Himalaya Tour (10 Nights / 11 Days)

Overview

• Day 1: Paro to Thimphu
• Day 2: Thimphu
• Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
• Day 4: Punakha
• Day 5: Punakha to Bumthang
• Day 6: Bumthang
• Day 7: Bumthang to Gangtey
• Day 8: Gangtey to Paro
• Day 9: Excursion to Haa Valley via Chelela Pass
• Day 10: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
• Day 11: Departure

Day 1: Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu (54 km)

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide and driver will greet you and accompany you on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Along the way, enjoy views of terraced fields and traditional farmhouses. If time permits, stop at Tachog Lhakhang Bridge or Tamchog Monastery before checking in at your hotel.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Thimphu

Spend the day exploring Bhutan’s capital, beginning with the National Memorial Chorten and the grand Buddha Dordenma. Continue to Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Bhutanese government, and the Folk Heritage Museum for an insight into traditional lifestyles. End your day at the bustling Centenary Farmers Market or stroll along Norzin Lam Street.

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass (76 km)

Depart Thimphu after breakfast and ascend to Dochula Pass (3,100 m), adorned with 108 memorial chortens and offering sweeping views of the Himalayas. Descend into the warmer Punakha Valley, visiting Chimi Lhakhang—known as the Temple of Fertility—before continuing to Punakha Dzong, a riverside masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.

Day 4: Explore Punakha Valley

Begin your day with a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning temple built for world peace, followed by a walk across one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges. Spend your afternoon exploring the countryside, visiting local villages and admiring the fertile valley’s natural beauty.

Day 5: Punakha to Bumthang (214 km)

Embark on a long but rewarding drive to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. En route, cross the Pele La Pass and stop at Trongsa Dzong, a grand fortress steeped in history. Continue through Chumey Valley, known for its handwoven Yathra textiles, before arriving in Bumthang for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Discover Bumthang

Explore Bumthang’s sacred sites, including Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Monastery, and Tamshing Lhakhang. Visit Jakar Dzong, perched above the valley, and take a leisurely walk through Chamkhar town. In the evening, enjoy local cuisine and the serene atmosphere of this spiritual valley.

Day 7: Bumthang to Gangtey (188 km)

Travel westward towards Gangtey, a glacial valley in Phobjikha renowned for its pristine beauty and as the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes. Visit Gangtey Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most important Nyingma monasteries, and take a nature walk across the valley’s scenic wetlands.

Day 8: Gangtey to Paro (170 km)

Drive back to Paro, retracing the mountain roads through Wangdue and Dochula Pass. Stop for refreshments and photo breaks along the way. Upon arrival in Paro, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, before settling in for the evening.

Day 9: Excursion to Haa Valley via Chelela Pass (120 km round trip)

Embark on a full-day excursion to Haa Valley, crossing the high Chelela Pass (3,988 m), where thousands of prayer flags flutter against panoramic Himalayan views. Explore Haa’s traditional villages, temples, and scenic landscapes before returning to Paro by evening.

Day 10: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Begin early for the iconic hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, perched dramatically on a cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. Enjoy refreshments at the viewpoint café before continuing to the monastery. Return to Paro and unwind with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath.

Day 11: Departure from Paro

After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Bid farewell to Bhutan with cherished memories and a promise to return to this peaceful Himalayan kingdom.