Explore Western & Central Bhutan

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, you will be escorted to a restaurant for lunch. Afterward, continue your journey to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Upon reaching Thimphu, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely orientation walk around the town.

Spend the day exploring Thimphu’s highlights, including the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts (painting school), the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, the impressive Buddha Statue, and the Motithang Takin Preserve. In the evening, head to Tashichho Dzong, famously known as the “Fortress of Glorious Religion.”

Enjoy a scenic drive to Punakha, stopping at Dochula Pass (3,150 m) for stunning Himalayan views on a clear day. From Metshina Village, take a short walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the revered fertility temple. After lunch, continue to Punakha and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan.

A short 30-minute drive from Punakha brings you to Wangduephodrang, the gateway to central Bhutan, known for its fine bamboo and stone craftsmanship. From here, the road climbs through lush forests of oak and rhododendron to Lawala Pass, covered with dwarf bamboo and offering sweeping Himalayan views. Descending further, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking sights of Gangtey Goenpa and the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. Visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle hike through Phobjikha Valley, winter home to the rare Black-necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan Plateau.

Today, journey to Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family and the seat from which the first two kings ruled. The drive follows a scenic, winding road—featured in the Bhutanese film Travellers and Magicians. After lunch in Trongsa, visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, a true architectural masterpiece. Continue onward to Bumthang, often regarded as the spiritual heart of the kingdom. Along the way, stop at a Yathra weaving center to see traditional textiles unique to Bumthang and observe local artisans at work.

Spend the day exploring Bumthang’s rich heritage, with visits to Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang—closely linked to Guru Rinpoche who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan and Tibet—Jambay Lhakhang, dating back to the 8th century, and Tamshing Lhakhang, built in 1501 by the revered saint Pema Lingpa. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through Bumthang town and enjoy interacting with the local community.

Take a domestic flight to Paro. Upon arrival, visit the local archery ground and observe the traditional sport as locals compete in archery.

Embark on a hike to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,180 meters and one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, the 8th-century spiritual master, flew here on the back of a tigress to meditate. Enjoy lunch at the Cafeteria Restaurant midway up the trail, then explore the monastery before hiking back down to Paro.

You will be transferred to the airport for your departure, where our representative will see you off and wish you a safe journey.