9 Days In-depth Western and Central Bhutan Tour

Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”. We’re sure you must get amazed at the stunning vista of majestic Himalayas, esp. the lofty Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Drake Peaks during your flight. However, they are only a small appetizer. Upon your arrival in Paro international airport, our Bhutan guide and driver will be expecting you and later transfer you to your hotel.

After a brief rest at your hotel, in the afternoon, with time permitting, you will move to visit the National Museum of Bhutan, which looks like a round watchtower. You can trace back to the ancient Bhutan history and explore the diverse wild lives as well as splendid local culture and arts. And later, you will explore the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Located at the suburb of Paro City, Rinpung Dzong is a fortress built in the 17th century to protect Paro valley, which offers you picturesque scenery and a sense of inner peace.

In the evening, we will head to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan and spend the night there.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will head to visit National Memorial Chorten. It was constructed in memorial of the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, in 1974. The King was generally regarded as the father of modern Bhutan and widely esteemed by the Bhutanese. “Chorten” in Bhutan literally refers to the “seat of faith” and Buddhists often call such monuments the “Mind of Buddha”.

Then, you can move to visit the Traditional Arts and Crafts Painting School where students receive a six-year course on the 13 different traditional arts and crafts. After that, paying a visit to the National Textile Museum. It is an amazing museum that keeps the traditional art of waving preserved and exhibits a good collection of ancient colored textile in various forms. You can find how the exquisite exhibits are waved by locals giving a spot operation with intricate tools. Finally,visiting Motithang Takin Preserve to view Bhutan's National Animal - Takin.

After finish your sightseeing in Thimphu, the drive will take you along the Wangchu River up to Simtokha and finally arrive at Punakha after crossing the Dochula Pass (3,140m). Enjoy the draw-dropping panoramic view of the majestic Himalaya Range from Dochula Pass and overlook the gorgeous flower-clustered valley below.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Get up in the morning to visit Punakha Dzong, widely believed to be the most beautiful Bhutanese Dzong, built at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers. Never miss the Punakha festival around mid-Feb if you come at the right time. Next, the car will drive you to Phobjkha valley. Here, you will visit the Gangtey Monastery, a can’t-miss monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Lastly, you can enjoy the beautiful sceneries along the route and end at the Black Necked Crane Center. Take a leisure walk in this eminent center and pay a visit to the local’s house. Feel free to interact with the people residing around and ask whatever you are interested.

Stay overnight in Phobjkha.

Today, you will continue to drive to Trongsa, the center of Bhutan historically and geographically. On arrival at Trongsa, you will visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan and built on a spur overlooking the gorge of the Mangde River.

Then, you will head to visit the old tower of Trongsa (also called Ta-Dzong), a brilliant historical center of Bhutan. The five stories of showcases center around Buddhist workmanship and imperial memorabilia, including such fluctuated treasures as the 500-year-old coat of Ngagi Wangchuk and the football boots utilized by the teenaged fourth king.

Stay overnight in Trongsa.

Today, you will continue your travel to Bumthang by passing through Yotong La Pass (3,400m). The route during this section takes you to the Yathra Waving Center at Zugney village where you can witness the locals waving Yathra, a name that refers to the colorful and woolen cloth with geometric design in Bhutanese. Then the bus takes you further to Bumthang valley.

Then, pay a visit to the Jambay Lhakhang, a temple built by the King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in the 7th century. With his effort in the propagation of Buddhism, the Tibet king had an ambitious plan to build a total of 108 temples in Tibet and Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Set out in the early morning after breakfast and travel to Wangdue Phodrang through Pele La Pass (3,300m). After arriving at Pele La Pass, you can see a brilliant stupa with colored prayer flags in front of you. Besides, you will get a fantastic view of Mt.Jomolhari and Jiuchu Drakye on the way.

Stay overnight in Wangdue Phodrang.

In the morning, you will visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. It was founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638 atop a high ridge between the Puna Tsang Chhu and the Dang Chhu, clearly chosen for its commanding view of the valleys below.

After the wonderful sightseeing, you will drive to Paro.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Drive to the base of Taktsang Ghoempa in the early morning after breakfast, and then embark on the hike to Taktsang Ghoempa. The principal lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory.

Climb up to the viewpoint (1.5 hours) to enjoy the stunning view of the monastery clinging to the side of the sheer vertical cliff. After a temporary refreshment stop at the viewpoint (3,140m), you continue to ascend higher to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (1 hour) and get a closer look of this miraculous monastery. Take an overlook to find amazing sceneries underneath.

After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return downward trip and drive back to Paro.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Today, our tour guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination. Tour service end.