12 Days: Bhutan Cultural Expedition

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

Highlights: Tachogang Lhakhang, Thimphu Town

Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your guide.
Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital.
Stopping en route at Tachogang Lhakhang, the Temple of the Iron Bridge.
Explore Thimphu’s bustling streets and shops selling local crafts, or relax at your hotel.
Overnight in Thimphu.

Drive time: 1.5 hours

Day 2: Exploring Thimphu

Highlights: Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Motithang Takin Preserve, National Textile Museum, National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Weekend Market and Craft Market

Visit the Buddha Dordenma, a massive golden statue overlooking the valley.
Visit the Memorial Chorten, an iconic landmark dedicated to Bhutan’s beloved third king.
Stop at the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. The Takin is a fascinating creature said to be part goat and part cow.
Explore the National Textile Museum, which showcases Bhutanese weaving traditions and appreciate the intricate fabrics on display.
Watch students master Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum.
Stroll through the Weekend Market (open daily) and cross the river to the Craft Market (open Friday to Sunday) to browse bamboo products, masks and more.
Relax or explore more of Thimphu’s cultural offerings at your own pace.
Optional experiences:
- Institute of Astrology: Receive a personalised reading from a Bhutanese astrologer.
- Folk Heritage Museum: Step into traditional Bhutanese life and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.
- National Library: Admire the stunning Bhutanese Architecture and explore books about Bhutan.
- General Post Office: Create your own personalised Bhutanese stamps using your photo and mail a postcard for a unique souvenir.
- Handmade Paper Factory: Learn the art of traditional Bhutanese paper-making and shop for beautiful handmade paper products.
Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu – Transfer to Punakha

Highlights: Dochula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, Khuruthang Goemba

Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, where you wil enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan peaks. This serene mountain pass is adorned with 108 chortens, creating a tranquil and spiritual ambiance.
Explore Chimi Lhakhang (also known as the Temple of Fertility) nestled amid picturesque fields. This sacred site is renowned for its blessings of fertility and spiritual significance.
Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, an institute for higher learning for nuns. This site offers spectacular views of Punakha Valley.
Discover Khuruthang Goemba, a Buddhist monastery in the heart of Khuruthang.
Overnight in Punakha.

Drive time: less than 2 hours

Day 4: Exploring Punakha

Highlights: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Dzong, Pho Chu Suspension Bridge

Embark on a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful hilltop temple overlooking the Punakha Valley.
Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, a historic and architectural marvel situated at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. Learn about its historical significance and admire its intricate architecture.
Cross the Pho Chu Suspension Bridge, Bhutan's longest suspension bridge, and enjoy the tranquil countryside.
Relax at your hotel or stroll through the nearby villages, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of Punakha.
Optional experience:
- For a thrilling experience, enjoy water rafting on the Pho or Mo Chhu river. Prices range from USD $100–150 per boat.
Overnight in Punakha.

Day 5: Punakha – Transfer to Trongsa

Highlights: Pele La Pass, Chendebji Chorten, Trongsa Dzong, Royal Heritage Museum, Trongsa town

Begin your journey to Trongsa, enjoying stunning views of forests and valleys along the way.
Along the way, stop at Pele La Pass which offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Known for its spiritual significance, the pass is also marked by colourful prayer flags.
Visit Chendebji Corten, which is constructed in the style of Nepalese stupas. It is believed to house the remains of a demon subdued by the first king of Bhutan.
Visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan, which played a significant role in Bhutan’s history.
Visit the Royal Heritage Museum and delve into Bhutan’s royal history and culture at this fascinating museum.
Stroll through Trongsa town and soak in the historic ambiance.
Overnight in Trongsa.

Drive time: 3 to 4 hours

Day 6: Trongsa – Transfer to Bumthang

Highlights: Chumey Valley,Yathra Weaving Center, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Goemba

Drive to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, passing through lush valleys and rolling hills.
Stop at Chumey Valley, renowned for its traditional yathra (woolen) weaves (found only in Bumthang). Visit the Yathra Weaving Center to watch the weaving in action.
Visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Look out for the 3 stone steps which have a symbolic representation.
Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred site associated with Guru Rinpoche (one of Bhutan's most important historical and religious figures who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan).
Explore Tamshing Goemba, a Buddhist monastery in Chokhor Valley. The monastery is known for its ancient Buddhist murals.
Stroll through the peaceful valleys of Bumthang.
Overnight in Bumthang.

Drive time: 2.5 hours

Day 7: Explore Ura Valley

Highlights: Ura village

Drive (2.5 hours) to Ura Valley. Ura is the highest of Bumthang's valleys and is believed to have been the home of the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan.
Explore the charming village of Ura, where closely packed houses line cobblestone streets.
In the village center, visit a temple built in traditional Bhutanese architectural style.
Discover the rural life as you visit the surrounding farms and the local school.
Overnight in Bumthang.

Drive time: 5 hours

Day 8: Bumthang – Transfer to Phobjikha Valley

Highlights: Gangteng Monastery, Gangtey Valley

Travel to the stunning Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley known for its breathtaking landscapes and its role as the winter home of the black-necked cranes.
Visit Gangteng Monastery, one of the Bhutan’s largest and most significant monasteries. During the winter migration, black-necked cranes circle the monastery three times upon arrival and departure — a mesmerising spectacle rooted in local beliefs.
Take a peaceful walk through the scenic trail of Gangtey Valley and enjoy its serene ambience.
Overnight in Phobjikha.

Drive time: 4 to 5 hours

Day 9: Phobjikha – Transfer to Paro

Highlights: Black-necked Crane Museum, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Rinchengang Village, Paro Town

After breakfast, visit the Black-necked Crane Museum to learn about the rare and endangered black-necked cranes that inhabit the valley. These magnificent birds can be spotted in the valley’s meadows during winter.
Drive back to Paro, taking in the breathtaking views along the way.
En route to Paro, stop at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, uniquely perched on a hilltop. Built in traditional Bhutanese architectural style, the dzong was tragically destroyed by fire in 2012. Restoration efforts are underway to return it to its former glory.
Visit Rinchengang Village, a small clustered village across from Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. This village is famous for its traditional stonework craftmanship.
Take a leisurely stroll through Paro Town, where you can shop for traditional crafts or simply soak in the charming atmosphere.
Overnight in Paro.

Drive time: 4 to 5 hours

Day 10: Paro – Tiger’s Nest Hike

Highlights: Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), traditional hot stone bath, home-cooked Bhutanese dinner at a local farmhouse

Embark on a hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan's most iconic landmark perched dramatically on a cliffside. The hike offers stunning views and an glimpse into Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.
After your hike, unwind with a rejuvenating hot stone bath. A unique Bhutanese tradition perfect for relaxation after your hike up to Tiger's Nest.
End the day with a delicious home-cooked Bhutanese meal at a local farmhouse. You can also request to try ara (or arag), a traditional Bhutanese alcoholic beverage.
Overnight in Paro.
Optional experience:
- Luxury Campsite Above Tiger’s Nest: For an extraordinary adventure, spend the night at a luxury campsite above Tiger’s Nest (available at an additional cost). This will involve a 5-6 hours hike up to the campsite on Day 10, and visiting Tiger's Nest and the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, on Day 11.

Day 11: Explore Chele La Pass and Kila Goemba

Highlights: Chele La Pass, Kila Goemba

Take a scenic drive to Chele La Pass, one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Jomolhari. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and vibrant prayer flags adorning the pass.
Hike (1 to 1.5 hours) up to Kila Goemba, a serene nunnery perched on a cliff below Chele La Pass. The hike offers stunning vistas and an opportunity to experience the peaceful monastic life. Spend time exploring the nunnery and its surroundings.
Wander through Paro town for last-minute shopping or visit additional nearby sites as per your interest.
Optional experience:
- Experience the vibrant local culture and pick up fresh produce and locally made crafts at the Farmers’ Market.
Overnight in Paro.

Drive time: 3.5 to 4 hours

Day 12: Departure from Paro

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
End of tour.