The ultimate Bhutanese odyssey, this 19-day itinerary is crafted for those who wish to leave no stone unturned. From the modern evolution of the west to the rugged, untouched charms of the far east, this itinerary offers an unparalleled perspective on the kingdom’s diverse landscapes, sacred traditions, and the rare, authentic beauty of the “Last Shangri-la.”
Day 1: Arrival at Paro airport (or preferred point of entry)-
Arrive at Paro International Airport where your guide and driver await.
Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Thimphu and check into Zhiwaling Ascent Hotel.
Spend your evening soaking in the city’s atmosphere and dining at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Full Day Thimphu Sightseeing-
Buddha Dordenma– Gaze up at the 51-meter bronze Buddha overlooking the valley, housing 125,000 smaller gilded statues.
Textile Museum– Discover the intricate art of weaving, a craft central to Bhutanese identity and heritage.
Post Office– Visit the post office to get a stamp made with your face on it, perfect to send on postcards, letters or take back home as unique souvenirs.
Takin Preserve– Meet the Takin, Bhutan’s unique national animal, on a gentle forest walk followed by coffee under the trees.
Optional- hike to Wangditse (1-2 hours)- A gentle trail leading to one of Thimphu’s oldest monasteries, offering panoramic views of the capital.
Day 3: Full Day Thimphu Hike OR Sightseeing-
Hike to Pumola and Pajoding (day hike)- Embark on a challenging day hike to reach high-altitude monasteries and sacred alpine lakes.
OR
Centenary Farmers Market- Visit the city’s largest open air market selling fruits, vegetables and local produce.
Craft Bazaar– Browse colorful textiles, thangkas, and handmade crafts from all over the country.
VAST Art Gallery- Check out the latest exhibits featuring local Bhutan artists.
Folk Heritage Museum- Explore daily rural life in a traditional Bhutanese house.
Changyul Park- Walk along the Thimphu river or enjoy a nightcap at the city’s newest urban park and community hub.
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha (2-3 hours)-
Head eastward to the lush valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, known for their warmer, sub-tropical climate and serene river landscapes.
Dochula Pass- Stop at 3,100 meters for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Himalayas and the 108 memorial stupas. Weather permitting, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges.
Punakha Dzong- Explore “The Palace of Great Happiness,” widely considered the most beautiful fortress in the country.
Chimi Lhakhang- Take a short walk through rice paddies to the famous “Fertility Temple” of the Divine Madman.
Village Homestay- Experience authentic rural life with a traditional dinner hosted by a local family.
Day 5: Full Day Sightseeing Punakha-
Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery- A hilltop temple and nunnery known for its intricate bronze statues and sweeping views of the Punakha and Wangdue valleys.
Talo Monastery- Perched high on a ridge, this monastery is the ancestral home of the Queen Mothers and is celebrated for its pristine courtyards, beautiful flower gardens, and royal heritage.
Talo Village- A picturesque community located just below the monastery, known for its cleanliness, traditional farmhouses, and sweeping views of the terraced fields below.
Nobgang Village- Visit this historically significant village near Talo, known for its preservation of ancient Bhutanese culture and its role as a birthplace of the four Queen Mothers.
Day 6: Punakha to Phobjikha (2-3 hours)-
Hike to Khamsum Yulley OR River Rafting– Thrill seekers and adventure lovers can opt to visit the stunning Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (1-2 hour walk) or face the rapids in the Punakha rivers, offering views of the Punakha Dzong you won’t find anywhere else.
Enjoy the changing scenery as you leave the sub-tropical warmth of the Punakha valley, climb toward the crisp alpine heights of the Pele La Pass and descend into the wide, bowl-shaped valley of Phobjikha.
Day 7: Full Day Sightseeing Phobjikha Valley
Gangtey Monastery- Visit this 17th-century monastery overlooking the valley floor.
Lunch at Geyden Restaurant serving wholesome Bhutanese fare.
Black Necked Crane Sanctuary– Observe the rare and endangered Black-Necked Cranes (winter months).
Enjoy a leisurely valley walk, enjoying the stillness, grazing yaks, and sweeping horizons.
Day 8: Phobjikha to Bumthang (4-5 hours)-
Depart on a scenic westward drive, winding through mountain passes and rural hamlets.
Trongsa Royal Heritage Museum- Stop at this historic watchtower museum that showcases royal artifacts, ancient relics and curated galleries that tell the story of Bhutan’s rich cultural history and the individuals that helped shape it.
Trongsa Dzong- Visit this sprawling fortress, once the seat of the Wangchuck Dynasty.
Willing Café- Enjoy lunch at this waterfall-side cafe.
Chendebji Chorten- Pause at this whitewashed stupa modeled after Nepal’s famous Swayambhunath.
Check in at the Swiss Lodge.
Day 9: Full Day Sightseeing Bumthang-
Mebar Tsho Lake- A sacred site where Pema Lingpa is said to have recovered hidden treasures from the water with a butter lamp still burning.
Pema Choling Nunnery- Visit this local nunnery, home to over 100 nuns. Their chants, rituals, and artistry provide a glimpse into quiet Buddhist devotion.
Jakar Dzong- Explore the “Castle of the White Bird,” standing tall above Chamkhar Valley with sweeping views.
Wangduecholing Palace Museum- Tour this former royal residence, where wooden corridors echo with stories of Bhutan’s early kings.
Swiss Farm House- Sample artisanal cheese, golden honey, and the locally brewed Red Panda beer.
Conclude with a leisurely stroll around Chamkhar town.
Day 10: Full Day Sightseeing Bumthang-
Kurje Lhakhang– Named after the sacred body imprint of Guru Rinpoche that is located in a cave where the revered spiritual leader is said to have meditated for three months.
Jambay Lhakhang- One of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century.
Sherab Dema House- Enjoy an authentic farmhouse lunch.
Tamzhing Lhakhang- Tibetan monastery built by Terton (treasure seeker) Pema Lingpa in the 16th century.
Kencho Sum Lhakhang– Another temple of ancient origins, later restored by Pema Lingpa.
Day 11: Bumthang to Mongar (5-6 hours)-
A dramatic drive across the Thrumshing La Pass (the second-highest motorable pass in Bhutan). Watch the landscape shift from alpine forests to the lush, leafy cliffs of the east as you arrive in Mongar town.
Day 12: Mongar to Lhuentse day trip (2-3 hours)-
Lhuentse Dzong– One of the most isolated and strikingly situated fortresses in Bhutan.
Khoma Village– Visit the village famous for producing the Kishuthara, the most intricate and expensive hand-woven silk textiles in the kingdom.
Return to Mongar in the evening.
Day 13: Mongar to Trashiyangtse and Trashigang (2-3 hours)-
Chorten Kora- A massive stupa modeled after Nepal’s Boudhanath and built by the nephew of Zhabdrung, the founder of Bhutan.
Merak & Sakteng: Glimpse the lifestyle of the semi-nomadic Brokpa people, known for their unique yak-hair hats and distinct dialects.
Night in Trashigang.
Day 14: Trashigang to Bumthang (8 hours)-
A full-day scenic drive back to Bumthang.
Day 15: Bumthang to Paro flight (30 mins). Paro to Haa (2-2.5 hours)-
After a short domestic flight, drive to the remote Haa Valley which was only opened to tourism in 2002 and remains one of Bhutan’s best-kept secrets.
Day 16: Full Day Sightseeing Haa-
Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo- Visit the White and Black Temples, ancient guardians of the valley.
Active Exploration- Spend the day cycling or biking along mountain trails.
Sample local delicacies like hoentey- buckwheat dumplings filled with turnip leaves, cheese, chilli and other spices.
Day 17: Haa to Paro (2-3 hours)-
Check into Hotel Zhiwaling, a fully Bhutanese-owned property celebrated for its traditional architecture and warm hospitality.
Kyichu Lhakhang- Visit one of the kingdom’s oldest and most sacred temples, dating back to the 7th century.
National Museum at Ta Dzong- Housed in an ancient watchtower, this museum houses centuries of art and artifacts that bring Bhutanese history to life.
Paro Exploration- Wind down in the charming town of Paro, known for its quaint storefronts and artisanal cafes.
Day 18: Full Day Paro-
Hike to Taktsang Monastery- Hike to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, a monastery clinging to a cliffside 900 meters above the valley floor. According to legend Guru Padmasabhava flew to this site on the back of a tigress and meditated in the cliffside caves, subduing evil spirits and sanctifying the location.
The climb to the monastery takes approximately 3 hours at a comfortable pace. The climb down is fairly easy and can be done in an hour or less. Midway, we will pause at a scenic cafeteria for refreshments (tea and coffee). After exploring the monastery and soaking in the views, we will enjoy a packed picnic lunch.
Hot Stone Bath- Soothe your muscles after the hike in a traditional wooden tub heated by fire-roasted river stones and infused with medicinal herbs.
Farewell Shopping- Enjoy a final evening for souvenir shopping and a celebratory dinner in Paro. Don’t forget to try local beer and wine before you leave.