Amazing Central Bhutan Trip- 15 days

Duration: 1 hr (Transfer)

Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meter.

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Kathmandu is a bustling metropolis where ancient temples sit alongside modern life. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the evening exploring the narrow alleys of Thamel, a hub for travelers filled with craft shops and cozy cafes. This is your first evening to soak in the Himalayan atmosphere before heading to the "Dragon Kingdom."

Duration: 1 hr (Flight) / 1.5 hrs (Drive)

Max. Altitude: 2,334 Meter.

Today you board a spectacular flight to Paro, offering views of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga. After landing at the scenic Paro Airport, your Bhutanese guide will meet you for the drive to Thimphu, the capital city. The route follows the Pa Chhu and Thimphu Chhu rivers, passing traditional farmhouses and prayer flags. You'll settle into your hotel and take a leisurely evening walk through the town square, which remarkably has no traffic lights.

Duration: 6-7 hrs (Sightseeing)

Max. Altitude: 2,334 Meter.

Spend a full day exploring Thimphu’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. You will visit the Buddha Dordenma, a massive golden statue overlooking the valley, and the National Memorial Chorten, where locals gather for daily prayers. Other highlights include the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Library, and the Motithang Takin Preserve, where you can see the unusual national animal of Bhutan. The day ends with a visit to the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the administrative seat of the government.

Duration: 5-6 hrs (Sightseeing)

Max. Altitude: 2,400 Meter.

A second day in Thimphu allows for a deeper dive into Bhutanese culture. You might visit the Painting School (Zorig Chusum) to see students learning traditional arts, or hike to the Cheri Monastery for a peaceful mountain experience. In the afternoon, you can explore the local handicraft market or the Centenary Farmer's Market, where villagers from across the district sell organic produce and local cheeses.

Duration: 3-4 hrs

Max. Altitude: 3,100 Meter (Dochula Pass).

Leaving the capital, you will ascend to the Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters. On a clear day, the pass offers a 360-degree view of the high Himalayas. After admiring the 108 memorial chortens, you will descend through misty forests into the subtropical valley of Punakha. Before reaching your hotel, you’ll take a pleasant walk through rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, the "Fertility Temple" of the Divine Madman, known for its unique cultural legends.

Duration: 5-6 hrs (Sightseeing)

Max. Altitude: 1,200 Meter.

Today is dedicated to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. You will visit the Punakha Dzong, widely considered the most beautiful fortress in the kingdom, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. You’ll also walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in the country, and hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built for world peace with sweeping views of the river valley.

Duration: 7-8 hrs

Max. Altitude: 3,425 Meter (Yotongla Pass).

This is one of the most scenic drives of the trip as you head into Central Bhutan. You will cross the Pele La Pass (3,300m) and stop at Trongsa to visit the Trongsa Dzong, the largest and most strategically located fortress in Bhutan. After lunch, you will continue over the Yotongla Pass (3,425m) before descending into the ancestral heartland of Bumthang. The landscape changes to wide, open valleys filled with buckwheat and potato fields.

Duration: 6-7 hrs (Sightseeing)

Max. Altitude: 2,800 Meter.

Bumthang is the spiritual heart of Bhutan. Today’s exploration includes the Jakar Dzong ("Castle of the White Bird") and the Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country built in the 7th century. You will also visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche is preserved. The afternoon can be spent visiting the Tamshing Lhakhang or simply walking through the charming town of Jakar, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.

Duration: 5-6 hrs (Sightseeing/Hiking)

Max. Altitude: 2,800 Meter.

A second day in Bumthang allows for a visit to the Tang Valley, one of the most remote regions in the district. You can visit Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake), a deeply sacred pool where Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered religious treasures. You may also visit the Ogyen Choling Palace Museum to learn about rural Bhutanese life in the past. The evening is perfect for sampling local Bumthang specialties, such as buckwheat pancakes (Hentse) and local honey.

Duration: 5-6 hrs

Max. Altitude: 3,000 Meter.

Retracing your route west, you will head toward the Phobjikha Valley, popularly known as Gangtey. This wide, glacial valley is a protected area and the winter home of the rare Black-Necked Cranes. Upon arrival, you will visit the Gangtey Goempa, a 17th-century monastery that sits on a ridge overlooking the entire valley. The silence and scale of this valley offer a profound sense of peace.

Duration: 5-6 hrs

Max. Altitude: 2,200 Meter.

After a morning walk on the Gangtey Nature Trail, you will drive back toward the Paro Valley. The journey takes you back over the mountain passes, offering another chance to view the Himalayan range. In Paro, you’ll visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong), housed in an ancient watchtower, and the Rinpung Dzong. The evening is free to wander the traditional streets of Paro town, perhaps finding a cozy cafe to reflect on your journey.

Duration: 5-6 hrs (Hike)

Max. Altitude: 3,120 Meter.

Today is the pinnacle of your trip: the hike to Taktsang Monastery, the "Tiger’s Nest." Perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor, it is Bhutan's most sacred site. The hike is a steady climb through pine forests draped with prayer flags. After exploring the temples and soaking in the views, you will descend and can enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath to soothe your muscles—a perfect way to celebrate your final night in Bhutan.

Duration: 1 hr (Flight) / 4-5 hrs (Sightseeing)

Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meter.

Say goodbye to the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" as you take the return flight to Kathmandu. After checking into your hotel, you’ll head out for sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley. You will visit the holy Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu shrine in Nepal, and the massive Boudhanath Stupa, where you can join hundreds of pilgrims circumambulating the dome as the sun sets over the city.

Duration: 6-7 hrs (Sightseeing)

Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meter.

Your final full day is a deep dive into the artistic and historical heritage of Nepal. You will visit Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple), located on a hilltop with a bird's-eye view of the city. Later, you'll explore the ancient Patan Durbar Square, known for its exquisite Newari architecture and metalwork. This is your final opportunity for souvenir shopping in Thamel, looking for pashminas, thangkas, or singing bowls to take home.

Duration: 1 hr (Transfer)

Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meter.

After breakfast, our representative will provide a private transfer to the airport for your flight home. As you depart, you’ll carry with you the serene memories of Bhutan’s high valleys and the vibrant cultural tapestry of Nepal, having completed one of the most comprehensive Himalayan journeys available.