7

    Bumthang: the Chokhor valley

    Jambay Lhakhang, founded in the 7th century, and Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have left the imprint of his body in rock. Cross the river on foot to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded by Pema Lingpa in 1501, and finish at Jakar Dzong.

    Overnight in Bumthang

  8. Day8

    Bumthang: Tang valley

    Drive into the quiet Tang valley to Mebar Tsho, where Pema Lingpa is said to have dived into the river and come back holding a statue and a lit butter lamp. Continue to the Ogyen Choling manor, now a family-run museum of rural aristocratic life.

    Overnight in Bumthang

  9. Day9

    Fly to Paro

    Take the short domestic flight from Bathpalathang to Paro, which replaces two days of driving. Afternoon at the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong.

    Flight about 30 minutes · Overnight in Paro

  10. Day10

    Hike to Tiger's Nest

    The climb to Paro Taktsang through pine forest. Afternoon at Kyichu Lhakhang and an optional hot stone bath.

    Walking 4–6 hours return · Overnight in Paro

  11. Day11

    Depart Paro

    Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

    Transfer about 15 minutes

Domestic flights in Bhutan are infrequent and depend on the weather. If the Bumthang flight is not running, we drive back west over two days and adjust the plan without cutting the highlights.

What's included

  • Bhutan tourist visa processing (visa fee USD 40)
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) at the current government rate
  • Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide for the whole trip
  • Private vehicle with an experienced driver
  • Accommodation in government-certified hotels, twin or double room
  • All meals while in Bhutan, plus drinking water
  • Entrance fees for every monument and museum on the itinerary
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro, where scheduled

Not included

  • International flights to and from Paro (we can book them for you)
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Tips for your guide and driver
  • Laundry, phone calls and other personal expenses
  • Single-room supplement, if you travel alone

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