Bhutan: History, Nature and Culture

Thimphu · Punakha · Bumthang · Trashigang · Paro, Bhutan

14 days / 13 nights

Paro • Thimphu • Punakha • Trongsa • Bumthang • Mongar • Trashigang • Bumthang • Gangtey • Paro

Thimphu · 2 nightsPunakha · 1 nightTrongsa · 1 nightBumthang · 2 nightsMongar · 1 nightTrashigang · 2 nightsBumthang · 1 nightGangtey / Phobjikha Valley · 1 nightParo · 2 nights

Overview

This 14-day route is for travellers who want to see more than Bhutan’s best-known western valleys. You arrive in Paro and travel first to Thimphu, then continue east through Punakha, Trongsa and Bumthang before reaching Mongar and Trashigang.

The programme mixes cultural visits with mountain journeys and gentle walks. You cross the Dochula Pass, visit major dzongs and monasteries, spend time in Bumthang’s sacred valleys and take a day trip from Trashigang to Tashi Yangtse. On the way back west, you stop in Phobjikha Valley for Gangtey Monastery and a nature walk.

The trip ends in Paro with the hike to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest. Full board, the nightly SDF fee, transport for excursions, entrance fees, 3-star accommodation on a twin or double basis, an English-speaking guide, international flights and luggage are listed as included. Tell us your airport and dates and we’ll confirm the current quote.

Highlights

Cross the 3,100 m Dochula Pass
Explore Bumthang’s sacred temples and valleys
Travel into eastern Bhutan to Trashigang
Walk through Phobjikha Valley
Hike to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest

Your journey

1–2

Thimphu

Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu. Visit the Memorial Chorten, Takin Mini Zoo, Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, the Folk Heritage Museum, Zorig Chusum and Changangkha Lhakhang, with time for the town and local markets.

Punakha via Dochula Pass

Cross the 3,100 m Dochula Pass, see the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and continue to Punakha Dzong. Later, take a gentle walk through rice fields and villages to Chimi Lhakhang.

Trongsa

Travel east to Trongsa and visit Trongsa Dzong, overlooking the Mangde Chu valley. The journey follows mountain roads through changing landscapes.

5–6

Bumthang

Explore Bhutan’s spiritual heartland with Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang and Tamshing Monastery. Walk through villages and farmland and visit Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake.

Mongar

Travel through Thrumshingla National Park as the scenery shifts from alpine forest to subtropical landscapes. Arrive in Mongar and visit Mongar Dzong.

8–9

Trashigang & Tashi Yangtse

Continue to Trashigang for its dzong, markets and eastern Bhutanese daily life. The next day, take a return excursion to Tashi Yangtse, Chorten Kora and nearby craft villages.

Return to Bumthang

Retrace the route west through mountain passes and forested landscapes, arriving in Bumthang in the evening.

Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley

Drive to Phobjikha Valley, visit Gangtey Monastery and walk across the valley floor. Black-necked cranes may be present seasonally.

Paro

Travel to Paro via Punakha and Dochula Pass. Visit Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong, then cross the traditional wooden cantilever bridge.

Tiger’s Nest

Hike to Taktsang Monastery, perched above the Paro Valley. After descending, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.

Departure

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.

Stay & experience

Thimphu

2 nights · Twin or double room · Full board

Thimphu sightseeing programme

Punakha