Explore Central Bhutan, 9 Days - 8 Nights

This trip will cover the western and central parts of Bhutan. It is bit tight but doable. Will have 2 nights in Paro, 2 Nights in Thimphu 1 Night each in Punakha and Phobjekha under Wangdue district. We will spend 2 nights in Bumthang. It's also a mix of cultural and historical sights that will include National Museum and Ringpung Dzong in Paro, Tashichodzong, Memorial chorten, big buddha in Thimphu. In Punakha will visit Majestic Punakha Dzong and Temple of fertility. We will also have hike to the most popular Tigers Nest Monastery in Paro, also hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten in Punakha.

This tour will be one of the more exciting as we will be visiting Phobjekha, that most of the people compare to Switzerland. And if you visit in winter you will also have chance to see Black Necked Crane an endangered bird species in World. And at Gangtey there is a Natural trial which will take you through the villages and forest alongside the roosting ground of Black Necked cranes and also you will enjoy some natural places such as Dochula and riversides.

On top as we drive away from Gangtey towards Bumthang you will see very few tourists traveling as these are the least explored places but it's a beautiful place with less modern development.

Day 1: Paro Arrival, Transfer to Thimphu (1 hour plus Drive)

You will be received by our people at the airport. Then will drive to Ta Dzong (watch tower) which was converted to National Museum in 1969 by the third king. And also from there will have a view of Paro Rinpung Dzong. which serves as Paro district head office as well as a monastic community.

After that will drive to Thimphu. On way will stop at Tamcho to see 15th Century Iron Chain Bridge. Evening can stroll in Thimphu market.

Night Halt: Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast will visit National Memorial Chorten which was built by Her majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden in memory of her late son His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk ("the father of modern Bhutan") the third king of Bhutan. Then will drive to Kuenselphodrang to see Buddha Statue which is one of the biggest sitting Buddha in the world measuring 169 feet tall. After that will do a short Chang-Sel hike which starts from buddha point and ends in Changankha. Its an easy hike and will take 2 hours plus. Then will visit Takin Preserve where you will find Takin, the National animal of Bhutan and it is native to only Himalayas and also the endangered species. Followed by Royal Textile Academy, Textile Museum. Followed by Bhutan Post if you want to make some personalize stamps. Then will visit Tashicho Dzong the beautiful fortress which houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Central Monastic Bsody and Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of monastic body. Evening we can stroll around in Thimphu town.

Night Halt: Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu to Phobjekha (4 hours drive)

After breakfast will drive to Gangtey it's a beautiful valley which is compared to Switzerland and also the place where Black Necked Crane migrates in winter from Tibet. On reaching Dochula will stop there. It is a beautiful pass with 108 stupas and also if the weather is good we will be able to see the Eastern Himalayas that fall within Bhutan including the highest peak in the country Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,541 m). Then will continue to Phobjekha.

After lunch will do a short Gantey Natural Trail which will take about 1-hour plus. It's an easy and beautiful trail that will take you through the blue pine forest, and beautiful village. After that will visit Black Necked Crane Information Center where you can see some documentary about this elusive bird and other information too. And if it's in winter you can use the binoculars to see those birds.

Night Halt: Phobjekha

Day 4: Phobjekha to Bumthang(4 hours drive)

After breakfast will visit Gangtey Sangacholing Monastery which was built in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinley grandson of Terton Pema Lingpa and also this is the only Nyingma Monastery in the western part of country. After that will drive to Bumthang. Will stop at Chendep Chorten which was constructed to pin down the demon residing that area and its in the Nepali style with eyes.

On reaching Trongsa will visit Majestic Trongsa Dzong. Then will continue to Bumthang. On reaching Bumthang will check-in to Hotel and rest.

Night Halt: Bumthang

Day 5: Bumthang Sightseeing

We will start our sightseeing with Jakar Dzong which means "Fortress of White Bird" and it was founded by Zhabdrung great grandfather Ngagi Wangchuk. Then will visit Jampay Lhakhang which is one one of the oldest temple in the country which dates back to the 7th century. And it was constructed by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in order to subdue the demon. Then will drive to Kurjey Lhakhang a place where Guru Padmasambhava left the body print in 8th century. After this will visit Tamshing Lhakhang which was established by Terton Pema Lingpa in 1501 and is the most important Nyingma Goenpa in the country.

After lunch will drive to Mebartsho(Burning Lake) - Which is a very sacred lake for Bhutanese people. Terton Pema Lingpa discovered several of Guru Rinpoche's hidden treasures from this lake. Towards evening will visit Swiss Brewery and try out the local beer of that region.

Night Halt: Bumthang

Day 6: Bumthang to Punakha (5 hrs plus Drive)

After breakfast will drive to Punakha. On reaching Trongsa will stop there and visit Royal Heritage Museum. Then will continue to Punakha. Will make some stops when we need. On reaching Punakha will check-in to the hotel and have rest.

Night Halt: Punakha

Day 7: Punakha Sightseeing, Transfer to Paro (3 hrs plus Drive)

After breakfast will drive to Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Nunnery; it's the place where the nuns study and from there you will have a beautiful view of Tobesa village. Then will drive to Punakha Dzong which is one of the most majestic fortresses in the country which is located between 2 rivers, Mo chu(Female river) and Pho Chu (Male river). Today it is the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo the chief abbot and also serves as the administrative center of the Punakha district. After that if you want can walk to Suspension Bridge spend some time.

After lunch will visit Chimi Lhakhang which was blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley who is also known as Devine Madman for his philosophy of "Salvation Through Sex". And its also known as Temple of Fertility.

After that will drive to Paro. Will ake some stops on way as when you want. On reaching Paro will chek-in into the hotel and have rest and prepare for the next day Hiking to Tigers Nest.

Night Halt: Paro

Day 8: Hike to Taktshangs

Today after breakfast will drive to Taktshang Base and then will hike to Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) which is one of the most popular tourist site. Its the place blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century, though the monastery was only constructed in 1692 by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. The hike will take on average 5 to 6 hours up and down.

In the evening will go for Farm Dinner and also if you want can try Traditional Hot Stone Bath.

Night Halt: Paro

Day 9: Paro International Airport and Departure

Depending on the flight time will reach you to airport and seeoff.