11 Days Bhutan Tour

Detailed 11-Day Bhutan Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing (54 km, 1-hour drive)
Upon arrival at Paro airport, you will be greeted by your guide and driver who will take you to Thimphu. Stop briefly to admire the Tamchog Monastery, built in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo.

In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, the tallest statue of Buddha, Changangkha Lhakhang, the Takin Preserve Center, and Dupthop Nunnery.

Evening: Enjoy free time for shopping and photography in town.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Morning visits include the National Postal Museum, Craft Bazaar, Textile Museum, and the School of 13 Arts and Crafts (Painting School).

Lunch at Simply Bhutan Museum.

Afternoon: Watch an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium.

Evening: Visit Tashichho Dzong, the Royal Secretariat.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing (76 km, 2-hour drive)
Morning drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan until the reign of the second king.

• En route, visit Dochu La Pass (3140 m).
• Visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in honor of Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Temple of Fertility.”

Afternoon: Explore Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and where King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly in 1952. Then, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery.

Evening: Walk the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 meters).
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey Sightseeing (75 km, 2-hour drive)
Morning drive to Gangtey with a stop at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

In Gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, the venue for the annual Gangtey Festival, built in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, and the Black Necked Crane Information Center.

Evening: Explore the scenic Phobjikha Valley (3000 m), the winter roosting ground of the rare black-necked cranes.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Gangtey – Trongsa Sightseeing – Bumthang (186 km, 5-hour drive)
Morning drive to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland and birthplace of Pema Lingpa.

En route, visit Trongsa Dzong (built in 1648) and Ta Dzong (built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, now a museum).
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Bumthang Sightseeing
Morning visits to Jakar Dzong and Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Songtsen Gampo in 659 AD, Chakhar Lhakhang, and Kenchosum Monastery, dating back to the 6th century.

Afternoon: Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Kenchosum Lhakhang.

Evening: Free time for a town stroll.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Bumthang – Ogen Choling Palace (40 km, 1.5-hour drive)
Morning drive to the beautiful Tang Valley. Stop by Mebar Tsho, known as the “Burning Lake.”

In Tang Valley, visit Ogen Choling Palace Museum, which offers insights into the lifestyle of Bhutanese nobility and serves as a center for religious studies, research, and solitude.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Bumthang – Paro Sightseeing (Flight to Paro, 25 minutes)
Morning drive to the airport for your flight to Paro. Upon arrival, your guide will take you to your hotel.

Afternoon: Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan) and Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This architectural marvel was featured in the 1995 film “Little Buddha.”

Evening: Free time for shopping and photography in town.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Paro – Excursion to Haa Valley (60 km, 2-hour drive)
Morning drive to Haa Valley with a stop at Cheli La Pass (3988 m), the highest motorable road in Bhutan, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Jomolhari. The pass also features a sky burial site.

In Haa Valley, visit the Dzong, the administrative center of the valley, and Chorten Nagpo (Black Temple) and Chorten Karpo (White Temple), built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 AD. Visit Kila Gompa Nunnery.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Morning drive to Satsam Chorten for a two-hour hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), the highlight of the tour.

Afternoon: Visit Drugyel Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 AD by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. In the inner courtyard, see a mural of King Gesar of Ling, a legendary Tibetan warrior-king.

Evening: Free time for shopping and photography in town.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Paro – Departure
After breakfast, drive to the airport for your departure (End of the 11-day tour).