Central Bhutan Tour
"Bhutan lies hidden in the folds of the eastern Himalayas"
Central Bhutan’s verdant mountains and meticulously tended valleys form the cultural nucleus of the country. Adorned with some of Bhutan’s oldest and most revered temples and monasteries, this region serves as the cornerstone of Bhutanese heritage. Vibrant festivals steeped in tradition captivate visitors, while numerous captivating day hikes await exploration throughout the area.
Spanning the 3420-meter-high Pele La and traversing the formidable Black Mountains lies the illustrious Trongsa Dzong. Positioned at the convergence of three major roads, it holds immense historical significance and grandeur. A brief, albeit steep, journey over the Yotong La (3425m) from Trongsa leads to the four valleys of Bumthang. This enchanting region resonates with tales of saints, treasure-seekers, epic demon-subduing battles, and awe-inspiring miracles. Abundant with relics, hermitages, and sacred sites from the visits of revered figures like Guru Rinpoche and Pema Lingpa, Bumthang exudes mystical allure.
Central Bhutan draws fewer tourists compared to its western counterpart, yet the presence of Bumthang’s airport has significantly eased travel to this region, offering greater accessibility than ever before.
Note: For groups of less than three, the Royal Government of Bhutan imposes surcharges; surcharges are separated from minimum daily tour prices. You can also visit Tourism Department official website http://www.tourism.gov.bt/plan/minimum-daily-package
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines
Day 2: Paro
Day 3: Paro / Thimphu (60 km, 2 hours)
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha
Day 5: Punakha / Wangduephodrang / Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours)
Day 6: Gangtey / Trongsa (120 km, 4.1/2 hours)
Day 7: Trongsa / Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours)
Day 8: Bumthang
Day 9: Bumthang / Wangduephodrang (205 km, 7 hours)
Day 10: Wangduephodrang / Paro (77 km, 3 hours)
Day 11: Paro (Excursion to Haa valley)
Day 12: Depart Paro
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines
Druk Airways and Bhutan Airlines flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport, immigration and customs formalities and then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Evening takes a stroll around the town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 02: Paro
After Breakfast proceeds to Taktsang Palphug Monastery more famous as Paro Taktsang is a Buddhist temple complex which clings to a cliff, 3120 meters above the sea level on the side of the upper Paro valley, Bhutan.
The Taktsang Palphug Monastery is one of the most famous touristic destinations of the country and the cultural icon of Bhutan.
Visiting the Paro Taktsang Monastery is an unforgettable experience thanks to its unique location and the views of surrounding majestic mountains and emerald green valleys.
After lunch, drive up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in war of 1644.
Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03: Paro / Thimphu (60 km, 2 hours)
After breakfast proceeds to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.
Afternoon, in Thimphu, visit King’s Memorial Chhorten National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Then proceed to Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue under construction in the mountains of Bhutan. The statue will house over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself, the Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum followed by the visit to the local market. Trashichhodzong, This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body also chance to witness the national flag ceremony.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha
Morning, Thimphu sightseeing, visiting National Library, Painting School and Traditional Medicine Institute.
After lunch, drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop en route at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan.
On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress of the 17th century and later visit Khamsm Yulley Namgyal Chhorten.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 05 : Punakha / Wangduephodrang / Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours)
After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit majestic Wangdue Dzong and interesting local market.
Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron trees, reaching Gangtey (Phobjikha).
Evening takes a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region.
Overnight at Camp / Guest House.
Day 06: Gangtey / Trongsa (120 km, 4.1/2 hours)
Morning explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. The cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape its harsh winters.
After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele la pass. Evening visit to Trongsa market.
Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.
Day 07: Trongsa / Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours)
Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and see Ta Dzong, the watchtower, built to defend this Dzong and the surrounding region.
After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 08: Bumthang
Bumthang is the general name given to the combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative center 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.
Evening visit to local shops. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 09: Bumthang / Wangduephodrang (205 km, 7 hours)
The morning after visiting Bumthang market, drive to Wangdue . Lunch would be served en route at one of the famous restaurant in Trongsa town.
Evening takes a stroll around Wangdue town, visiting shops, local market and mingling with people.
Overnight at the hotel in Wangduephodrang.
Day 10: Wangduephodrang / Paro (77 km, 3 hours)
Morning excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs, and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30-minute walk across the field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.
Afternoon drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Paro (Excursion to Haa valley)
Start the day early for the drive to Haa via Chele-la pass. 4 Km away at Bondey village the road to Haa diverts towards the right-hand side and the climb up towards the chele-la pass starts. After driving through blue pine & rhododendron forest for 45 km, reach Chele-la pass ( 4200 meters). From this point, one can have superb views of Mount. Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around for a few minutes enjoying the view. Drive on to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km (under an hours drive), finally reaching Haa.
The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by the military, but the view from outside is stunning. After picnic lunch visit to the famous Monastery Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) followed by the visit to Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to have no difference with that of Lhasa JOWO in Tibet. The construction of the Lakhang Karpo is believed to have been assisted by the locality. As a result, the place came to be locally known as “Hay” meaning “surprise” which later became “Haa” due to the differences in interpretations and pronunciations of different people over time.
The three giant hills looming over the fringes of Haa valley were called “Me Rig Puen Sum” especially after the incidence of the Lhakhang Kdarpo construction. Today the three hills are popularly known as “Rig Sum Goenpa” signifying three deities-Jambayang Chana Dorji and Chenrizig.
Later, other Buddhist saints like Guru Rinpoche and “Machi Labdorn” came to the Jungney Drag in Haa and blessed the locality. The principal religion followed is Drukpa Kagyud.
After the arrival of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the chief guardian deity of Haa became Ap Chundu.
Later in the afternoon drive to Paro same way back. The drive will be under 3 hours. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 12: Depart Paro
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.
1. A sustainable development fee of $65 per person per night. This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.
2. 2% Government Tax per Person per Night.
3. All Meals.
4. Daily Mineral Water.
5. English Language Speaking Guide.
6. Comfortable and Luxurious Imported Cars for Internal Transportation with Skilled Driver.
7. Entrance fees for Museums.
8. The Government set package rates is valid for accommodation on twin sharing basis.
9. A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
- Airfare international & Domestic.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal shopping.
- Alcohol.
- Laundry.
- Tips for Guide & Driver.
- BOOK BHUTAN TOUR
- Changzamtok, Gongphel Lam
Ashi Building: 20 - Thimphu, Bhutan – 11001
- Phone: +975 2 340 662
- B-Mobile: +975 1761 4054
- T-Mobile: +975 7770 7070
- bookbhutantour@gmail.com