Explore Bhutan’s cultural heartland by journeying into central Bhutan, where you will experience the rich traditions and history of the region. Visit ancient fortresses, interact with local communities, and enjoy Bhutanese festivals and rituals.
Paro International Airport (Google Map)
◦ Explore Gangtey Valley and visit the Gangtey Monastery
◦ Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan
◦ Scenic drive through Black Mountain National Park
◦ Meet local artisans in Bumthang’s handicraft centers
◦ Participate in spiritual ceremonies at local temples
Activities:
▪ Welcome at Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu (1.5-hour drive).
▪ En route, stop at Tamchog Lhakhang and cross the ancient iron bridge.
▪ Check-in at your hotel and relax.
▪ In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Bhutanese government and monastic body.
◦ Overnight: Thimphu
Activities:
▪ Visit the Buddha Dordenma, a massive bronze statue overlooking Thimphu Valley.
▪ Explore the National Memorial Chorten and Changangkha Lhakhang.
▪ Visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine and the Textile Museum to learn about Bhutanese culture.
▪ Stroll around the market and visit Craft Bazaar for Bhutanese handicrafts.
◦ Overnight: Thimphu
Activities:
▪ Drive to Punakha (3-hour drive), passing through the Dochula Pass (3,100m) and enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas.
▪ Stop at the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.
▪ Visit the stunning Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses.
▪ Take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple.
◦ Overnight: Punakha
Activities:
▪ Drive to the Phobjikha Valley (2.5-hour drive), a glacial valley and winter home to the endangered Black-necked Cranes.
▪ Visit Gangtey Monastery, one of the oldest Nyingmapa monasteries in Bhutan.
▪ Take a nature walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, a scenic hike through forests, villages, and the valley floor.
◦ Overnight: Phobjikha Valley
Activities:
▪ Drive to Trongsa (4-hour drive), a historically significant town.
▪ Visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest dzong, and explore its history.
▪ Visit the Ta Dzong Museum, which offers insights into Bhutan’s royal history.
◦ Overnight: Trongsa
Activities:
▪ Drive to Bumthang (3-hour drive), the spiritual heartland of Bhutan.
▪ Visit Jakar Dzong, the “Fortress of the White Bird.”
▪ Explore Tamshing Lhakhang, one of the most important Nyingma monasteries, and
Kurjey Lhakhang, a temple complex where Guru Rinpoche meditated.
▪ Stroll around Chamkhar Town and experience traditional Bhutanese life.
◦ Overnight: Bumthang
Activities:
▪ Visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
▪ Discover Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake), a sacred site where religious relics were found.
▪ Explore Ura Valley, a picturesque village known for its stone houses and cobbled streets.
▪ Enjoy a traditional farmhouse lunch and try local delicacies such as buckwheat pancakes and Bumthang honey.
◦ Overnight: Bumthang
Activities:
▪ Return to Punakha (7-hour drive), retracing your steps through the scenic landscapes and mountain passes.
▪ Stop for breaks and photo opportunities along the way, including Dochula Pass.
▪ Free evening to relax in Punakha.
◦ Overnight: Punakha
Activities:
▪ Drive back to Paro (4-hour drive).
▪ Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples.
▪ Explore Paro Dzong and the National Museum housed in Ta Dzong, learning about Bhutanese history and culture.
▪ In the evening, walk around Paro town for shopping and cultural immersion.
◦ Overnight: Paro
Activities:
▪ Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley.
▪ Enjoy the serenity of the monastery and learn about its history.
▪ After the hike, return to your hotel for a farewell lunch.
▪ Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your Central Bhutan Cultural Discovery Tour.
