Bhutan Himalayan Adventure WTM

Days 1–2: Arrival & Exploring Thimphu (7,600 ft.)

Arrive in the beautiful Paro Valley before transferring to Bhutan’s charming capital, Thimphu. Along the way, stop at the historic Tachog Iron Bridge, built in the 15th century by the legendary Tibetan saint Thangtong Gyalpo, and admire the nearby monastery overlooking the river.

Later, visit the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, offering sweeping panoramic views across the Thimphu Valley.

The following morning, enjoy a scenic hike through peaceful oak forests to Tango Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most important centers of Buddhist learning. After lunch, visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, before continuing to the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s unique national animal.

Hiking: Approximately 3 hours

Days 3–4: Punakha Valley & Wangdi Phodrang (4,500 ft.)

Travel across spectacular Dochula Pass (10,200 ft), where panoramic Himalayan views await on clear days. Visit the beautiful 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens before setting off on one of Bhutan’s finest hikes through forests of spruce, rhododendron, pine, juniper, and hemlock to the secluded Lungchuzekha Monastery (11,800 ft). Colorful prayer flags and sweeping Himalayan vistas make this one of the journey’s most memorable days.

Continue to Punakha Valley and stroll through picturesque rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous Fertility Temple dedicated to Bhutan’s beloved “Divine Madman.”

The following day, hike to the spectacular Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, perched high above the valley, before enjoying a relaxing rafting excursion on the tranquil Mo Chhu River. A riverside picnic overlooks the magnificent Punakha Dzong, followed by a guided tour of this architectural masterpiece, Bhutan’s former winter capital.

Driving: Approximately 3 hours

Hiking

• Lungchuzekha: Approximately 4 hours
• Khamsum Chorten: Moderate hike

Rafting: Approximately 1 hour

Maximum Elevation: 11,800 ft

Days 5–8: Central Bhutan – Trongsa & Bumthang

Journey deeper into Bhutan’s mountainous interior, crossing Pele La Pass (11,000 ft) before hiking a beautiful section of the historic Trans Bhutan Trail. Descend through forests of rhododendron and fir to the traditional village of Rukubji, then continue to historic Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family.

Visit the fascinating Ta Dzong Museum before crossing Yotong La Pass (11,140 ft) into the beautiful Bumthang Valley. Enjoy a spectacular hike to Tharpaling Monastery (12,400 ft), one of Bhutan’s most important meditation centers.

Spend the following days exploring Bhutan’s spiritual heart. Hike through forests and traditional villages to Thangbi Lhakhang and Nga Lhakhang, enjoy lunch in a traditional farmhouse while sampling homemade buckwheat noodles, and try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport—archery.

Continue exploring the Tang Valley with visits to the sacred Burning Lake (Mebar Tsho), Pema Choling Nunnery, Kenchosum Lhakhang, and Tamzhing Lhakhang, home to some of Bhutan’s oldest religious murals. Round out your stay with a visit to Bhutan’s pioneering Red Panda Brewery.

Driving: Approximately 5–6 hours (Day 5)

Hiking:

• Trans Bhutan Trail: Approximately 3 hours
• Tharpaling Monastery: 4–5 hours
• Bumthang Valley hike: Approximately 3 hours

Maximum Elevation: 12,900 ft

Days 9–11: Paro & Tiger’s Nest

Take a scenic domestic flight back to Paro, where you’ll visit Bhutan’s fascinating National Museum, housed in the historic Ta Dzong watchtower. Spend the afternoon wandering Paro’s charming streets, cafés, and shops.

The following day, drive to Chele La Pass, Bhutan’s highest motorable pass, for breathtaking Himalayan views before hiking down to the cliffside Kila Nunnery. Continue to the spectacular Dzongdrakha Monastery, dramatically built into the cliffs.

The grand finale of your Bhutan adventure is the unforgettable hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Clinging dramatically to a cliff 2,700 feet above the Paro Valley, Tiger’s Nest is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and one of the most inspiring pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. Enjoy lunch overlooking the monastery before descending through fragrant pine forests back to the valley.

Driving: Approximately 4 hours

Hiking:

• Kila Nunnery: Approximately 3 hours
• Tiger’s Nest: 3–4 hours

Day 12: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight via Bangkok, bringing your unforgettable Himalayan adventure to a close.