DAY 1 (02 October 2025/THU): BANGKOK/PARO/THIMPHU (L, D)
Depart from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport and arrive Paro International Airport. On arrival at Paro International Airport in Bhutan you will be greeted by the company guide. At more than 7000 feet above sea level, you will need to acclimate to the high altitude. So we take a short drive to Thimphu and enjoy a Bhutanese lunch.
After lunch, visit the National Textile Museum where exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men.
After that visit the beautiful National Memorial Chorten. You can spend the rest of the evening at leisure either relaxing in the hotel or take a stroll through Thimphu town.
[Hotel: Namgay Heritage Hotel] [Or similar]
DAY 2 (3 October 2025/FRI): THIMPHU (B, L, D)
Start the day with a visit to the largest sitting Buddha statue perched on top of a scenic hill and enjoy a breathtaking view of Thimphu city. The statue sits at 169 feet and is one of the largest statues in the world depicting a seated Buddha.
Then visit the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. A prominent nose with a swollen appearance to liken the takin to a ‘bee-stung moose’
Have a traditional Bhutanese lunch at a local restaurant
Continue on to visit the interesting Folk Heritage Museum, a restored three-storey, rammed-earth and timber building which replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about a century ago.
[Hotel: Namgay Heritage Hotel] [Or similar]
DAY 3 (04 October 2025/SAT) THIMPHU/PHOBJIKHA (B, L, D)
Depart for the beautiful valley of Phobjikha (the drive is approx. 4-5 hours) in the morning.
Stop enroute at Dochula Pass, 10,200 feet on the East West Highway. If weather permits, the east of the highway provides a stunning view of the Himalaya mountain ranges. The pass also has the 108 memorial chortens or Druk Wangyel Chorten built as a memorial to those who lost their lives during a low intensity conflict between Bhutanese soldiers and Indian rebels camped in the jungle of Bhutan.
From the road, view Rinchengang, one of Bhutan’s oldest villages. The craftsmen of Rinchengang are sought after for their skills in contraction of the many fortresses and temples you see across Bhutan.
If time permits, take a walk through the breathtaking and meandering valley of Gangtey. It is an easy flat walk.
[Hotel: Dewachen Hotel, Phobjikha] [Or similar]
DAY 4 (05 October 2025/SUN) PHOBJIKHA (B, L, D)
In the morning, partake in a traditional dress wearing activity.
Visit the Gangtey Goemba, a 17th century monastery with impressive views over the valley. If dates coincide as predicted, witness the Gangtey Tshechu.
[Hotel: Dewachen Hotel, Phobjikha] [Or similar]
In the afternoon, visit the Black Crane nature information centre and time permitting take an excursion further down the valley to the more remote part of the valley through villages, temples and farm houses.
Please note: There is a traditional festival called Gantey Tshechu. For 2025, it is predicted for 5-7 October 2025. We have tried to match the dates with the visit. Every year the dates change based on the lunar calendar. The 2025 dates will not be released until early 2025.
DAY 5 (06 October 2025/MON) PHOBJIKHA/TRONGSA/BUMTHANG (B, L, D)
Start early for Bumthang. The drive from Phobjikha to Bumthang is across the scenic Black Mountain ranges (approx. 4-5 hours). On the way stop at Chendebji Chorten, which is a stupa along the riverside constructed in the Nepalese style. Stop and visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture that was built in the 17th century. Trongsa is where the current monarchy had its origin in Bhutan. Each king in the line of succession has held the post of Trongsa Penlop or Governor before donning the Raven Crown. After lunch continue the drive to Bumthang. The evening is free to relax.
[Hotel: Bhutan Mountain Resort] [Or similar]
DAY 6 (07 October 2025/TUE) BUMTHANG (B, L, D)
Today we will visit a farm house in Central Bhutan and take part in making traditional buckwheat noodles and pancakes. You will later be served whatever you made for lunch.
In the afternoon, take a lovely walk [easy level of fitness] that connects three main temples of Bumthang—the 1200 years old Jambay Lhakhang, the Kurje Lhakhang and the Tamshing Lhakhang. The walk is approximately 2 hours and is connected by a suspension bridge that runs over the river.
[Hotel: Bhutan Mountain Resort] [Or similar]
DAY 7 (08 October 2025/WED) BUMTHANG/PUNAKHA (B, L, D)
Depart early for Punakha (drive time is approx. is 5+ hours). On the way visit the Tower of Trongsa or Taa Dzong. A watchtower built in 1652, it now serves as home to the Royal Heritage Museum featuring Buddhist scriptures murals and history of the area
[Hotel: Spirit Village Lodge] [Or similar]
DAY 8 (09 October 2025/THU) PUNAKHA (B, L, D)
In the morning if you do not have acrophobia, you have the option of walking over Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge. This iron chain bridge is adorned with many prayer flags and perched above the swift flowing male river.
Punakha Dzong (the Palace of Great Happiness), which is a magnificent and one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan is next visit. Built in 1637, the six-story structure is the winter home of the Chief Abbot of the clergy.
In the afternoon, enjoy a rafting experience in either the Pho chu (male river) or the Mo Chu (female river) that surround the Punakha Dzong.
[Hotel: Spirit Village Lodge] [Or similar]
DAY 9 (10 October 2025/FRI) PUNAKHA/PARO (B, L, D)
In the morning depart for Paro Valley (the drive is approx. 3 hours).
Enroute stop at Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to one of Bhutan’s most prominent Buddhist saint famous for his unorthodox methods of teaching.
In the evening stroll through Paro town exploring the beautiful Bhutanese handicraft stores
Enjoy dinner on your own in the many cafes/restaurants of Paro.
[Hotel: Tashi Namgay Resort] [Or similar]
DAY 10 (11 Oct 2025/SAT) PARO (B, L, D)
Set off this morning on a hike to Bhutan’s famous viewpoint site of Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery perched on a cliff about 3000 feet off the valley floor (moderate level of fitness). For those unable to walk, there will be alternate arrangements.
Visit the Drugyal Dzong. The fortress was built to fight invading Tibetan armies.
Optional: After dinner visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery (the tour excludes any drinks)
[Hotel: Tashi Namgay Resort] [Or similar]
(Note: The hike to Taktsang will be subject to change (either Day 10 or Day 11) depending on the weather in Paro.)
DAY 11 (12 Oct 2025/SUN) PARO (B, L, D)
In the morning, visit local sites. Stroll through Paro town in the afternoon for any last-minute shopping. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
[Hotel: Tashi Namgay Resort] [Or similar]
DAY 12 (13 Oct 2025/MON) PARO/BANGKOK (B)
Depart Paro International Airport for Bangkok.
