15 Nights 16 Days Tour

Day 1: Bangkok to Paro

  • 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.