Overview
Embark on an 11-day journey through the mystical Himalayas of Bhutan with Holiday Diaries. Begin in Thimphu, exploring its monasteries, museums, and serene valley views. Travel through scenic passes to Punakha, Wangdue, and Bumthang, discovering majestic dzongs, sacred temples, traditional weaving villages, and the spiritual heart of Bhutan. Witness the Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the endangered Black-Necked Cranes, and explore the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. Conclude with visits to Paro’s Rinpung Dzong, National Museum, and Chele-La Pass, immersing yourself in Bhutanese culture, spirituality, and awe-inspiring Himalayan landscapes.
Highlights
- Day 01 : Arrival Paro – Thimphu
- Day 02 : Thimphu Sightseeing
- Day 03 : Thimphu – Punakha / Wangdue
- Day 04 : Punakha / Wangdue – Bumthang
- Day 05 : Bumthang Sightseeing
- Day 06 : Excursion to Ura Valley
- Day 07 : Bumthang – Punakha / Wangdue via Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley
- Day 08 : Punakha / Wangdue – Paro
- Day 09 : Excursion to Taktshang Monastery
- Day 10 : Excursion to Chele-La Pass
- Day 11 : Departure Paro
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive at Paro Airport and proceed to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, set amid a beautiful Himalayan valley.
Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Spend the evening at leisure—relax at the hotel or enjoy a gentle walk through Thimphu town to experience its calm atmosphere.
Overnight stay at Thimphu.
Explore the highlights of Thimphu beginning with Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Dordenma), offering sweeping views of the Thimphu Valley and housing one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
Visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, followed by the Folk Heritage Museum showcasing traditional Bhutanese life.
Continue to Sangaygang View Point for panoramic views of the city, then visit the Takin Preserve Centre to see Bhutan’s national animal. Stop at Changangkha Lhakhang, a revered temple known for its beautiful murals and spiritual significance.
Conclude the day at Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress that serves as the seat of the national government and monastic body.
Overnight stay at Thimphu.
Depart Thimphu and journey across the scenic Dochu-La Pass, adorned with the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens and colorful prayer flags, offering views of the higher Himalayas on clear days.
Continue to Punakha and check in at the hotel. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, historically the seat of Bhutan’s government and still the winter residence of the Chief Abbot.
Later, enjoy a gentle walk through the countryside to Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known as the Temple of Fertility, associated with the legendary Lama Drukpa Kunley. Evening at leisure.
Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.
Travel through central Bhutan, crossing Pele-La Pass, the traditional boundary between western and eastern Bhutan, marked by a striking change in vegetation. En route, visit Chendebji Chorten, inspired by Nepal’s Boudhanath Stupa.
Continue to Trongsa to explore the impressive Trongsa Dzong, once the power center of central and eastern Bhutan, and the Ta Dzong watchtower museum. Proceed onward, crossing Yotong-La Pass before descending into the broad and picturesque Bumthang Valley.
Visit the Yathra Weaving Factory in Chhumey Valley to observe traditional wool weaving. Arrive in Bumthang and check in at the hotel.
Overnight stay at Bumthang.
Discover the spiritual heartland of Bhutan with visits to Jakar Dzong, also known as the Castle of the White Bird, and Lamey Goemba, a palace-monastery dating back to the 18th century.
Continue to Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, famous for its vibrant annual festival. Visit Chakhar Lhakhang, believed to be the site of an ancient iron palace, followed by Kurjey Lhakhang, sacred for the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche.
In the afternoon, explore Tamshing Lhakhang, founded by the revered saint Pema Lingpa, and visit Membartsho, the mystical Burning Lake. Return to the hotel.
Overnight stay at Bumthang.
Set out for the scenic Ura Valley, passing through forested mountain landscapes and high passes with views of Bhutan’s highest peak, Gangkhar Puensum.
Arrive in the charming Ura village, known for its traditional clustered houses, yak and sheep herding culture, and vibrant rural life. Visit Ura Lhakhang and enjoy a leisurely walk through the valley.
Later return to Bumthang. If time permits, visit the Brown Swiss Cattle Farm and the apple processing units in Bathpalathang.
Overnight stay at Bumthang.
Depart Bumthang and travel toward western Bhutan, stopping at the beautiful Gangtey Valley. Visit Gangtey Goemba, the largest Nyingmapa monastery in the region.
Continue to the expansive Phobjikha Valley, a stunning glacial valley known as the winter habitat of the endangered Black-Necked Cranes. Enjoy the serene landscapes before continuing onward to Punakha.
Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.
Journey to Paro, stopping en route at Lamperi to explore the Royal Botanical Park, home to diverse flora, rhododendrons, and birdlife. Arrive in Paro and check in at the hotel.
Visit the National Museum housed in Ta Dzong, displaying an exceptional collection of Bhutanese art and artifacts. Later, explore Rinpung Dzong, the fortress of jewels and the administrative center of Paro. Evening at leisure.
Overnight stay at Paro.
Visit the iconic Taktshang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest, dramatically perched on a cliff face.
The hike to the monastery is a deeply spiritual and rewarding experience, culminating at the sacred meditation site of Guru Rinpoche. Later, visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate historic victories and offering views of Mount Jhomolhari on clear days.
On the return, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan.
Overnight stay at Paro.
Explore Chele-La Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, adorned with prayer flags and offering breathtaking views of Mount Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. Enjoy the pristine natural surroundings and opportunities for photography.
On the return journey, visit Kila Goemba, a peaceful nunnery perched on rocky cliffs. Later, spend time exploring Paro town and shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Overnight stay at Paro.
Check out from the hotel and proceed to Paro Airport for your onward journey, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Bhutan’s culture, spirituality, and Himalayan landscapes.










