Upon arrival at Paro airport, your Vacation Bhutan representative will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Thimphu, which is about a 1-hour drive away.
In Thimphu, you can visit the Giant Buddha, Memorial Chorten, Centenary Farmer Market (only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), and the zoo.
Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha
After breakfast, visit the Painting School (National Institute of Zorig Chusum), where students learn traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, such as painting, weaving, and sculpture.
Then, drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan and the winter residence of the monastic body.
After lunch, hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the divine madman, Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
Visit the hilltop nunnery, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, which offers stunning views of the Punakha valley.
Day 3: Punakha Halt
After breakfast, visit the Punakha Dzong, one of the most impressive fortresses in Bhutan and the site of many royal weddings and coronations.
In the afternoon, hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgay Chorten, a beautiful temple located on a hill overlooking the Punakha valley.
Enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside and take in the serene atmosphere of this peaceful place.
Day 4: Punakha to Gangtey
After breakfast, take a 4-hour drive to the Gangtey Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan.
En route, visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong, a fortress overlooking the convergence of two rivers.
In Gangtey, visit one of the biggest Nyagmapas schools in the west, the Gangtey Shedra, and take a nature trail hike that takes less than 2 hours.
Day 5: Gangtey to Bumthang
After breakfast, drive to Bumthang, which takes about 5 hours.
On the way, visit Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest and most impressive dzongs in Bhutan.
Visit the Trongsa Museum, which is located inside the dzong and showcases the history and culture of Bhutan.
Day 6: Bumthang Halt
Today, visit the Jampel Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
Then, visit Kujay Lhakhang, which is dedicated to the goddess of knowledge.
Next, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, a temple built in the 15th century by Pema Lingpa, a famous Bhutanese saint.
In the afternoon, visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of Bumthang district.
Day 7: Bumthang to Mongar
After breakfast, drive to Mongar, which takes about 6 hours.
Enjoy the scenic drive through the mountains and valleys of Bhutan.
Day 8: Mongar – Lhuentse Day Excursion
Today, visit the Guru Statue, a massive statue of Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan.
Then, visit the Lhuentse Dzong, which sits atop a hill overlooking the Kurichu River.
In the afternoon, visit Khoma village, a textile village famous for its handwoven textiles, and observe the weaving process.
Day 9: Mongar to Trashigang
After breakfast, visit Mongar Dzong and then drive to Trashigang, the largest town in eastern Bhutan.
Enjoy the scenic drive and stop along the way to take in the breathtaking views.
Day 10: Trashigang Halt
Today, visit the Trashigang Dzong, which sits atop a hill overlooking the town and the surrounding valleys.
In the afternoon, drive to Rangjung and visit the Rangjung Monastery, which is famous for its thongdrol (gigantic religious scroll) that is displayed once a year during the Tsechu festival.
Day 11: Trashigang to Trashiyangtse
After breakfast, visit Gom Kora Lhakhang, a temple built on the site where Guru Rinpoche meditated and subdued a demon.
Then, visit Chorten Kora, a stupa built in the style of the famous Boudhanath stupa in Nepal.
In the afternoon, visit Trashiyangtse Dzong, which is perched on a ridge overlooking the town.
Day 12: Trashiyangtse to Mongar
After breakfast, drive back to Mongar and enjoy the scenic drive through the mountains and valleys of eastern Bhutan.
Day 13: Mongar to Bumthang
On the way to Bumthang, visit Membartsho (Burning Lake), a sacred site where Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche.
Continue driving to Bumthang and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Day 14: Bumthang to Paro
After breakfast, drive to Paro, which takes about 7-8 hours.
Enjoy the scenic drive through the mountains and valleys of Bhutan.
Day 15: Paro Tiger Nest Hike
Today, take a day excursion to Taksang (Tiger Nest), one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit destination for any traveler to Bhutan.
The hike to Tiger Nest takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your fitness level, and leads you through lush forests and scenic landscapes.
The monastery itself is perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
On the way back, visit Kichu Monastery, which is the oldest monastery in Bhutan and dates back to the 7th century.
Day 16: Departure from Paro to Bangkok
After breakfast, drive to the airport in Paro for your departure flight.
Bid farewell to Bhutan and its friendly people, and take with you memories of a unique and unforgettable journey.