Bumthang Valley Getaway: 8 Days

• Morning:
  • Arrival in Phuentsholing: Upon arrival at Phuentsholing, a bustling border town located at the southern gateway to Bhutan, you will be greeted by your guide. Phuentsholing is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and is an entry point for travelers coming from India.
  • Immigration and Customs Formalities: You will complete the necessary immigration and customs procedures. Ensure you have all the required documents for entry into Bhutan.
• Afternoon:
  • Drive from Phuentsholing to Thimphu: After completing the formalities, you'll start your scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. The distance between Phuentsholing and Thimphu is approximately 145 kilometers and takes around 5-6 hours. The journey will take you through beautiful landscapes, winding roads, and traditional villages. You’ll pass through lush forests, terraced fields, and picturesque valleys.
  • Arrival in Thimphu: Check-in to your hotel upon arrival. Enjoy the evening at leisure, taking in the beauty of the capital city.
• Evening:
  • Overnight in Thimphu: After a long day of travel, rest and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Thimphu.

Morning: After breakfast, do some local sight seeing in Thimphu and drive to Punakha (approximately 3.5 hours).

The National Memorial Chorten: Built-in the memory of the third Druk Gyalpo (Head of Kingdom) of Bhutan, the National Memorial Chorten is devoted to World Peace. The Chorten is popular amongst the localities for various major Buddhist religious festivals and it is one of the best places to see in Thimphu Bhutan.

 Buddha Dordenma Statue: Atop a hill in Thimphu, is a massive, golden Buddha sitting atop a gilded meditation hall. Hidden inside it has 125,000 smaller Buddhas. This means that in Thimphu, there are more Buddha statues than this city’s population (100000), It is also known as Buddha point.

Simply Bhutan (Living Museum): It is a living museum run fully by the youth and supported by Bhutan Youth Development Fund. The museum gives a glimpse of traditional Bhutanese life. There is a small collection of typical household objects and tools. The youth guide also explained how the Bhutanese used to build houses out of mud, the making of wheat wine etc. One can try their traditional costumes (Gho & Kira) and have photos taken for free. There are also traditional dance performances. One can also purchase some handicraft for souvenirs as well as supporting them. Overall, it was an interesting experience.

The Motithang Takin Preserve: For animal lovers, Motithang Takin Preserve is one of the best places to visit in Thimphu. This attractive preserved area was built as a small zoo but later it was converted into an animal preserve centre. Takin -The national animal of Bhutan, lives in the Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

Sangaygang View Point: There is a beautiful view point in Bhutan called Sangaygang. It is the location for the tower which transmits the national television channel of Bhutan called BBS. A wonderful view of Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan, can be observed from this view point. On clear, cloudless days, a beautiful panoramic view of the whole city from point of view can be captured with a camera. Thousands of prayer flags can be seen, fluttering in the air.

The Clock Tower: Clock Tower Square is an example of a great architectural marvel. It is a tower with four clock faces, which makes it different from any other building or structure in Bhutan. People usually visit here in the evening to enjoy the beautiful paintings and carvings. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops near this tower, making it one of the most visited sites in the town.TashiChho Dzong: It is a monastery which is located next to the bank of the Wang Chhu River, it is also known as Thimphu Dzong.  Annual 3 days Tsechu festival is also hosted every year at TashiChho Dzong. It was built in 1216 A.D.

Dochula Pass (3,050 meters), which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas on a clear day. Dochula Pass: Take time to visit the Druk Wangyal Chortens and enjoy the stunning views of snow-capped peaks.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, the majestic fortress located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers. Explore its beautiful courtyards and temples. Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge: Afterward, take a short walk to the Pho Chhu suspension bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan. Overnight: Stay in Punakha.       

Morning: After breakfast, begin your scenic journey to Bumthang (approximately 7-8 hours). The drive offers picturesque views of lush valleys, small villages, and traditional Bhutanese landscapes.

En-route Stops: You’ll pass through the Wangdue Phodrang area, stop for photos at beautiful viewpoints, and cross the Punakha Valley before beginning the ascent towards Trongsa.

Lunch: Stop at Trongsa for a lunch break and visit the Trongsa Dzong if time permits.

Afternoon Drive: Continue the journey through beautiful forests and valleys to reach Bumthang, a region often referred to as the spiritual heart of Bhutan.

Evening Arrival: Check-in at your hotel in Bumthang and relax for the night.

• Morning: Start your exploration of Bumthang. Visit the ancient Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, known for its unique architectural design and significance in Bhutanese Buddhism.
• Kurjey Lhakhang: Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche meditated. The temple complex includes sacred sites and offers beautiful views of the surrounding valley.
• Afternoon: Explore the scenic Tang Valley and Choekhor Valley, known for their pristine nature and traditional villages.
• Evening: If time permits, enjoy a local cultural performance or visit a local handicraft market.
• Overnight: Stay in Bumthang.

• Morning: After breakfast, embark on a scenic trek to Ura Valley (approximately 4-5 hours of hiking). The Ura Valley is renowned for its lush forests, alpine meadows, and traditional Bhutanese homes.
• Ura Village: Upon reaching the village, interact with the locals and learn about their traditional lifestyles. The village offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch during the hike.
• Afternoon: Continue exploring Ura Village and the surrounding areas, learning about Bhutanese customs and the village’s rich history.
• Evening: Return to Bumthang for an overnight stay.

Morning: Visit the Bumthang Cultural Centre to gain deeper insights into the region's history, art, and traditions. Local Handicrafts: Explore the local markets, where you can buy unique handmade textiles, woodwork, and ceramics that reflect the region’s craftsmanship.

Afternoon: Attend a traditional Bhutanese cultural performance such as a folk dance or a mask dance if available, or visit other spiritual sites in the region.

Evening: Enjoy a cultural dinner at a local restaurant, where you can taste traditional Bhutanese dishes like Ema Datshi and Phaksha Paa.

Overnight: Stay in Bumthang.

Morning: After breakfast, begin your return journey to Paro (approximately 6-7 hours drive). The drive offers opportunities for scenic views and stops at local villages and temples along the way.

En-route Stops: Visit Trongsa for a quick break and explore Trongsa Dzong again if you missed it earlier.

Arrival in Paro: On arrival, check-in at your hotel in Paro and relax. Evening: Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to visit Paro Rinpung Dzong or explore Paro’s charming town center.

Morning: Start the day with a visit to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of Bhutan’s most iconic sites. The trek to Tiger’s Nest is an unforgettable experience, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Lunch: Have lunch at the monastery’s cafeteria or in Paro town.

Afternoon: Afterward, visit Paro Dzong and the National Museum to explore the history and culture of Bhutan in more detail.

Paro River: The Paro Chhu flows through the Paro Valley, which is the site of one of Bhutan's main towns, Paro, and many important monasteries. The two best known of the monasteries are Taktsang ("Tiger's nest" in Dzongkha), and Paro Dzong. Paro Airport View:  This is one of the most stunning airports in the World and also the country’s first and only international airport. With a breath-taking view, this airport became a must-visit place in Paro.

Evening: Transfer back to Phuentsholing for your departure (approximately 6 hours drive).