Hidden Gems of Bhutan

1. Day 1 Paro Airport – Haa Valley ▾

   • 65 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 2,300 m Altitude of Haa

   On your journey to Paro, shall give the panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational, including the Everest and other famous Himalayan Peaks. The approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro becomes more exciting as you enter Bhutan.

   On arrival, you will be received by your Bhutanese guide with “Tashi khadar”, then drive to Haa Valley, a culturally rich valley, opened to foreign tourist only in the year 2002. The winding roads climbs up the slopes giving you beautiful views till you reach the Chelela Pass (3810 m).

   It is the highest point between the Haa and Paro valley offering you good view of the Himalayan Mountains, including the mountain Jumolhari and Haa Valley. A lots of prayer flags flutter in the place and has breathtaking photo opportunities.

   After paying your respects here (You could choose to hang your own prayer flags here or burn incense), drive downhill towards Haa valley. Lunch at Haa. After lunch, visit the 7th century Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple) at the foothills of a venerated three brotherly mountains known as Meri Puensum.

   The grand annual Haa Tshechu is also performed here at Lhakhang Karpo on the 8th-10th day of the 8th Bhutanese month. Then view the Haa Wangchuklo Dzong (From Outside) built in 1915 after the Dumchog Dzong was razed to the ground by fire. Walk around the small town of Haa for a while.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

2. Day 2 Haa - Thimphu ▾

   • 110 km Driving distance
   • 3 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   After a leisure morning breakfast. Drive to Thimphu via the old highway. Stopping at places, visit villages, interact with people and photograph rural areas and nature as you drive to Thimphu. The drive from Haa to Thimphu takes you through two dzongs en route, at Betikha (34 km. from Haa) and at Dobji (65 km. from Haa.

   It also crosses many villages and fields until you reach Chuzomsa, where the Paro River (Pa Chhu) meets the Thimphu River (Wangchhu). You shall see the three stupas built in Nepalese, Tibetan and Bhutanese styles. They were placed here for good luck and safe passage.

   Drive to Thimphu crossing the villages of Wangsisina, Khasadrapchu and Namseling. Spend some time in the settling in the hotel. Afternoon, you shall be taken for your foray of this Hidden Kingdom’s Capital City. Stroll around Clock Tower Square, Craft Bazaar and the Kaja Throm”, the new local market built as per the command of the His Majesty.

   In the evening visit impressive Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) which houses the Throne Room and the Offices of His Majesty the King as well as the Je Khenpo, seniormost religious authority of Bhutan. Welcome dinner with your Bhutanese Hosts.

   Overnight in hotel.

3. Day 3 Thimphu ▾

   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   The day starts with a visit the National Memorial Chhorten. This Chhorten was built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Built in 1974 in a typical Tibetan style, the Chorten is also a center of worship for the people living in Thimphu.

   Circumambulating the chorten can be a great experience and a good way to earn merits as per Buddhist beliefs and a good way to start your day with prayers. Then drive to Kuenselphodrang, a place for refreshing with one of the largest statues of Buddha Dordenma.

   The place gives a breathtaking view of the Thimphu Valley and has a picnic spot, biking and hiking trail. Finally visit the “Simply Bhutan”. It is also a living museum, and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group.

   After lunch visit the Government Post office and make personalized stamps. Post a card to your hometown. This could be a good memory of Bhutan. Then visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the National Animal of Bhutan. Then visit Nado Poizokhang, the oldest and the largest hand-made incense sticks manufacturer in Bhutan.

   Visit the Zorig Chusum (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy. The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium. A traditional Cultural Show before dinner. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

4. Day 4 Thimphu – Punakha/ Wangduephodrang ▾

   • 76 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr Driving time
   • 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha/ Wangdue

   Start your day with a drive to Dochula Pass. You shall first see the Simtokha Dzong and then the winding roads leads you through blue pine forests and the villages of Hongtsho (2890m) and Yusipang. The local villagers sell apples, walnuts, dried cheese in this area.

   The road climbs through the forest till you reach the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valley. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

   Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas.

   Visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

5. Day 5 Punakha Valley ▾

   Start your day with a Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chhorten. An hour of walk after crossing the suspension bridge and through the rice fields takes you to magnificent views and the Chhorten, beautifully crafted in traditional Bhutanese style.

   With the intricate design and sculptures, the temple was built by Bhutanese craftsmen which took 9 years. The craftsmanship of Bhutanese artists is amazing. The 360-degree views of the Punakha valley’s rice fields and the shimmering river shall ensure that the sweating was worth.

   An hour of rafting on the Mo Chhu shall bring you near the Punakha Dzong. A Picnic lunch at the Banks of the Mo chhu. Finally Spend some time with the Nuns at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Explore the Khuruthang town for a while Dinner and overnight in hotel.

6. Day 6 Punakha – Gangtey ▾

   • 80 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 3,000 m Altitude of Phobjikha/ Gangtey

   After breakfast discover the Drinchengang Village. Previously known as Rinchengang Village, it is a captivating village known for its remarkable cluster of interconnected houses. It is situated on the opposite hill, overlooking Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.

   The residents are said to be descendants of the artisans and craftsmen who came from India and Nepal to build the Dzong. It is considered one of the oldest clustered villages in Bhutan. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers.

   The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638. Drive along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu). After crossing the bridge, the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolicking around could be the most common sights.

   Explore the Lawala Pass. A few Photographs are must here. Drive down along the pine forest till your Hotel in Gangtey/ Phobjikha In the afternoon, relax at the property enjoying the breathtaking views the property has to offer in one of the most beautiful Glacial valleys in the Himalayas.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

7. Day 7 Gangtey/ Phobjikha Valley ▾

   Start your day with a breakfast with views. Visit the Gangtey Goemba overlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.

   Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery. The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks. Explore the nearby villages for a while.

   Picnic Lunch in the Phobjikha Valley. After lunch drive towards the villages of Kilkhorthang and Remeachin. Visit the Nelung Dreachagling Nunnery and the villages around. Witness farmers working in the field and enjoy taking photographs in this beautiful Glacial valley.

   On the way back visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

8. Day 8 Gangtey – Trongsa - Bumthang ▾

   • 165 km Driving distance
   • 5 hr Driving time
   • 2,800 m Altitude of Bumthang

   Today your journey goes deeper into the Kingdom of Bhutan amidst breathtaking views, beautiful landscapes and interesting experiences. Visit the Chendebji Chorten, built in the style of the great Boudhanath Chorten of Nepal. Further near Trongsa, stop at a place across on the other side of the Trongsa Dzong, where you get a perfect view of the Dzong.

   Photograph the Dzong. While in Trongsa, visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay.

   Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Continue your journey with a stoppage at Yotongla, the highest peak between Bumthang and Trongsa and then the Chhumey village, known for Yathra Textile.

   It is the most famous textile product of Bumthang. The Chhumey Valley is known for the beautiful Yathra woven by the locals. Yathra is a hand-woven fabric made from the wool of sheep or Yak. The wool is first spun into threads and then dyed before they are woven into Yathra with beautiful flower patterns and colors.

   The Yathra cloth is made into scarves, jackets, tablecloths, bags, etc. Most of the women in this valley, especially in Zungye village earn their lively hood by weaving Yathra which is supplied to various towns in Bhutan. Settle into the serene atmosphere at your hotel in Bumthang.

9. Day 9 Bumthang Valley ▾

   Your day starts with a visit to the Jakar Dzong, literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667. Visit the Wangdichholing Palace which was the home to the First and Second Kings of Bhutan. Continue your day’s sightseeing with visits to Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang.

   Picnic Lunch in a quaint setting in the Chhoekhor valley. After lunch, visit the Tamshing Lhakhang and the Könchogsum Lhakhang. As you reach Bathpalathang, visit the cheese and apple juice/wine making factory. Taste the Locally made red panda beer here.

   Explore the Chamkhar Town before settling down in your hotel.

10. Day 10 Bumthang Valley ▾

    After breakfast, drive towards Tang Valley. On the way visit the Membar Tsho, also known as “The burning Lake”. It is one of the most sacred sites in the region and relates to the famous treasure revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa. Further in Tang visit the Ugyenchholing Palace.

    The Palace now houses the family Museum and was restored in the 19th century. The Palace contains the historic items of Tshokey Dorji (the then Trongsa Penlop (Governor)) and his household. Visit the Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, located in a sacred place of Guru Rinpoche.

    In front of the temple is a rock which bears the body print of the Guru Rinpoche and two Khandoms (female celestial being). This site got its name from the tiger stripe markings on the cliff. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

11. Day 11 Bumthang – Autsho (Lhuentse) ▾

    • 190 km Driving distance

    Driving time; 6 – 7 hr | Altitude of Autsho: 900 m After breakfast, drive to Autsho, the first settlement as soon as you enter Lhuentse District. It is a small village by the banks of Kuri Chhu (River). Drive via the old Bumthang – Mongar highway.

    Explore the Ura Valley which is one of the subdistricts of Bumthang district and is an amazing open countryside with large pastures occasionally running into forest. With clustered houses, the villages in Ura are quite unique in Bhutan. Ura has transformed from a marginal community to prosperous valley since the last 25 years.

    Continue the incredible journey through luscious rhododendron forests and pine forest. This drive through the Thrumsingla National Park gives you a frequent sight of blood pheasant and if lucky Snow leopards and red pandas may be seen. On reaching Thrumsingla at 3800 m, the highest point between Bumthang and Mongar, the road then descends to 650 m altitude in mere few hours.

    On the way stop at Sengor village. Drive to Autsho past Limithang. Dinner and overnight in hotel or camp.

12. Day 12 Explore Lhuentse ▾

    Autsho – Takila (37 km/ 1.5 Hr) – Lhuentse (25 km/ 1 Hr) – Khoma Village (10 km/ 0.5 Hr) | Altitude Variations: 800 m to 1600 m Lhuentse is among the most isolated settlements in Bhutan. It is mostly covered by beautiful conifer and pine forests.

    One of the most picturesque sights in Lhuentse is the Tallest Guru Statue in Takila and Lhuentse Dzong. The Kurtoe region is the ancestral home of the Royal family of Bhutan and Khoma Village is known for “Kishuthara”, a traditional silk textile.

    After breakfast, drive to Takila in the Tangmachhu Valley. Visit the temple. A lot of photo opportunities should not be missed as you drive back via settlements in Tangmachhu. Drive to Lhuentse and visit the Lhuentse Dzong. Stroll a while in Lhuentse market area and then drive to Khoma Village, one of the highlights of the tour.

    In Khoma village you shall observe, learn, photograph, and experience the whole process of weaving “Kishuthara”, the most famous and expensive hand-woven Bhutanese textile. Kishuthara weaving is the main source of income for the people in this small, clustered village.

    Kishuthara is fabric made by silk-on-silk weaving with intricate hand laced patterns. This is highly regarded and most expensive textiles in Bhutan. Interaction with the different weavers in the village, understanding their weaving techniques, processes and tools would be a great opportunity.

    You may try weaving with the weavers. Overnight in village homestay in Khoma village with the locals.

13. Day 13 Khoma Village – Mongar ▾

    • 75 km Driving distance
    • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
    • 1,600 m Altitude of Mongar

    Drive to Mongar. Check in hotel in Mongar and relax for a while. After lunch, visit the Mongar Dzong. This dzong was rebuilt in 1953 and it is unique as it has two entrances. There are about 60 young monks residing in this dzong. You will see the images of the Buddha of long life, as well as Guru Rinpoche and the Zhabdrung.

    Visit the Yakgang Sang-Ngag Choeling Lhakhang. Explore the Mongar town for a while. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

14. Day 14 Mongar – Trashiyangtse ▾

    • 115 km Driving distance
    • 3 hr 15 min Driving time
    • 1,800 m Altitude of Trashiyangtse

    Drive to Trashiyangtse. The drive from Mongar to Trashiyangtse is a journey through some of Bhutan’s most scenic and untouched landscapes. As you wind your way through the rugged terrain, you’ll pass through dense forests, cross high mountain passes, and glimpse traditional villages nestled in the hillsides.

    The route offers breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas, with every turn revealing new vistas of lush valleys and distant peaks. Along the way, you may encounter local farmers tending to their terraced fields and experience the serene beauty of Bhutan’s remote countryside.

    This drive is not just a means of travel, but a scenic adventure into the heart of Bhutan’s eastern wilderness. On the way visit the Drametse Monastery, one of the most notable religious sites built in the 16th century by Ani Cheten Zangmo, the grand-daughter of the renowned Terton Pema Lingpa.

    The Drametse Ngacham or the “Dance of the Drums of Drametse,” was born in this lhakhang in the 16th century. Today, it is a popular dance performed at all major festivals. This dance was proclaimed as a ‘Masterpiece of the World Intangible Heritage’ by UNESCO in 2005.

    Further on the way visit the Gom Kora Lhakhang. Gomphu means “Meditation Cave” and Kora means “Circumambulation”. The name is derived from a cave formed out of a rock-face next to a temple that has been built as a tribute to this sacred site.

    Located in the eastern Bhutan at an altitude of 1700 m, Trashiyangtse is a rapidly growing town and administrative center of the district. The main town is situated in a small river valley and is a lovely spot to take walks in the countryside.

    This area is famous for wooden containers and bowls. Dinner and overnight in hotel or village homestay.

15. Day 15 Trashiyangtse - Trashigang ▾

    • 50 km Driving distance
    • 1 hr 45 min Driving time
    • 1,070 m Altitude of Trashigang

    After breakfast, visit Chorten Kora. One of the most important stupa in Trashiyangtse built in the year 1740, and then explore the villages, learn about wooden containers and bowls and making it. Then drive to Bomdeling and explore the valley.

    Bomdeling is a picturesque valley renowned for its natural beauty and ecological significance. This serene area is a vital wintering ground for the endangered black-necked cranes, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush forests and traditional villages, Bomdeling offers a peaceful retreat into nature, where visitors can experience Bhutan’s rich biodiversity and the harmonious coexistence of people and wildlife.

    The valley is also a part of the Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, which protects the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Drive to Trashigang. In the evening, explore the Trashigang Town. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

16. Day 16 Explore Trashigang ▾

    • 1,070 m Altitude of Trashigang

    After breakfast, drive to visit Radhi Village which is famous for “Buray”. Buray is a Bhutanese textile woven from raw silk. Explore the village meeting different Bura weaver. Interact with the weavers, study and enjoy the techniques, process, tools and materials for this famous Bhutanese textile.

    In the late afternoon drive to Rangjung Village. Visit the Rangjung Monastery. Explore the Rangjung Village and then drive to Trashigang. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

17. Day 17 Explore Trashigang ▾

    • 1,070 m Altitude of Trashigang

    After breakfast, visit the Trashigang Dzong, which lies on the headland of the dzongkhag that gives us the confluence of the Drangme Chhu and the Gamri Chhu. It was built by Minjur Tempa, Bhutan’s third Desi in the year 1667. It was once destroyed by fire and was rebuilt in only three years.

    In the Gorikha (Veranda) are the paintings of the kings and guardians of the four directions. Drive to Khaling and visit the National Institute for the Visually Impaired (NIVI). This institute was started in the year 1973 with its first three students.

    The first principal of the institute was Mr. Einar Kippenes, a Norwegian. The establishment of the institute was the personal initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Namgyel Wangchuck, the then honorable minister of Trade Industry and Forests.

    Today the institute produces a number of intelligent, talented, hardworking and dedicated citizens every year, who serve the nation in different capacities and ways. Visit the Khaling textile weaving Centre which is operated by the National Women’s Association of Bhutan.

    Drive back to Trashigang. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Trashigang.

18. Day 18 Trashigang – Paro Airport ▾

    • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

    In the morning, drive to Yonpohula Airport. Take a short flight to the Paro Airport to be received by your guide at the Paro Airport. Drive to the hotel. Relax among the quaint settings of the property till you enjoy a hearty and satisfying lunch at the property.

    After Lunch visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Finally Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics. Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

19. Day 19 Paro Valley ▾

    • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

    Your day starts with an early morning Hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century.

    Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.

    Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

20. Day 20 Paro Valley with Chelela Pass ▾

    In the morning drive to Chelela Pass which is the highest point between the Paro and the Haa Valley. At approximately 45 km from the Paro Town, the Chelela Pass lies at an altitude of 3988 m and is the one of the highest motorable roads in Bhutan.

    The drive from Paro to Chelela would be through a winding road over the dense pine forest, the view is spectacular. As we ascend further to higher elevation the vegetation changes to conifer such as spruce, juniper, hemlock, silver fir and finally at the summit, the vegetation is all open alpine meadows.

    The Pass is decorated with colorful prayer flags. You can choose to hang some prayer flags or offer incense here. On a clear day the views are beautiful. After a while Hike to Kila Goemba. The trail, spanning approximately 9-12 kilometers, meanders through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys.

    The hike concludes at the serene Kila Goenpa Nunnery, a centuries-old cliffside retreat home to Buddhist nuns. This journey, marked by natural beauty and cultural significance, provides hikers with a unique blend of adventure and spiritual tranquility.

    On the way back visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery. Check out the varieties of made in Bhutan beers. Set in a traditional Bhutanese style, the place is beautifully located overlooking the Paro valley. This place brews different flavors of Bhutanese Beer to suit one’s palette.

    The outdoor setting of Namgay Artisanal brewery is equally awesome. Take a tour in the beer producing house. They mainly produce Indian Pale Ale, Apple Cider, Wheat beer, Dark ale, and red rice lager. Finally visit the Drukgyal Dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below.

    The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese over the allied Tibetan-Mongolian forces. It was destroyed by fire in 1951 and was in ruins for a long time until reconstruction process was initiated in the year 2016 under the Command of His Majesty the King of Bhutan.

    Farewell Dinner with your Bhutanese hosts.

21. Day 21 Departure ▾

    “Hidden Gems of Bhutan” comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

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