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Day 01:: Arrive Delhi.

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Day 02:: Delhi-Paro (By flight)-Thimphu (By surface approx. 55 Kms/02 Hrs)

After breakfast, transfer to Delhi International Airport for your flight to Paro. Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, passing a scenic river confluence adorned with chortens. Check into your hotel and enjoy a serene evening stroll through Thimphu's charming streets.

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Day 03:: Thimphu

After breakfast, visit the National Library, home to ancient Buddhist texts and Himalayan cultural manuscripts, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, teaching Bhutan's 13 traditional arts. Stroll Norzim Lam's craft shops and explore the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums for insights into Bhutanese life.

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Visit the Handicrafts Emporium showcasing handwoven textiles and Bhutanese crafts. In the afternoon, tour Tashichho Dzong, the King’s secretariat and throne room. See Zilukha Nunnery, established by the 15th-century polymath Thang Tong Gyalpo.

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Stop at the Takin Preserve to view Bhutan's unique national animal. Enjoy the panoramic views from Buddha Point, then conclude with an evening walk to Memorial Chorten, observing prayer rituals and serene surroundings.

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Day 04:: Thimphu-Punakha (By surface approx. 70 Kms/2.5 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha, visiting Simtokha Dzong en route, known for its exquisite slate carvings. Cross Dochu La Pass (3,088m), adorned with chortens and prayer flags, offering panoramic views of Bhutan's majestic peaks if skies are clear.

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Stop for a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the "Temple of Fertility," dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, known as the "Divine Madman." The 30-minute walk through rice fields and the settlement of Pana leads to this sacred site, believed to bless couples seeking children.

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Arrive in Punakha, check into your hotel, and visit Punakha Dzong. This magnificent dzong, built at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers in 1637, has been beautifully restored after centuries of natural damage. Its stunning architecture and serene surroundings make it an unforgettable sight.

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Day 05:: Punakha – Trongsa (By surface approx. 135 Kms/05 Hrs)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Trongsa, stopping to photograph yaks, alpine flowers, and picturesque villages. At Pele La Pass (10,825 ft.), enjoy views of the Black Mountains. Descend through rhododendrons to Chendebji village, once a caravan halt, and visit the 19th-century Chendebji Chorten, modeled after Kathmandu's Swayambhunath. Approaching Trongsa, glimpse the crimson-roofed Trongsa Dzong overlooking the cascading Mangdechu River below.

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Day 06:: Trongsa - Bumthang (By surface approx. 68 Kms/03 Hrs)

Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuk, embodies the essence of Bhutanese monastic and parliamentary architecture. After exploring the Dzong and Trongsa town, enjoy a leisurely four-hour drive to Jakar Village in Bumthang.

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The journey crosses Yotong La Pass (10,800 ft.), offering views of Jomolhari (23,540 ft.) and marking the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Entering Chhume Valley, visit a Yathra weaving center, known for its vibrant, handwoven woolen fabrics.

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On arrival, check into the hotel and later visit Jambey Lhakhang for the evening fire ceremony. 

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Day 07:: Bumthang 

After breakfast, attend the Jambay Lhakhang Festival, witnessing pilgrims performing Kora and vibrant mask dances. Built in the 8th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, Jambay Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest temples and a significant Buddhist landmark.

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In the afternoon, visit the Prakhar Tsechu, a village festival featuring exceptional dances performed by Nimalung monastery monks. This gathering in Chumey Valley offers a unique chance to experience Bhutanese culture and interact with local villagers. 

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Day 08:: Bumthang 

In the morning, visit Kurje Lhakhang, where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint on a rock, Tamshing Lhakhang with Bhutan’s oldest wall paintings, and Jakar Dzong, the region's administrative center. Stroll through the village, explore handicrafts shops, and enjoy refreshments at a local restaurant.

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Spend the afternoon at Jambay Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple, attending the vibrant festival.

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Day 09:: Bumthang-Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) (By surface approx. 180 Kms/06-07 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Gangtey and check in at the hotel.

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Explore the stunning Phobjikha Valley, home to Gangtey Monastery, established in the 17th century. This serene, treeless valley is the winter refuge for black-necked cranes migrating from Tibet, typically arriving in November and departing by early March.

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Gangtey’s expansive, flat landscape contrasts with Bhutan's usually enclosed valleys, offering a rare sense of open space. In the evening, take a leisurely walk to Gangtey village.

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Day 10:: Gangtey-Wangdue Phodrang-Punakha (By surface approx. 80 Kms/03 Hrs)

After breakfast, visit Gangtey Gompa, the region's only Nyingmapa monastery. Explore the villages of Phobjikha Valley, enjoy yak butter tea with locals, and learn about their lives. Visit the Black-Necked Crane Study Center.

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In the late afternoon, drive to Punakha, stopping to visit the newly restored Wangdue Dzong. Continue to Punakha and check in at the hotel. 

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Day 11:: Punakha-Paro (By surface approx. 125 Kms/04 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Paro and check in at the hotel.

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After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, originally a watchtower and now the National Museum, with a rich collection of thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, and historical artifacts.

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Walk to Rinpung Dzong, renowned for its stunning wall paintings depicting Buddhist lore. 

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Day 12:: Paro

Early morning, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders. Enjoy views of the sacred Chomolhari mountain.

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Later, hike to Taktsang Monastery, or "Tiger’s Nest," where Guru Rinpoche meditated after arriving on a tigress. The round trip takes 5-6 hours.

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On the way back, visit Kyichu Lakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and holiest shrines, built by Guru Rinpoche to subdue a demoness obstructing the spread of Buddhism.

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Day 13:: Paro-Delhi (By flight) and Departure

 Early morning, transfer to Paro airport for the flight to Delhi.

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Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of New Delhi, exploring the President’s Palace, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. After lunch, visit Connaught Place before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.

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