Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu
You'll arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel (about 30 minutes away). No activities are scheduled for today, so settle in whenever suits you. Later this evening, your local Nepali guide will stop by for a briefing about the trip ahead. If you're up for it, head out for dinner and try some local food like momos or dal bhat.
Optional Activities
- Walk into town centre (approximately 15 minutes from hotel)
- Dinner at local restaurants
- Day 2
Kathmandu to Paro
Fly from Kathmandu to Paro, which sits in the wooded valleys of western Bhutan along the Paro Chu River. Your Bhutanese tour leader will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel. Depending on how much daylight remains, you'll get a quick tour of the town and visit Rimpung Dzong, an impressive fortress that overlooks the valley.
Included Activities
- Visit Rimpung Dzong (if time allows)
Landmarks/POIs Rimpung Dzong - Day 3
Paro to Punakha
Drive east through the Black Mountains and reach Dochu La Pass at 3,200m/10,500ft. The pass is lined with colorful prayer flags, and when the weather clears, you'll see views toward Gangkhar Punsum, Bhutan's highest peak. From there, descend into Punakha Valley and stop at Chimmi Lhakhang Monastery, a 15th-century site associated with the 'Mad Monk.'
Included Activities
- Visit Chimmi Lhakhang Monastery
Landmarks/POIs Dochu La Pass Gangkhar Punsum Chimmi Lhakhang Monastery Punakha Valley - Day 4
Punakha
Start with Punakha Dzong, the 17th-century fortress built on a sandbank where two rivers meet. It once served as the seat of government. In the afternoon, hike to Khamsum Yuley Chorten on a 2-hour round trip through the valley. Along the way, stop at a farmhouse to try yak butter tea and chat with locals about Bhutanese daily life.
Included Activities
- Visit Punakha Dzong
- Hike to Khamsum Yuley Chorten (2 hour round trip)
- Visit farmhouse and try yak butter tea
Landmarks/POIs Punakha Dzong Khamsum Yuley Chorten - Day 5
Punakha to Phobjika
Drive through Phobjika Valley's glacial landscape, a winter home for rare black-necked cranes (October to March). Visit Gangtey Monastery, built in the early 17th century with one of Bhutan's largest prayer halls. Then walk down through the valley toward Phobjika village and see the black-necked-crane information center.
Included Activities
- Visit Gangtey Monastery
- Walk through Phobjika Valley
- Visit black-necked-crane information centre
Landmarks/POIs Phobjika Valley Gangtey Monastery - Day 6
Phobjika to Thimphu
Leave early for Thimphu, the capital. The drive takes about 8 hours with stops and winds past paddy fields, apple orchards, pine forests, and small hamlets. You'll see the King Jigme Dorij Wangchuk memorial, a Tibetan-style chorten honoring the third king. Once in Thimphu, walk around this unique capital city that famously has no traffic lights.
Included Activities
- Visit King Jigme Dorij Wangchuk memorial
- Walk through Thimphu city streets (if time allows)
Landmarks/POIs King Jigme Dorij Wangchuk Memorial - Day 7
Thimphu Festival
Spend your day at Thimphu's annual festival. Watch monks perform traditional masked dances called chhams. It's a great chance to meet locals from other districts who come to celebrate with family and friends during this lively gathering.
Included Activities
- Attend Thimphu annual festival
- Watch traditional masked dances (chhams)
- Day 8
Thimphu Festival
Continue at the festival with more celebrations and traditional dances happening throughout the day. The afternoon gives you some free time to relax, grab lunch, and recover before heading back to explore more of Thimphu.
Included Activities
- Attend Thimphu annual festival
- Watch festival celebrations and dances
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Thimphu
- Day 9
Thimphu to Paro
Head back toward Paro and hike to Taktsang Monastery, one of Bhutan's most sacred sites perched 900m above the Paro Valley. The demanding 3km hike takes 4-5 hours round trip through oak and pine forests. On your way back down, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang temple, one of Bhutan's holiest temples from 659 AD.
Included Activities
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery (3km, approximately 4-5 hours round trip)
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang temple
Landmarks/POIs Taktsang Monastery Kyichu Lhakhang - Day 10
Paro to Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu for a full day of sightseeing with a local guide. You'll see Durbar Square with its ornate palaces and temples from three centuries of royal rule. Walk through Asan Bazaar and visit Kumari Ghar, home to the living goddess Kumari Devi. Then visit Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati River, one of Hinduism's holiest sites. End at Bodnath Stupa, at 40m the valley's highest, surrounded by prayer flags.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Durbar Square
- Visit Asan Bazaar
- Visit Kumari Ghar (home of Kumari Devi)
- Visit Pashupatinath Temple
- Visit Bodnath Stupa
Landmarks/POIs Durbar Square Asan Bazaar Kumari Ghar Pashupatinath Temple Bodnath Stupa Bagmati River - Day 11
Kathmandu
This is your free day to explore Kathmandu and the surrounding area on your own schedule. Consider visiting Bhaktapur, a medieval Newari town in the eastern valley that's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with temples and artisans at work. Or head to Swayambunath, the 'Monkey Temple' on a nearby hilltop with Buddha eyes overlooking the valley.
Optional Activities
- Visit Bhaktapur (estimated US$ 35, minimum 4 people)
- Visit Swayambunath (Monkey Temple)
Landmarks/POIs Bhaktapur Swayambunath - Day 12
Kathmandu
Your trip ends after breakfast at the hotel. Depart whenever your schedule allows. If your flight leaves later in the day, the hotel can store your luggage so you don't have to carry it around.
- Meals
- Breakfast
