After an early breakfast, your journey to Bumthang Valley begins with a scenic drive over Pele La pass, standing at approximately 3375m. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages like Langthel and Rukubji (situated across the Nika Chu river), and see the significant Chendebji Chorten. The drive continues past Tsangkha Village before reaching Thowa Dra, a viewpoint offering a majestic sight of the Trongsa Dzong perched on a ridge. After capturing some photographs, you’ll proceed towards Bumthang, crossing the Yotong La pass (around 3354m). The route then takes you through the villages of Gyetsa, Chumey, and Nanger before ascending to Kiki La pass (about 2835m). Finally, you’ll descend into the Chamkhar town within the beautiful Choykhor valley, where you’ll check into your hotel and have a relaxing evening after dinner.

Your day in Bumthang begins with a visit to Jakar Dzong, known as the “Castle of the White Bird,” followed by Jambay Lhakhang, a significant 7th-century temple built by the Great Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Afterward, you have the option to hike up to Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred site blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century, and continue further to Tamzhing Lhakhang, the revered seat of the treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. After a fulfilling morning, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local tourist-standard restaurant before driving to Mebar Tsho, also known as the Burning Lake, where your guide will provide detailed insights into its mystical significance. You’ll then spend the night at a hotel in Bumthang.

Today’s journey takes you back to Punakha, a scenic 6-hour drive traversing the impressive Yotongla Pass (3400m) and the historic town of Trongsa, before ascending over Pelela Pass and finally descending into the warmer, verdant valleys of Wangdue and the expansive Punakha valley, allowing for a relaxing evening at your hotel.

Punakha Valley, Bhutan’s former capital, is home to the majestic Punakha Dzong, or “Fortress of Great Bliss.” Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Bhutan’s unifier, this architectural marvel commemorates a decisive victory over Tibetan invaders. Strategically situated at the confluence of the male (Pho Chhu) and female (Mo Chhu) rivers, the Dzong stands as a testament to Bhutanese resilience, having been meticulously rebuilt to its original design after enduring numerous floods, fires, and earthquakes. This sacred site has played a pivotal role in Bhutanese history, hosting the coronation of the first king, the royal wedding of the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2011, and continuing to be a venue for important religious ceremonies. Beyond the Dzong, a scenic hour-long walk through pine forests leads to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, offering breathtaking views and an encounter with a grand suspension bridge over the Punakha River. Concluding your visit, a drive to the local nunnery provides panoramic vistas of the Punakha and Wangdue valleys, rounding out an immersive cultural experience.

Thimphu, the vibrant capital of Bhutan, offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern life. Remarkably, it’s one of the few capital cities globally that foregoes traffic lights, with traffic gracefully managed by policemen. As the most populated city in Bhutan with around 100,000 residents, Thimphu showcases a captivating architectural harmony, where contemporary buildings strictly adhere to traditional styles. The city is adorned with historic temples and monasteries, while also featuring a nascent modern entertainment scene with discotheques and karaoke bars. Visitors can marvel at the panoramic views of the Thimphu valley from the site of the magnificent 51-meter bronze, gold-gilded Shakyamuni Buddha statue. The iconic Memorial Chorten draws devout Buddhists who circumambulate it from dawn to dusk, believing the main Buddha statue within grants wishes to the earnest. For an authentic cultural immersion, the Centenary Farmers Market is a must-visit, allowing you to mingle with locals, experience lively bargaining, and discover an array of organic produce.

After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to Paro to embark on the exhilarating Taktsang hike, a roughly five-hour round trip to one of Bhutan’s most iconic and holiest sites. Perched precariously on a near-vertical mountain cliff approximately 900 meters above the Paro valley, Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, offers a truly spectacular sight, rich in history and spiritual significance. This revered location is where Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan, meditated with his consort Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal in the 8th century, famously flying there on a female tigress to subdue a demon. After the hike, you’ll have the option to enjoy lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria or in town, followed by a visit to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Conclude your day by unwinding with a rejuvenating hot stone bath at a local farmhouse, perfect for soothing any aching muscles from your trek, before enjoying a delightful dinner with the host family.