8-Day Bhutan Itinerary: An Enchanting Himalayan Tour

Author: Shubhankar Sen on Jan 31,2023

Also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan is the enchanting land of art, culture, monasteries, and mountains. It is situated in the middle of India and Tibet. Besides endless monasteries, one can also get to witness amazing natural treasures and astonishing species of flora and fauna. This 8-day tour covers the destinations of Paro, Trongsa, Thimphu, Punakha, and Bhumthang to explore the alluring valleys, monasteries, and many other things. This ultimate destination is popular worldwide for classic monasteries, photogenic landscapes, local settings in medieval style, grand festivals, and unmatched shopping experiences.

Tour Highlights:

  • Visiting National Library, Thimphu and Traditional Medicine Institute
  • Exploring Gangkar Puensum, Trongsa and Chendebji Chorten
  • Visiting Kurje Lhakhang in Bhumthang
  • Exploring traditional Farm House, Paro.

A tour at a glance

Tour Price

Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

Meet your private guide at the Paro airport, and transfer to your hotel. Once you have arrived and settled in, enjoy an exotic Welcome dinner consisting of exquisite local delicacies. Rest up at your hotel and set off on an introductory guided tour to stretch your legs post-flight and get acquainted with the city. Our expert travel guide will answer any queries you have about your trip.

Day 2: Thimphu Exploration

Today, begin your journey with an entire day sightseeing trip to Thimphu valley. Visit the National Library, which is famous for its astonishing collection of Buddhist texts as well as manuscripts. Explore the Painting school, known for its tango paintings. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum and the Traditional Medicine institute. Make your way to the Memorial Chorten, which is constructed in memory of the third king of Bhutan, and also the Handicraft Emporium.  

Day 3: Heading to Trongsa

After the early morning breakfast, meet your private driver and drive towards Dochula Pass. On your way, visit Gangkar puensum, the highest peak of Bhutan, situated at the height of 7,497. Now, make your way toward Wangdue Phodrang. After spending some time at Wangdue Phodrang, proceed further towards Trongsa across Pelela pass. On the way, visit Chendebji Chorten, which was constructed in the 18th century by a lama, Shida. Its a quaint but charming town and is situated at seven hours drive from the Capital. Witness an amazing view of the Black Mountain Range towards the southwest. A majority of the towns population consists of Bhutanese having Tibetan descent. 

Day 4: Traversing to Bumthang

Often known as the Switzerland of the East, Bumthang is blessed with natural beauty and also some of the oldest Buddhist temples in the kingdom. The beautiful temples and monasteries here offer a rich spiritual experience to visitors. The snow-capped mountains, wide open valleys, fast-flowing mountain streams, green countryside, and easy-paced life gives it a Swiss-like look as well as feel. Make your way toward Trongsa Dzong, which was constructed by Shabdrung in 1647. On reaching Bumthang, check in at the hotel. After having lunch, make your way to Kurje Lhakhang, the place where the famous saint Padmasambhava managed to conquer a devil and then later left his bodys marks on a rock.

Day 5: Towards Punakha

Explore the enthralling valley of Bumthang. Later, head to Trongsa and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, begin your journey toward Punakha. On your way, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, situated beside the local town. 

Day 6: Exploring Punakha

Situated at the height of 4265 ft., Punakha valley is one of the countrys most scenic destinations and is the perfect place if you are a nature lover. Soak in the spectacular views of the Himalayas, listen to the peaceful sounds of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers that cut through the valley, or you can simply take in the serene beauty of this beautiful valley. Visit a great complex constructed at the convergence of two rivers, Punakha Dzong. Have lunch and then make your way towards Paro. On your way, visit the traditional Farm House of Bhutan and witness the local Bhutanese lifestyle. 

Day 7: One-Day Tour of Paro

Leave your hotel for a sightseeing trip to Paro Valley. Admire Ta Dzong, which is the watchtower for the Paro Dzong. Afterward, proceed further for a road trip to Drukgyel Dzong, constructed in 1647. On your way, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, which is the oldest, as well as many sacred shrines in the country. The scenic Paro valley is considered one of the widest as well as greenest valleys in Bhutan. The international airport of the country is indeed located in Paro, which in itself is a sight. It is surrounded by the tranquil Paro River flowing down the valley and the fertile rice fields. It is also one of the best towns in Bhutan to explore on foot. 

Day 8: Departure from Paro

After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the airport for your international departure.

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