Central Bhutan Tour: Discover Bhutan with Oyepedia Travel LLP

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, you’ll be met by a guide and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower in 1656 and later transformed into Bhutan’s National Museum. Following this, you’ll tour Rimpung Dzong, or the “Heap of Jewels,” constructed in 1646 as a center for local civil and religious authority. In the evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner.

Overnight in Paro .

Day 2: Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)

Today’s highlight is the sacred Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliffside 900 meters above the valley floor. You’ll also visit the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, commemorating Bhutan’s military victories, with views of Mount Jhomolhari on clear days. Afterward, explore Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in 659 AD. In the evening, you’ll travel to Thimphu, stopping to see Tamchog Monastery.

Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu Cultural Sites

Begin the day with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, followed by a tour of Dupthop Lhakhang. Next, explore the National Library, Traditional Art School, and Traditional Medicine Institute. Later, visit Tashichho Dzong, Bhutan’s administrative and monastic center. Before returning to your hotel, explore the Handicrafts Emporium and Thimphu’s souvenir shops.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4: Hiking to Cheri Monastery

Following breakfast, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Changangkha Lhakhang, and the Philatelic Office. After lunch, you’ll hike to Cheri Monastery for a serene experience.

Overnight in Thimphu .

Day 5: Thimphu to Punakha

Travel to Punakha via Dochula Pass. On a clear day, enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas. Stop to see Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, built in the 15th century. After lunch, explore Punakha Dzong, nestled between two rivers, historically significant as the seat of the Bhutanese government.

Overnight at Punatsangchhu Cottages.

Day 6: Journey to Gangtey

Today, you’ll travel to the valley of Gangtey, passing through Wangdiphodrang, where you’ll view Wangdiphodrang Dzong from outside. In Gangtey, visit the Gangtey Gompa Monastery and explore Phobjikha Valley, famous for the Black-Necked Cranes in winter.

Overnight at Punatsangchhu Cottages .

Day 7: Explore Trongsa

After breakfast, drive to Trongsa and visit the historic Trongsa Dzong, a massive fortress and ancestral home of the Bhutanese Royal Family. You’ll also explore Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower with a chapel dedicated to Trongsa’s heritage. Following lunch, travel to Bumthang.

Overnight at Punatsangchhu Cottages.

Day 8: Bumthang Valley Exploration

Spend the day exploring Bumthang’s religious sites. Visit Jakar Dzong and Jambay Lhakhang, two ancient temples steeped in history, and Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred site named for the body print of Guru Rimpoche. The day ends with a visit to Tamshing Lhakhang and Membarstho (Burning Lake), a site of great spiritual significance.

Overnight at Punatsangchhu Cottages.

Day 9: Return to Thimphu

After breakfast, depart Bumthang for a scenic drive back to Thimphu. Enjoy lunch along the way. In the evening, you’ll check back into your Thimphu hotel for your final night in Bhutan.

Overnight in Thimphu .

Day 10: Departure from Paro

Your journey through Bhutan concludes as you are transferred back to Paro Airport for your return flight, carrying with you memories of this remarkable journey.