Bumthang Tangbi– 11 Days

You can fly to Paro from cities like Bangkok, New Delhi, Kathmandu, and Dhaka. However, we suggest flying from Bangkok, as Druk Air operates daily flights between Bangkok and Paro. Flights from other locations may not be available everyday.

The journey into Paro national airline, Druk Air.Offers a stunning first glimpse of the country. On clear days, you’ll see sweeping views of some of the world’s tallest mountains before descending in to the lush green Paro Valley. As you step off the plane, Bhutan welcomes you with its frist gifts,crisp, clean mountains air. After completing immigration and visa formalities, you’ll drive to Thiphu, Bhutan’s capital. The scenic drive takes about an hour.Thimphu, home to around 98,000 people, is a unique capital with just three rows of shops and no traffic lights.

In the morning, we’ll begin by visiting Bhutan’s National Bank to exchange currency, followed by a stop at the post office, where you can see and buy beautifully crafted Bhutanese stamps—many of which are prized collector’s items. Next, we’ll head to the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 to honor the third king of Bhutan. We’ll also explore the National Library, home to ancient and sacred texts, and visit the Takin Reserve, where Bhutan’s unique national animal is protected.

After lunch, our tour continues to the Textile Museum and the School of Arts and Crafts, both offering a deeper look into Bhutan’s rich artistic traditions. We’ll also visit the House of Incense and the House of Paper, two popular spots showcasing traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship.

After breakfast, we head out toward Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. The journey begins with a scenic drive from Thimphu, winding through forests of pine and cedar, draped with hanging lichen, as we make our way up to Dochula Pass at 3,050 meters. On clear days, this pass offers sweeping views of the Himalayan ranges. We’ll pause here to enjoy a cup of tea and take in the breathtaking scenery.

From Dochula, the road descends through a series of sharp bends into the fertile Punakha Valley. Upon arrival, we’ll head straight to the hotel for lunch and check-in. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the stunning Punakha Dzong, beautifully situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu (Mother River) and Pho Chu (Father River). It serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the monastic community. If time allows, we’ll also enjoy a short hike, about 45 minutes each way through rice terraces to reach the serene Khamsum Yulley Chorten, offering lovely views over the Kabina area.

Today we start early for the fabulous drive to the central valleys of Bhutan. The drive to Bumthang via Trongsa is approximately 7 hours crossing over Pele La pass (3,300m) and Yotongla pass (3,400m). “The Central Road”, across the Black Mountains, was completed 30 years ago, and it brought about great changes to the people in central Bhutan.

We pass Wangdue, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan. We climb steadily passing through semi-tropical vegetation and then to Pelela Pass (3,300m) with an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. If the weather is clear the Himalayan ranges can be seen, particularly the peak of Chomulhari (7,314m), to the west.

En route we cross Chendebji Chorten built many centuries ago to suppress a demon. In Trongsa we visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. In olden days the dzong commanded the passage between East and West Bhutan. We then drive to Bumthang valley (described as “one of the most beautiful spot in the Himalayas” across the Yotongla pass (3,400m).

After breakfast, we begin our journey to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. The drive from Thimphu takes us through scenic mountain landscapes, passing through forests of pine and cedar adorned with hanging moss. We climb steadily towards Dochula Pass, situated at 3,050 meters. On a clear day, the pass offers breathtaking views of the distant Himalayan peaks. We’ll stop here for tea and to soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

From the pass, the road winds down through a series of curves into the lush and fertile Punakha Valley. Once we arrive, we’ll check in to the hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, located at the meeting point of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers. This majestic fortress serves as the winter home of Bhutan’s spiritual leader and the monastic body. If time permits, we’ll take a peaceful 45-minute walk through terraced fields to reach Khamsum Yulley Chorten, a hilltop shrine with scenic views of the Kabina countryside.

After breakfast, we set out for Ura Valley, one of the most sacred and spiritually significant places in Bhutan. Today, we’ll experience the vibrant URA Yakchoe festival in Bumthang. This special occasion draws people from across the country, all coming together to receive blessings and take part in the celebration.

Dressed in their most elegant traditional attire and adorned with fine jewelry, locals gather to celebrate this deeply spiritual event. The festival offers a genuine glimpse into Bhutanese culture, faith, and community spirit. As the dancers move in vivid brocades, performing the powerful “thunderbolt step,” the atmosphere fills with color and energy. Intricately crafted masks representing deities, demons, and animals bring the performance to life, stirring the senses as the rituals of purification unfold before us. The experience is both moving and unforgettable.

We return to the Ura Festival in the morning, where there will be an opportunity to meet the Head Lama of Ura. As the festivities continue, keep an eye out for the Atsara—the festival clown, who brings laughter and energy with his playful antics, often mimicking the dancers and amusing the crowd.

Throughout the day, sacred rituals are performed to invoke protective deities, bring good fortune, and clear away misfortune. Later in the day, we drive back to Bumthang.

After an early breakfast, we begin our journey to Wangdue, traveling via Trongsa. The scenic drive takes us over Pelela Pass, offering beautiful mountain views along the way.

In the morning, we drive to Gangtey, with a stop along the way to visit the historic Wangdue Dzong. From there, we continue our journey eastward, heading toward Gangtey, located on the slopes of the Black Mountains beyond Punakha and Wangdue.

Gangtey is home to the 17th-century Gangtey Gompa, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the region. A little further down the valley lies Phobjikha, a broad, glacial valley known for its quiet beauty. Often described as one of the most stunning valleys in the Himalayas, Phobjikha is also the winter nesting ground of the rare black-necked cranes. These graceful birds migrate each year from the dry Tibetan plateau to the milder climate of this valley.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a peaceful walk through Phobjikha Valley, observing the cranes and their natural surroundings. A visit to the local observation center is highly recommended for those interested in learning more about these remarkable birds.

After breakfast drive back to Paro with lunch stop at Thimphu.

After breakfast, we take a scenic drive along a winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, a historic fortress now in ruins. It once served as a key defense point, protecting the valley from Tibetan invasions. On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Chomolhari from the nearby village.

Next, we head to Ramthangka, the starting point for the hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. The walk up to the viewpoint cafeteria takes about an hour and a half. From there, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside. This sacred site is believed to be where Guru Padmasambhava arrived in the 8th century, riding on the back of a tigress.

After lunch at the café, we make our way back down to the road. On the return drive, we’ll stop to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most cherished temples, built in the 7th century.

After breakfast at your hotel, your local Bhutanese guide will escort you to Paro airport for your onward flight and bid you farewell and happy journey back home.