Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu
You'll land at Kathmandu International Airport where your tour representative will meet you. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to wander around the city at your own pace. It's a good time to get oriented, grab some food, and start feeling the rhythm of this historic place.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome Dinner)
Optional Activities
- Explore historic and vibrant Kathmandu city
- Day 2
Kathmandu
This morning you'll head out to see some of Kathmandu's major sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Syambhunath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. You'll also check out Bouddha Nath, the largest Buddha Stupa in the area. In the afternoon, there's a pre-trip discussion where you'll get briefed on what to expect for your upcoming journey to Bhutan.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Visit Syambhunath Stupa
- Visit Pashupatinath Temple
- Visit Bouddha Nath Stupa
- Pre-trip discussion for Bhutan journey
Landmarks/POIs Kathmandu Durbar Square Syambhunath Stupa Pashupatinath Temple Bouddha Nath Stupa - Day 3
Paro
You'll fly to Paro and spend time walking through this charming valley town. The main stop is Paro Dzong, which shows off some really impressive Bhutanese architecture. Before heading out on your adventure tour, you'll explore other important sites in the area to get a feel for the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Paro Dzong
- Explore important sites in Paro
Landmarks/POIs Paro Dzong - Day 4
Paro to Thimphu
Starting early, you'll drive to Thimphu (about 2 hours) and stop at Simtokha Dzong, an ancient fortress, along the way. Thimphu's interesting because it's one of only two Asian capitals without traffic lights. By evening you'll be settled in the country's capital.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Simtokha Dzong
Landmarks/POIs Simtokha Dzong - Day 5
Thimphu to Trongsa
You'll set off early toward Trongsa, passing through Dochula Pass and the Trongsa valley. The drive takes roughly 7 hours, and along the way you'll see mountain peaks like Masagang and Tsendegang. Trongsa Dzong, your destination, dates back to the 16th century and sits right in the middle of the country.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Pass through Dochula pass
- Explore Trongsa valley and peaks
- Visit Trongsa Dzong
Landmarks/POIs Dochula Pass Trongsa Dzong - Day 6
Trongsa to Bhumthang
The drive from Trongsa to Bhumthang is considered one of Bhutan's easier and more interesting routes, passing through villages and gompas in the Chhume valley. Bhumthang hosts important festivals throughout the year, including one featuring mask dancing at the Dzong.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Drive through Chhume valley villages and gompas
- Day 7
Bhumthang Trek
Your trekking starts today as you follow the Chamkhar Chhu River through meadows, blue pine forests, and dense woodland. You'll pass through villages and temples, learning how locals live. After several hours of walking up from Thangbi Gompa, you'll reach Ngang-yul, where the 15th-century Swan Temple sits.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek along Chamkhar Chhu River
- Visit Thangbi Gompa
- Visit Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple)
Landmarks/POIs Thangbi Gompa Ngang Lhakhang - Day 8
Bhumthang Trek
From the Swan Temple, you'll trek toward Sambitang (about 30 minutes away), following trails through fields and streams, then rhododendron and dwarf bamboo forests. The path descends into Tang Chhu valley where you'll pass Tahung and Gamling, known for its weaving. You'll end at Ugyen Chholing at 2760m elevation.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Ngang Lhakhang to Sambitang
- Trek through rhododendron and dwarf bamboo forests
- Pass through Tahung and Gamling villages
- Reach Ugyen Chholing
Landmarks/POIs Ugyen Chholing - Day 9
Bhumthang
You'll walk around Ugyen Chholing Palace this morning, checking out the small eco-museum housed there. Then you'll drive toward Jakar along the Tang Chhu River, stopping at Membertsho Lake. This sacred lake is where religious treasures were supposedly discovered in the 12th century, and locals light butter lamps there on special occasions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk to Ugyen Chholing Palace and eco-museum
- Visit Membertsho Lake
Landmarks/POIs Ugyen Chholing Palace Membertsho Lake - Day 10
Jakar to Paro
You're heading back toward Paro, driving through Punakha with stops for photos and sightseeing. Punakha Dzong, the second major dzong in Bhutan, is particularly nice in spring when jacaranda trees bloom with lilac-colored flowers against the white walls.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Punakha Dzong
Landmarks/POIs Punakha Dzong - Day 11
Paro
After reaching Paro in the afternoon, you'll have a relaxed evening to browse Paro market and the handicraft shops scattered throughout the valley (they're open daily). Some older shops have quirky entrances with ladders through the front windows, so take your time exploring.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Shopping at Paro market
- Browse handicraft shops
- Stroll around Paro
- Day 12
Paro to Kathmandu
Following breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. The day is open for last-minute souvenir shopping for gifts. In the evening, you're invited to a farewell gathering where you'll look through photos and swap stories from the trip with your group.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Shopping for gifts and souvenirs
- Farewell gathering and photo review
