Blissful Hot Springs & Central Cultural Experience

Highlights

• Explore Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital city
• Visit the National Memorial Chorten and historic Tashichhodzong
• Hike to the sacred Tango Monastery
• Hike to Phajoding Monastery overlooking Thimphu Valley
• Cross spectacular Dochula Pass at 3,140 m
• Discover sacred Chhimi Lhakhang and magnificent Punakha Dzong
• Relax in the natural Gasa Hot Springs
• Discover the magnificent Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong
• Visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang
• Visit Ugyenchholing Palace and mystical Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)
• Discover beautiful Phobjikha/Gangtey Valley
• Visit Gangtey Monastery and the Black-Necked Crane Centre
• Cross spectacular Chele La Pass at 3,988 m
• Visit the ancient Kila Nunnery
• Discover the remote and peaceful Haa Valley
• Hike to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Paro – Thimphu

   • Elevation 2,280 m
   • Distance 54 km
   • Drive approx. 1 hr 20 min

   Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your Discover Happiness guide and driver. Receive a traditional white scarf, Khadhar, as a warm Bhutanese welcome before driving to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city.

   After checking into your hotel and relaxing, visit the National Memorial Chorten and experience the daily spiritual life of local Bhutanese. In the evening, visit the magnificent Tashichhodzong, the historic centre of Bhutan’s government and religion. Overnight in Thimphu.

   

2. Day 2

   Explore Thimphu – Tango Monastery

   • Elevation 2,280 m
   • Distance 14 km
   • Drive approx. 30 min

   After breakfast, drive to the Tango Monastery hike base and begin your hike to Tango Monastery, an important centre of Buddhist studies dating back to the 13th century.

   After lunch, experience Bhutanese traditions at Simply Bhutan and visit the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts. Continue to the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal. Overnight in Thimphu.

   

3. Day 3

   Thimphu – Phajoding Hike

   • Elevation 3,280 m
   • Distance 10 km
   • Drive approx. 2 hr 20 min
   • Hike approx. 7 km · 4 hrs one way

   After breakfast, drive to the trailhead and begin the hike towards Phajoding Monastery, located high above Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the peaceful mountain environment and spectacular views of Thimphu city. The hike is rated moderate, with approximately 7 km distance and 4 hours walking time one way.

   After lunch, visit Buddha Point at Kuenselphodrang and admire the massive Buddha Dordenma overlooking the valley. Overnight in Thimphu.

   

4. Day 4

   Thimphu – Punakha

   • Elevation 1,300 m
   • Distance 73 km
   • Drive approx. 2 hr 30 min

   Drive to Punakha through the spectacular Dochula Pass at 3,140 m, enjoying panoramic Himalayan views and the famous 108 chortens. Continue through the countryside to Lobesa and take a short hike through villages and rice fields to Chhimi Lhakhang, the temple associated with the Divine Madman.

   After lunch, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and the traditional suspension bridge. Experience a local homestay in Punakha, enjoy traditional cuisine and interact with the local community.

   

5. Day 5

   Punakha – Gasa

   • Elevation 2,800 m
   • Distance 137 km
   • Drive approx. 4 hr 30 min

   Travel from Punakha towards the remote Gasa Valley, enjoying a spectacular drive through mountain landscapes and waterfalls. On arrival, visit Gasa Dzong, dramatically situated with mountain views.

   Later, walk to the natural Gasa Hot Springs, known locally as Tsachu, and relax in the mineral-rich thermal waters. Overnight in Gasa.

   

6. Day 6

   Gasa – Trongsa

   • Elevation 2,800 m
   • Distance 150 km
   • Drive approx. 5 hr 30 min

   Begin the long scenic journey towards central Bhutan and Trongsa, travelling through changing landscapes from subtropical to sub-alpine terrain. Cross Pele La Pass at 3,300 m, historically regarded as the boundary between eastern and western Bhutan.

   Continue through mountain landscapes and traditional yak-herding areas before arriving in Trongsa. Visit the magnificent Trongsa Dzong, the longest palace-fortress in Bhutan, followed by Ta Dzong, the historic watchtower now serving as a museum. Overnight in Trongsa.

   

7. Day 7

   Trongsa – Bumthang

   • Elevation 2,800 m
   • Distance 80 km
   • Drive approx. 2 hr 30 min

   Drive towards Bumthang, crossing Yotong La Pass at 3,400 m before descending into the beautiful Chumey Valley. Continue into Bumthang, one of Bhutan’s most peaceful and culturally significant regions, known for fertile valleys, traditional lifestyles and Yathra weaving.

   In the afternoon, visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang, three important spiritual sites in the Bumthang Valley. Overnight in Bumthang.

   

8. Day 8

   Bumthang – Tang Valley Excursion

   • Elevation 2,800 m
   • Distance 48 km
   • Drive approx. 2 hr 30 min

   After an early breakfast, explore the cultural treasures of Bumthang. Visit Jakar Dzong, known as the “Castle of the White Bird,” before travelling to Tang Valley.

   Explore Ugyenchholing Palace, a historic palace now preserving the region’s heritage, and visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. Return to Bumthang and enjoy the peaceful valley surroundings. Overnight in Bumthang.

   

9. Day 9

   Bumthang – Phobjikha / Gangtey

   • Elevation 2,900 m
   • Distance 165 km
   • Drive approx. 4 hr 30 min

   Travel towards the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, a spectacular highland valley and winter home of the Black-Necked Cranes. Visit Gangtey Monastery, overlooking the valley, and enjoy the Gangtey Nature Trail.

   Continue to the Black-Necked Crane Centre and walk through the surrounding fields and farmhouses, where you can interact with local people and experience rural Bhutanese life. Overnight in Phobjikha.

   

10. Day 10

    Phobjikha / Gangtey – Paro

    • Elevation 2,300 m
    • Distance 171 km
    • Drive approx. 4 hr 30 min

    After breakfast, drive towards Paro, stopping at Dochula Pass to enjoy the Himalayan panorama and the 108 chortens. Continue towards Paro and stop at Tachhogang for a short hike to the historic 14th-century bridge over the Pa Chhu River and the temple on the hilltop.

    Continue to Paro and visit Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses. Overnight in Paro.

    

11. Day 11

    Paro – Haa Valley

    • Elevation 2,500 m
    • Distance 67 km
    • Drive approx. 2 hr 30 min

    Before heading to Haa Valley, visit Ta Dzong/National Museum, the historic cylindrical watchtower overlooking Paro. Continue across the spectacular Chele La Pass at 3,988 m, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, offering magnificent views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and valleys.

    Descend into the remote Haa Valley and explore local villages, meet local families and experience the traditional rural lifestyle. Visit the historic Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, the White and Black Temples that guard the valley. Overnight in Haa.

    

12. Day 12

    Haa – Paro

    • Elevation 2,300 m
    • Distance 67 km
    • Drive approx. 2 hr 30 min

    Drive back towards Paro via Chele La Pass at 3,988 m and begin the hike towards Kila Nunnery, one of Bhutan’s oldest nunneries. Walk through the beautiful rhododendron forest and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, with a chance to encounter yaks along the trail.

    Continue down to Paro Valley and, if time permits, explore Paro town or visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Overnight in Paro.

    

13. Day 13

    Paro – Tiger’s Nest Hike

    • Elevation 2,300 m
    • Distance 10 km
    • Drive approx. 30 min
    • Hike approx. 2 hrs up

    After breakfast, begin the unforgettable hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. The approximately two-hour uphill trail climbs almost a kilometre above the Paro Valley floor. Explore the sacred monastery dramatically built into the cliff face and learn about its connection with Guru Rinpoche.

    After visiting Taktsang, descend to the viewpoint cafeteria for lunch before continuing down. In the evening, explore Paro town for shopping and local experiences. Overnight in Paro.

    

14. Day 14

    Departure from Paro

    After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Your Discover Happiness guide and driver will see you off at the airport as your unforgettable Bhutan journey comes to an end.

    

Tour information

Destinations	Thimphu, Punakha, Gasa, Trongsa, Bumthang, Tang Valley, Phobjikha/Gangtey, Paro and Haa Valley
Max Altitude	3,988 m / 13,083 ft – Chele La Pass
Other High Passes	Yotong La – 3,400 m • Pele La – 3,300 m • Dochula Pass – 3,140 m
Meal	Full Board – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Best Season	March to May and September to November
Accommodation	Of your choice – 3 Star, 4 Star, 5 Star, Luxury, Boutique, Homestays and Monastery Stay
Transportation	Kia/Hyundai SUV, Toyota/Hyundai HiAce High Roof Luxury Travel Van, depending on group size
Tour Duration	13 Nights / 14 Days
Tour Type	Cultural, Scenic, Spiritual, Nature, Hiking and Community Experience

Note: This itinerary is a general guide and can be customized according to the season, your interests, group size, preferred accommodation and duration of the tour.

Frequently asked questions

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