11 Days Bhutan In-depth Discovery Tour: Unveiling the Secret of Happiness

Welcome to Bhutan, the Last Shangri La in Pristine Himalayan Kingdom. Take a deep breath and enjoy the refreshing breeze in the happy country where 71% of the land is covered with forests. Your guide and driver in Paro will greet you at Paro International Airport, Bhutan's only international airport.

Paro (2,270m) is the first city for most guests to reach Bhutan. It is known for Tiger's Nest which makes Paro a must-visit destination in Bhutan. For nature and culture lovers, Paro is a picturesque place that combines spirituality, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. You may have the chance to attend the colorful annual Paro Tshechu Festival if you visit Paro in early to mid-March. The festival falls on the 10th day of the second lunar month of the Bhutanese calendar. In some years, the festival might start slightly earlier, around March 10th or 15th. The festival celebrates the birthday of Guru Rinpoche, a revered figure in Bhutanese Buddhism.

You will not miss a stop at the Paro Airport Birds Eye View Point on the way to you hotel, which is a great spot to enjoy a panorama view of Paro Airport, Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), National Museum (Ta Dzong), Paro Chu River, and the stunning Paro Valley itself. Don't forget to ask your guide for more fascinating information about this remarkable airport. Afterward, you can check in at your cozy hotel, where you can rest and acclimate yourself to any time difference. This afternoon, you will receive special offers from the AOT team:

Receive 1 Bhutan SIM card with 5GB of free internet access.
Dress in Bhutan's National Dress (Gho or Kira) for a complimentary photo session.

Arrival Ideas:

Bhutan is situated between Tibet in China to the north and India to the south. To reach Bhutan, you can either travel by air to Paro International Airport, the country's only international airport, or by land through the entry points of Phuentsholing or Gelephu from India. Bhutan's national carrier, Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines, and other international airlines operate regular flights to Paro from major cities like Delhi (India), Kolkata (India), Bagdogra (India), Gaya (India), Guwahati (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), and Changi (Singapore). There are also some charter flights to Paro from Hong Kong (China) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) on a seasonal basis.

Kind Reminds:
1. You can contact us to book your flight to Paro and land directly in Bhutan.
2. Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India (require a permit), require an E-visa (40USD/pax) before entering Bhutan. All nationalities are welcome to visit Bhutan, and there are no specific restrictions on granting visas to enter the country.
3. Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card.
4. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, which can be applied for and approved in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.

This morning, you will get ready to start the exciting hiking tour to Tiger's Nest, the landmark of Bhutan and the most famous holy monastery in the country. It is about a 12km drive (over 0.5 hour) from Paro city to the start point of the Tiger's Nest hike route.

Usually, it may takes about 2.5 hours to reach Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) on foot. The entire Tiger's Nest Hike takes around 5 to 6 hours, with about 2.6km of uphill trekking and about 2.6km of downhill walking. You have the option to rent a horse at the designated place if you prefer. Riding a horse (self-payment required), it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the halfway point on the mountainside. From there, you need to say goodbye to your horse and hike for another 1.5 hours to reach the Tiger's Nest Monastery. At the halfway point, there is a Taktsang Cafeteria where you can have a buffet lunch and enjoy coffee and tea. What is more it is the first viewpoint where you can look up at Tiger's Nest Monastery, the incredible religious site of Buddhists. As the viewing position ascends, the outline of Tiger's Nest Monastery becomes increasingly clear. On the journey ahead, you can enjoy the hike in Bhutan’s forest and will see more and more prayer flags and prayer wheels, left behind by the Bhutanese people who come here to worship. You will also have a panoramic view of the beautiful Paro Valley below. If you visit in April, you will have the opportunity to see the high-altitude rhododendrons blooming, creating a stunning display of red clouds amidst the mountains.

Then, you will stand right opposite the Taktsang Goemba (Tiger's Nest Monastery) and admire Bhutan's most iconic cultural landmark, which is renown as one of the world's top ten super monasteries. The Tiger's Nest (3,120m) is sited on the side of a cliff at a height of 900m above the Paro Valley (2,270m). According to legend, the Indian sage Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche, the founder of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and the builder of the first monastery in Tibet - Samye Monastery) arrived at the location of Tiger's Nest Monastery in the 8th century. It is said that he rode a tigress and subdued demons before spending 3 months meditating in the mountain caves here. This eventually led to the formation of the present-day Tiger's Nest Monastery. Throughout history, this place has been considered a sacred site by Buddhist luminaries. However, it wasn't until 1692 that the current structure of Tiger's Nest Monastery took shape. In 1998, a devastating fire caused significant damage, but it was reconstructed in 2005, closely resembling the original architectural design. If you are interested you can hike into the monastery to explore more (no photo inside). Today, Tiger's Nest Monastery, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bhutan, is revered as the holiest pilgrimage site for Bhutanese people to visit at least once in a lifetime.

After the Tiger's Nest hike, it is time to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of the Thousand-armed and Thousand-eyed Avalokiteshvara. It is one of the 108 Buddhist temples built by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century (around 659 AD), and it is believed to have been constructed to subdue the left leg of the Tibetan witch. Kyichu Lhakhang is also one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist temples in Bhutan and serves as a venue for important celebrations of the Bhutanese royal family. In the main hall of Kyichu Lhakhang, you can see the revered statue of an eight-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha, believed to have been created during the same period as the Jowo statue in the Ramoche Temple in Lhasa, Tibet. It is considered a national treasure of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Apart from housing many precious historical artifacts and Buddhist scriptures, the temple also enshrines the relic stupa of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991), a renowned master of the Nyingma tradition. Additionally, there is a piece of iron chain forged by Tangtong Gyalpo, who was the former head of the four major Tibetan Buddhist schools and is known as the Iron Bridge Living Buddha and the father of Tibetan opera.

At last, head back to Paro for Welcome dinner with Bhutan Culture Dance Show. Overnight in Paro.

Optional Bhutan Paro Experiences:
1. Bhutan Traditional Hot Stone Bath (1 hour).
2. Lighting butter lamps for blessings at Kyichu Lhakhang (108 lamps).

Kind Reminds:

1. The best time to visit Tiger's Nest is from March to May and from October to December. After noon, the monastery will be hidden in the shadow of the cliffs, so it's recommended to depart early if you want to capture good photos.

2. Tiger's Nest offers horse riding services to go uphill, but the horse ride is only available up to a designated point. From there, you still need to hike to reach the monastery. When descending, you must walk the entire way as horse riding services are not provided.

3. Mobile phones and backpacks are not allowed inside Tiger's Nest Monastery. Personal belongings can be stored at the entrance. If you wish to light butter lamps, make sure to have some cash ready before storing your belongings.

4. Along the way, you may encounter stray dogs. Please be mindful, give them space, and avoid disturbing them.

Today, we will head to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which is approximately 50km away and takes about 1.5 hours to reach. On the way, we will make a stop at Tamchog Lhakhang for a visit. Once in Thimphu (altitude 2,340m), you will have a full day of sightseeing. You can explore its rich cultural heritage such as the Buddha Dordenma Statue, National Memorial Chorten, and Tashichho Dzong. Nature lovers will love to visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's national animal. Additionally, you have the opportunity to learn more about Bhutanese culture by having dinner at the Folk Heritage Museum (available for groups of over 5 people).

From Paro to Thimphu, you won't want to miss visiting the famous Tamchog Lhakhang (Tachog Lhakhang), situated by the Paro river. There, you will have the opportunity to walk across a unique iron chain bridge adorned with colorful fluttering prayer flags. Both the Lhakhang and the iron bridge were constructed by the revered saint Thangthong Gyalpo (1385 - 1464), who was renowned as the Iron Bridge Maker. Take delight in exploring his historic architectural creations that have stood the test of time. Then, you will visit the iconic landmark of Thimphu city - the Buddha Dordenma Statue (Buddha Point), which is the largest sitting Shakyamuni statue in the world. Completed in 2015, the statue embodies an ancient prophecy of radiating happiness and peace throughout the world. In addition to admiring its impressive height of 51.5 meters, constructed of bronze and gilded in gold, you will also be able to see 125,000 smaller Buddha statues placed within it. Moreover, from this vantage point, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Thimphu Valley.

As the largest city in Bhutan, Thimphu lacks traffic lights and a railway system. When you enter the city, you can visit the National Memorial Chorten and experience it as the locals do. It is customary to follow the footsteps of the Bhutanese people and perform a clockwise kora (circumambulation) around the Chorten while offering prayers. This will provide you with numerous opportunities to engage with the locals and learn about their daily lives, as well as their philosophy on happiness.

The National Memorial Chorten is the most visited landmark in Thimphu. Constructed in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (known as the Father of Modern Bhutan), by his mother, it reflects the late king's vision of promoting world peace and prosperity. The Chorten follows a Tibetan-style architecture and is adorned with remarkable paintings and intricate sculptures. You can observe the traditional stupa design, featuring a pyramidal pillar topped with a crescent moon and sun. If time permits and you have an interest in Bhutan's national animal, you can visit the Motithang Takin Preserve. There, you can observe the unique creature that is said to have been created by the legendary Drukpa Kunley (Divine Madman). According to legend, Drukpa Kunley fashioned the takin with the head of a goat and the body of a cow.

Sure, you should not miss the visit to Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), which has served as the seat of the government since 1952. This magnificent fortress-like structure is located on the western bank of the Wang Chu River. It seamlessly integrates with the entire valley and stands as the ultimate center of power in Bhutan. It houses the offices of the current reigning monarch, the Fifth King (Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck), as well as the ministries of internal affairs and finance. Additionally, it serves as the residence of the spiritual leader of Bhutan, the Je Khenpo, and hosts the central religious institutions of the country. During the summer season, the Je Khenpo resides in the Thimphu Dzong, while in the winter season, they relocate to Punakha Dzong. Walking around the Dzong, you will discover that it is an impressively large structure surrounded by well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens. Tashichho Dzong has two main entrances. One entrance leads to the administrative section in the south, while the other, situated in the north, grants access to the monastic quarter where the Thimphu Tshechu festival and masked dances are performed.

Finally, it's time for dinner. If there is a group of over 5 people, you can enjoy a traditional meal at the Folk Heritage Museum. The museum was established in 2001 through the initiative of Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the Queen Mother of Bhutan. It is housed in a three-storied, 19th-century traditional house, offering visitors a glimpse into the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle. The museum showcases artifacts from rural households, including a collection of typical household objects, tools, and equipment. After dinner, you will spend the night in Thimphu and have a restful sleep.

Optional Bhutan Thimphu Experiences:

1. Fully functional stamp printed with a self-portrait (Bhutan Post Office: Weekdays: 9AM - 5PM; Saturdays: 9 AM - 1 PM; Closed on Sundays)

2. Cooking class in Thimphu (1hour).

Today, you will travel from Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass (74km, about2.5 hours). Starting from the higher altitude and cooler climate of Thimphu (2,300m), the drive takes you along the national highway, ascending through the majestic Dochula Pass (3,120m). Upon crossing the pass, you'll descend into the warm and verdant Punakha Valley (1,330m).

En route, you will stop at Dochula Pass (Dochu La Pass), renowned as one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Bhutan. If weather permits, you will be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas, including Bhutan’s highest mountain peak, Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,570m). You will have the delightful option to savor the view while enjoying a cup of coffee in the picturesque cafeteria. At the Dochu La Pass summit, you will encounter the 108 memorial chortens (Buddhist shrines) and clusters of prayer flags fluttering in the wind, creating an ambiance of tranquility and spirituality. These chortens (stupas), known as Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens, were constructed as a memorial to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives in the battle against Assamese insurgents from India, and also as an offering for global peace.

Then, your journey continues towards Punakha. Along the way, you will take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Chime Lhakhang), which is highly recommended as a culture shock tour. As you stroll through rice paddies and a charming settlement adorned with painted houses and numerous craft shops, you will eventually reach Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple). Constructed by the cousin of Drukpa Kunley, the temple was built to commemorate the victory of Drukpa Kunley (Mad Saint & Divine Madman) over the demon of Dochu La using his "magic thunderbolt of wisdom "(phallus). That is why you can see the symbol of the phallus scattered throughout. Lama Drukpa Kunley was adored by the local people due to his unconventional teaching methods of Buddhism, which involved singing, humor, and an exaggerated manner often intertwined with sexual overtones. Chime Lhakhang is renowned as a sanctuary of fertility, and many childless women sought blessings from the lamas at the monastery. It is believed that these couples often find success in conceiving soon after their visit. If you are lucky, you may encounter the monks there blessing pilgrims or women who wish to conceive by tapping their heads with a 25cm wooden phallus. In Bhutan, it is common for local people to utilize the phallus symbol to ward off the evil eye and deter malicious gossip.

Optional Punakha Experience:

Punakha Rafting: You have the option to go rafting in the Po Chu and Mo Chu rivers, offering unique views of the Punakha Dzong that are not possible from land.

Overnight in Punakha and get ready for your next day's trip.

In this morning, you will have a nice trip in Punakha. Dominating the river junction is the magnificent Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of Je Khenpo (head abbot of Bhutan) and about 1,000 monks. Occasionally, you'll spot monks draped in red robes passing by, their rhythmic chanting and prayers echoing in the air. Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan serving administrative and monastic functions holds a legendary tale. It is said that Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) prophesied the arrival of a person named Namgyal built a Dzong on a hill resembling an elephant. In 1637, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan, received a divine vision guiding him to construct a Dzong at this site. All of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here and In 2011, the Dzong bore witness to the royal wedding ceremony of His Majesty Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, the 5th King of Bhutan, as he married Queen Jetsun Pema. As the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, if you visit in April, you won’t miss the stunning violet blossoms of the jacaranda tree outside Punakha Dzong. The jacaranda typically blooms from late March to early May, During this time, the grounds of Punakha Dzong transform into a magical carpet of purple under the clear blue skies, creating a truly breathtaking sight. If you visit during the Punakha Tshechu Festival, you can enjoy the mesmerizing masked dances and witness the exhibition of a large thangka depicting the Zhabdrung (Shabdrung, the father of Bhutan) once a year. You can have fun with locals who flood here dressed in Bhutan’s national attire, with men wearing Gho and women wearing Kira.

After crossing the Bazam Bridge, you can walk inside the Punakha Dzong and take your time to admire this stunning example of Bhutanese Dzong architecture which was built of stone, pounded mud, and a considerable amount of timber (without nails, written plans, or designs). There is a six-story central tower called utse standing in the yard of the Punakha Dzong. As the highest architecture within the Dzong, utse houses the most sacred temples and shrines and contains important religious artifacts, thangkas, statues, and texts. This Dzong has three docheys (courtyards) instead of the usual two. The first (northern) courtyard is for administrative functions and houses a huge white Victory Chorten and Bodhi tree. The second courtyard houses the monastic quarters and is separated from the first by the utse. In this courtyard, there are two halls; one of Ugyen Wangchuck (the King of Bhutan) and another hall where the King was decorated in 1905 with the Order of the Knight Commander of the Indian Empire by John Claude White. In the third (southernmost) courtyard is the temple where the remains of the Pema Lingpa (a treasure revealer, Five Terton Kings) and Shabdrung (founder of Tshechu Festival and Bhutan National Dress) are preserved. At the south end, there is the kunrey, or "hundred-pillar" assembly hall with exceptional murals that depict the life of Buddha.

Note: The tourist opening hours of Punakha Dzong are from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends. It is required to have a tour guide accompany you for a visit to the Dzongs. Before entering for a visit, security checks are conducted.

After exploring the Punakha Dzong, your journey continues with an opportunity to cross one of Bhutan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges over the Po Chhu River. By walking across this 160-meter suspension bridge, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the lush Punakha Valley and the glacier-fed Po Chhu River below. Upon crossing the bridge, you will walk alongside terraced rice paddies and up a trail to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, perched on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley. It should take an hour or less to reach the chorten.You may see farmers working the fields by hand or with the assistance of an ox and plow.

The Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (Stupa) was built in 1990 by Ashi Tsering Yangdon Wangchuck (the wife of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck) to drive off evil forces and bring peace to Bhutan and the world. Unlike typical stupas, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is dedicated to the protective deities in Bhutanese culture. Each floor of the chorten honors different protective deities. This Chorten was a typical combination of the art, architecture, and traditions of Bhutan. It took Bhutanese carpenters, painters, and sculptors 9 years to finish this Bhutan-style pagoda. View the sculptures inside Khamsum Yulley and continue climbing the steep stairs to the top level. You can go out on the roof of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for expansive views of the Punakha Valley, presenting a landscape that shifts dramatically with the seasons: lush green rice paddies in the summer transform into captivating golden fields in the autumn. After, you will drive to Gangtey (74KM, about 2.5hrs). And stay overnight in Gangtey.

Phobjikha Valley is a U-shaped glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. The valley houses one of the impressive ancient Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan known as Gangteng Monastery, and as a result, some people refer to this entire region as Gangtey. Because of the large flock of black-necked cranes that winters here, it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country. It offers beautiful trails for hiking and nature walks, allowing visitors to experience its tranquility and natural beauty up close.

This morning, we will have a light hike on Gangtey Nature Trail (4km, 1.5-2 hours) that starts from Gangtey Monastery (3030m) and descends to Khewang Lhakhang (2850m). It is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. You can immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Phobjikha Valley(2840m) with farmhouses, dense pine forests, rhododendron forests, and bamboo plants on foot and get a glimpse of the rural and pastoral lifestyle. During the winter (between late October and late February), it may be a bonus to see the rare and endangered Black-neck Cranes. **Tips:**1.Dress in layers and wear comfortable hiking shoes. The weather can change quickly in the mountains. 2. Respect wildlife and maintain the cleanliness of the trail.

Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goemba, Gangtey Gonpa) was first built in 1613 by Pema Thinley, the grandson, and re-embodiment of Pema Lingpa (the reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche, 1450-1521). It is a beautiful temple architecture that stands on the hilltop and is a great spot to view the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. The Monastery's history traces back to the prophecies made by the well-known Terton (treasure finder) Pema Lingpa in the late 15th century that a goemba (monastery) named gang-teng (hilltop) would be built on this site and that his teachings would spread from here. Now the Monastery is one of the main seats of the religious tradition based on Pema Lingpa's revelations and one of the two main centres of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism in the country. It is said that on arrival in the Phobjikha Valley in the last week of October, the black-necked cranes circle the Gangteng Monastery three times and also repeat the process while returning to Tibet. Bhutanese have great respect for these “heavenly birds”. Each year on Nov. 11, the Black-necked Crane Festival with local songs, dramas, and masked dances is held at the courtyard of Gangtey Goemba to celebrate the arrival of the endangered bird migrating from the Tibetan Plateau.

At the end of the trail, you will find Khewang Lhakhang, located on the east side of the Phobjikha valley. This 15th-century temple is one of the oldest in the valley and it showcases three impressive two-storey statues of the past, present, and future Buddhas (dusum sangay).

In the afternoon, we will drive to the Black-necked Cranes Information Center, which has informative displays about the black-necked cranes and the valley environment. You can enter the observation room and use the telescope and spotting scopes to watch the Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis). Every year (Oct. to Feb.), over 300 cranes migrate from Tibet to Bhutan for their winter months in Phobjikha Valley. It has been helpful for the center to protect and conserve the Black-necked crane and its species since 2003. It is a nice place to know more about the cranes and study their behavior. After that, drive back to your hotel in Gangtey.

On this day, you will go for a journey to explore central Bhutan, traveling from Gangtey to Bumthang, covering approximately 160km with a 4.5-hour drive.

After having breakfast at your hotel in Gangtey, set your sights eastward towards Trongsa Dzong. Traverse through the dense forests as you make your way to the majestic Pele La Pass, standing at an altitude of 3420 meters, serving as the gateway to Central Bhutan. From this pass, you will enter the expansive and captivating Mangde Chhu Valley, a land of open spaces and natural splendor. Along the journey, you will encounter the Chendebji Chorten, a magnificent white stupa constructed in the 19th century, inspired by Nepal's revered Swayambhunath. Continuing on, follow the winding zigzag road through the valley, treating yourself to a breathtaking view of Trongsa Dzong. The entire journey from Gangtey to Trongsa covers approximately 80km, taking around 2 hours to complete.

Pay a visit and marvel at the grandeur of Trongsa Dzong, which boasts the most impressive architecture in Bhutan. It stands on the edge of a gorge, perched at an altitude of 2200 meters, with its narrow and sprawling design gracefully occupying the entire mountainside. Trongsa Dzong is not only strategically located and eye-catching but also steeped in a rich history. It is the birthplace of the current Wangchuck dynasty, with its first structure erected by Ngagi Wangchuck in 1541. The dzong holds close ties to the royal family, as it served as the seat of power for the first and second kings of Bhutan. Even the current fifth king previously held the position of regional governor of Trongsa before ascending to the throne.

Within the massive fortress of Trongsa Dzong, you will find an impressive collection of 23 temples, making it the largest dzong in scale among Bhutan's architectural wonders. Most of these temples are not accessible to the public, creating a labyrinthine maze of corridors, temples, offices, classrooms, and monk residences. Today, Trongsa Dzong serves as a museum, where the history of the Bhutanese royal family and sacred Buddhist artifacts are showcased. The pinnacle of the museum experience lies on the top floor, offering a mesmerizing 360-degree panorama of Trongsa's enchanting scenery. Standing on the circular top floor, you can admire Trongsa Dzong, the neighboring villages, and the majestic surrounding mountains, all captured in a single breathtaking view.

After lunch, you will travel from Trongsa to Bumthang. Along the way, you will pass Yongtong La Pass, standing at an altitude of 3425 meters, where you can catch sight of Tibetan stupas and prayer flags. This picturesque drive spans 80 kilometers, leading you towards the captivating cultural destination of Bumthang located in Central Bhutan. Stay overnight in Bumthang.

On this day, you will focus your exploration on the highlights of Bumthang. This region is renowned for its rich historical legacy, encompassing legendary tales of Guru Padmasanbhava, Pema Linga, and other devoted treasure discoverers known as tetrons. It can rightfully be called the heart of spirituality in the Land of Thunder Dragons. Bumthang is a captivating blend of four magnificent valleys: Chumey, Ura, Choekhor, and Tang. This flat expanse of land is adorned with numerous religious establishments, creating a picturesque tapestry. Besides its pristine natural beauty, you will encounter friendly locals, clustered settlements, and a vibrant atmosphere, all of which have contributed to Bumthang's reputation as a must-visit tourist destination in Bhutan.

After breakfast, your first stop will be Kurjey Lhakhang. This temple complex holds great significance and is known for its expansive size, active religious practices, and cultural importance. It derives its name from the body print (kur) left by Guru Rinpoche. This is the very place where Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, successfully subdued the deity Shelging Karpo. During his profound meditation in this location, Guru Rinpoche left his physical imprint within the caves, giving rise to the name Kurjey, which symbolizes the fusion of "Kur" (body) and "Jey" (imprint). Kurjey Monastery covers a substantial area and encompasses three distinct temples within its premises. Kurjey Lhakhang comprises three buildings: Guru Lhakhang (built in 1652), Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang (built in 1900), and Ka Gon Phor Sum Lhakhang (built-in 1900). According to ancient tales, the revered Guru Padmasambhava (Rinpoche) meditated in this very place for a period of three months during the 8th century. The upper floor of Kurjey Lhakhang is adorned with 1000 small statues of Guru Rinpoche, adding to the spiritual ambiance. As you approach the entrance of the temple, you will be greeted by a majestic cypress tree, believed to have sprouted from Guru Rinpoche's walking stick. This sacred site is a must-visit destination in Bumthang, offering a profound and awe-inspiring experience.

Next, let's proceed to Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's most ancient temples. This remarkable temple is believed to have been constructed in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, on the same auspicious day as Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro. Its purpose was to subdue a Tibetan demoness, with the temple said to have pinned her left knee. Guru Rinpoche also visited this temple, and it underwent renovations by Sindhu Raja after the Guru revitalized his life force. Jambay Lhakhang exudes an unmistakable sense of antiquity, making it a truly captivating site in the valley. Inside the main Jampey (Jampa) Lhakhang, you will discover three stone steps that symbolize three different ages. The first step represents the past, the time of the historical Buddha, Sakyamuni. This step has descended into the ground and is covered with a wooden plank. The next step represents the present age and is level with the floor. Finally, the top step represents the future, signifying a new age. It is believed that when the step representing the present age sinks to ground level, the gods will assume human form and the current world will come to an end. Make sure to explore the inner sanctum, where you will find the central figure of Jampa, the Buddha of the future, depicted with his feet resting on an elephant. This section is the oldest part of the oldest chapel in Bhutan and holds great historical significance. As you take the inner kora path around the chapel, you will be surrounded by ancient murals depicting 1000 Buddhas, adding to the spiritual ambiance. Don't forget to also admire the Kalachakra Temple and two large stone chortens during your visit.

Later, you'll visit Jakar Dzong. According to legend, in 1549, a group of lamas gathered to find a suitable location for a monastery. Suddenly, a magnificent white bird took flight and landed on a hill spur. This extraordinary event was interpreted as a universal sign, leading to the selection of that very hill for the construction of the monastery, which came to be known as Jakar Dzong. The sheer magnificence and scale of Jakar Dzong, coupled with the stone pathway meandering through the verdant forest, have enchanted countless travelers. Established in 1549 AD under the guidance of Lam Ngagi Wangchuk, who journeyed to Bhutan to disseminate the teachings of Drukpa Kagyu, Jakar Dzong stands as a resplendent and formidable structure. Ascending to the top of Jakar Dzong, you'll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of the enchanting Choekar Valley in Bumthang.

If you have enough time, don't miss the opportunity to explore the Yathra Weaving Centre, a delightful establishment that showcases textiles crafted from sheep and yak wool. At the center, you will witness skilled women intricately weaving designs on their backstrap looms, observe the natural dyeing process of wool, and gain insight into other fascinating techniques. Yathra refers to the traditional wool weaving style characterized by elaborate patterns indigenous to the Chumey Valley in central Bhutan's Bumthang region. It is worth noting that almost every family in Chumey owns a backstrap loom, and girls as young as 8 years old are learning the art of weaving. The Yathra products available at the center make for unique and cherished souvenirs, serving as the primary source of income for the people of Bumthang.

After breakfast, you will depart from central Bhutan and head back to Western Bhutan. Along the way, you will make a stop in Wangdue Phodrang. The distance from Bumthang to Wangdue Phodrang is approximately 200 kilometers, and the car journey takes approximately 6 hours.

Upon your arrival in Wangdue Phodrang, make sure to visit Rinchengang Village, one of the oldest villages in Bhutan. This quaint clustered village is renowned for its mastery of traditional stonework. The village's fame stems from its deep-rooted cultural heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship displayed in its traditional stonework. Situated across the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, with the Punatsangchhu River flowing alongside the highway, Rinchengang Village is nestled amidst hilly terrain. From a small hillock, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the majestic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, while traditional houses grace the landscape, adding to its picturesque charm. Rinchengang Village is also known for its warm and welcoming locals, who eagerly share their cultural traditions with visitors. By immersing yourself in the village, you can gain insight into the authentic Bhutanese way of life. Explore the narrow alleys and cobbled streets that wind through the village, passing by traditional houses adorned with intricate carvings and paintings.

Stay in Wangdue Phodrang.

After breakfast, you will begin your return journey from Wangdue Phodrang to Paro (110km, about 3 hours). After arrive in Paro, you will have the opportunity to visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong).  This magnificent fortress stands tall and proud, serving as a beacon of history and culture in Bhutan. Rinpung Dzong was constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651), a pivotal figure in Bhutanese history who is revered as the founder of the modern Bhutanese state and a national hero. His enduring legacy continues to shape the country's identity and cultural landscape. Located near the pristine Paro Chu River, Paro Dzong can be accessed via a traditional wooden cantilever bridge, providing you breathtaking panoramic views of the enchanting Paro Valley.

If you hike a little further, you will reach the Bhutan National Museum (Ta Dzong), which holds the distinction of being Bhutan's tallest building. Originally constructed in 1649 as a watchtower overlooking the Paro Dzong, it was later transformed into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968. At the museum, you can immerse yourself in a rich collection of ancient artifacts such as pottery, armor, thangkas, masks, stamps, photographs, statues, costumes, relics, stone axes, and religious paintings.

Note: Please note that Paro Dzong is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends. If you can't make it to the opening hours, we suggest visiting the Paro Local Market instead. It's a place where locals and tourists alike come to shop for traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and other local produce. It offers a glimpse into the daily life and culture of Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Happiness is a place, wish you had gotten your happiness philosophy from the beautiful Himalayan country with us. It is time to end your 11-day Bhutan Discovery Tour to Western and Central Bhutan. Your guide will escort you to Paro International Airport for your flight to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your Bhutan tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!

Note: Please note that some of the sites mentioned in the itinerary may be subject to change based on factors such as the season, weather conditions, national holidays, and special events. We reserve the right to modify the itinerary to ensure an enhanced tour experience in Bhutan.