Best of Bhutan with Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Bumthang Valley captures the best and most comprehensive set of destination and experiences that Bhutan has to offer including Thimphu (Capital city and a heritage getaway), Paro (Riverside destination), Punakha (Rural countryside) and Bumthang Valley (Remote mountains, villages, monasteries and countryside).
2 night(s) in Thimphu
1 night(s) in Punakha
2 night(s) in Bumthang
1 night(s) in Punakha
3 night(s) in Paro
Day 1: Arrival At Paro To Thimpu
Pick-up from Paro airport & transfer (65 kms – 1.15 hrs drive) to Thimphu. Check in at the hotel. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast visit Takin Zoo, BBS Tower, Chang Gangkha Monastery, Buddha Point, Changlimthang Stadium & Archery ground. Afternoon visit Tashichho dzong (Outside view), National Memorial Chorten, Government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops. Overnight stay at Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu To Punakha /wangdue Via Dochula Pass
After permit (Permit is not issued on Saturdays, Sundays & Govt holidays) drive (70 kms / 2.30 hrs) to Punakha/Wangdue, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. En route you can visit Mehsina Village & Chime Lhakhang. Visit Punakha Dzong & Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery in Punakha. Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 4: Punakha To Bumthang Via Trongsa
Morning transfer (150 kms / 6 hrs) to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele la pass en route visit Trongsa Dzong, Chendbji Chorten. Drive to Bumthang (70 kms / 2.30 hrs). Reach at evening. Check in at the hotel. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 5: Bumthang Sightseeing Tour
Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the valley. Afternoon visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places. Later visit Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the country. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang To Punakha/wangdue Via Phobjikha Valley
After breakfast drive to Punakha/Wangdue ( 220 km/8 hrs) via Phobjikha valley. Reach at Punakha/Wangdue by evening. Check in at the hotel. Overnight at Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 7: Punakha To Paro
Morning transfer (160 kms / 4 hrs) to Paro. Check in at the hotel. Overnight in Paro.
Day 8: Excursion To Haa Valley Via Chelela Pass
Early morning drive to Haa via Chele-la pass. After driving through blue pine & rhododendron forest for 45 km, reach Chele-la pass (4200 meters). From this point one can have a superb views of Mount-Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoying the view. Drive on to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km (Approx 01 hr drive)), finally reaching Haa. Explore the sightseeing at Haa. Later in the afternoon drive to Paro same way back. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 9: Paro Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history. Afternoon visit Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Return at hotel. Overnight at Paro.
Day 10: Departure From Paro
After breakfast drop to Paro airport.