10 Day Bhutan Tour

Welcome to the enchanting Land of the Thunder Dragon! Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, one of our knowledgeable guides will be waiting for you outside the arrival hall to welcome you to Bhutan. As you will be at an altitude of more than 7,300 feet above sea level, we will start your journey with a leisurely drive to your hotel in Thimphu, where you can take some time to acclimate. After savoring a delicious Bhutanese lunch, we will begin our sightseeing adventure.

Our first stop is at the Motithang Takin Preserve, where you will encounter Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. This curious creature is often described as resembling a bee-stung moose. The preserve was established after the king released the animals from a small zoo, as keeping animals in captivity contradicts Buddhist beliefs.

Next, we will head up to Buddha View Point to see the breathtaking 169-foot tall Buddha Dordenma statue. As one of the largest statues in the world depicting a seated Buddha, it offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city below. This is the perfect place to end your first day in Bhutan, soaking up the stunning views and peaceful surroundings.

Experience the vibrant local culture of Bhutan with a visit to the Centenary Farmers’ Market, bustling with farmers and artisans from the nearby valleys selling their fresh produce and handmade crafts. For a glimpse into Bhutan’s rich history and traditions, the National Folk Heritage Museum and the National Textile Museum are must-sees. Marvel at the intricate art of weaving and the living art form of traditional Bhutanese weaving methods. Take a moment to meditate at the National Memorial Chorten, the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan, built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Witness the art of papermaking at the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where craftsmen demonstrate the traditional method of making Deh-sho paper used for Buddhist prayers and woodblock printing. Explore the oldest fortress in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong, and its beautiful Buddhist paintings and carvings, and then head to the largest fortress in Thimphu, the Thimphu Tashichho Dzong, which serves as the current seat of the King of Bhutan, showcasing distinctive Bhutanese architecture without the use of nails or written plans.

As we make our way towards Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital, we’ll make a stop at Dochula Pass. The breathtaking 360-degree views of the Himalayan Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. These chortens were built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the present Queen Mother of Bhutan, in honor of Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants and as a way to honor those who lost their lives.

Once we arrive in Punakha, we’ll be treated to the spectacular sight of Punakha Dzong. Set at the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by lavender Jacaranda trees, it’s considered one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. This six-story structure, built in 1637, is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan, and is still used as the winter home of the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbott of the clergy. In fact, in 2011, it was the site of the royal wedding of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema.

Another must-see in Punakha is the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. This four-story temple is a true masterpiece of Bhutanese art and architecture, and is only accessible by foot via a suspended footbridge adorned with colorful prayer flags. Built over nine years using only religious scriptures as a guide, it’s a true testament to the skill and dedication of Bhutanese craftsmen.

Discover the heart of Bhutan on a journey from Punakha to Bumthang. Begin your adventure with a scenic eight-hour drive through the central district of Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. As you approach Trongsa, the stunning Trongsa Dzong comes into view, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture preserved through professional restoration in 2004. The sprawling complex of temples, corridors, offices, and living quarters for monks was the birthplace of Bhutan’s current monarchy, with each king in the line of succession having held the post of Trongsa Penlop or Governor before donning the Raven Crown. Continuing your journey, you’ll come across the Chendebji Chorten, a large white chorten that sits in a picturesque location by a river confluence. Built in the 19th century by Lama Shida, it was patterned after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and covers the remains of an evil spirit that was killed. Finally, the journey ends at Bumthang, where you’ll discover the fascinating history of the Chendebji Chorten and the impressive Trongsa Dzong that looms high above the winding Mangde Chu Valley.

Nestled between 2,600 m – 4,000 m of elevation, the Bumthang Valley is renowned as the heartland of Buddhism in Bhutan. The valley has a rich history dating back to 746 AD, when Guru Rinpoche arrived to exorcise a demon from the king and convert the people to Buddhism, bringing peace to the region. He went on to build more than 40 temples in the area, including the sacred Kurjey Lhakhang, which houses a rock that shows Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint after he subdued the powerful Shelging Karpo demon. Another temple worth visiting is Jambay Lhakhang, built in 659 AD as one of 108 temples to pin down a giant demoness that was preventing the spread of Buddhism by laying her body across Tibet and Bhutan. 

Tamshing Goemba, built in 1501 by Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa, is also a must-see. To reach Thangbi Lhakhang, built in the 14th century, you’ll have to hike up to Thangbi Valley and cross a suspension bridge via an unpaved road. Kenchosum Lhakhang, a rural-looking temple, has roots dating back to the 7th century, with the current structure dating back to the 15th century. It is said that the three small Buddha statues inside the temple representing the past, present, and future were flown there and that when the bell is rung, it can be heard as far away as Lhasa in Tibet. Lastly, Jakar Dzong is a castle-like fortress built in 1549 on top of a hill overlooking the valley, with a rich history dating back to the unification of medieval Bhutan by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s father. For a taste of Swiss cheese and Bhutan’s only native beer, Red Panda, be sure to visit the Swiss Farm, owned by local Swiss Bhutanese Fritz Maurer.

As we journey towards Gangtey, we will have the opportunity to visit Trongsa, a town steeped in history and tradition. Known as the birthplace of the Wangchuck monarchy, the town boasts a rich cultural heritage and is home to the Trongsa Museum Taa Dzong, a 17th century watchtower that once served to protect the town from attack. Today, it serves as a Royal Heritage Museum, where visitors can delve into the fascinating history of the area and the Wangchuck dynasty. The museum showcases a range of Buddhist art, royal memorabilia, and unique artifacts, such as a 500-year-old jacket worn by Ngagi Wangchuck and Padma Kathang’s handwritten biography of Guru Rinpoche. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the Taa Dzong and its significance, Christian Schicklgruber’s Tower of Trongsa is a must-read.

At an elevation of 3,000 meters, the Phobjikha Valley, also known as Gangtey, is an exceptional destination. The valley is famous for its winter visitors, the elegant black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) that migrate here from Tibet between November and March. As a wildlife preserve, the valley is also home to other native Bhutanese animals such as muntjac, sambar, serow, and yak. The Gangtey Goemba, a 17th-century monastery, perches on a hill, providing a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley. The prayer hall (tshokhang) inside the monastery features eight magnificent pillars and showcases an excellent example of Tibetan architecture. Additionally, Kuenzang Chholing, a nearby white building, is where monks go to meditate for three years, three months, and three days. If you want a unique and immersive experience, you can stay in a hotel or room with a local family in a modest farmhouse, giving you an opportunity to get to know a Bhutanese family up close and personal.

As we return to Paro Valley, we are transported through time as we explore Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and its only airport. This blend of ancient and modern cultures is what makes Paro an integral part of Bhutan’s past, present, and future. In the distance, Jomolhari Mountain looms over the valley. Standing at 24,035 feet, it’s Bhutan’s third-tallest mountain and is often referred to as the wife of Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain.
The rivers of the valley are fed by the glacier waters that flow from Jomolhari’s peak. Paro (Rinpung) Dzong is a prime example of Bhutanese architecture from the 15th century. It’s known as the Fortress on Jewels because it was built entirely out of stone, and it’s one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. Today it serves as the government center of Paro. On the hill above it, we find Ta Dzong, a cylindrical watchtower converted into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968. The spiral-shaped building houses artifacts, art, textiles, weapons, and household items that provide an insight into Bhutan’s rich history.

Nestled in the heart of Bhutan is Taktsang Monastery, a sacred site that is accessible only by foot. A two-hour hike to this monastery, which was built precariously on the cliff’s edge over 10,000 feet above sea level, offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava, the father of Bhutan Buddhism, flew on the back of a tiger to meditate in a cave here for three years. The climb to the cafeteria is adorned with colorful prayer flags, and once you reach it, you can enjoy a serene atmosphere and take stunning photographs of this picturesque monastery.

A short drive away from Taktsang Monastery, the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong await your exploration. This fortress was built in 1647 by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to defend against invading Tibetan armies. Although the dzong was destroyed by fire in 1957, the ruins still stand as a testament to Bhutan’s glorious military victories of the past. On clear days, you can even spot the snow-capped peak of Jomolohari Mountain from the ruins. Finally, we’ll visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. This temple was built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gambo to overcome the giant demoness who was preventing the spread of Buddhism, and it is a true gem of Bhutanese culture and history. 

As we say goodbye to this breathtaking Himalayan country, we reflect on the memories we have made and the friendships we have formed. From the ancient monasteries and fortresses to the stunning mountain peaks and picturesque valleys, Bhutan has left an indelible mark on our hearts. We hope that you have captured these moments through your lens and that the memories you have created will stay with you for a lifetime. We invite you to return to this land of endless enchantments and explore even more of what this beautiful country has to offer. Until then, Tashi Delek.