Amazing Bhutan

The Itinerary

 

Day 1: Arrival in the Valley of Paro

Your journey begins with a spectacular descent into Paro International Airport, where your Sonith Travels personal guide will be waiting. After a traditional welcome, we visit the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in a historic watchtower overlooking the valley. We conclude the day with a scenic 90-minute drive to Thimphu, stopping to admire the 15th-century iron bridge at Tamchhog Lhakhang.

Night: Thimphu

 

Day 2: Thimphu – The Living Capital

Spend the day exploring the intersection of tradition and modernity. Highlights include the Memorial Chorten, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, where students master Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts. We end the day at the majestic Trashichho Dzong before a stroll through the local weekend market.

Night: Thimphu

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Day 3: Over the Clouds to Punakha

We depart early for Punakha, ascending the Dochula Pass (3,050m). On a clear day, the 108 memorial chortens are framed by a 360-degree panorama of the snow-capped Himalayas. After descending into the sub-tropical Punakha valley, we visit the Punakha Dzong, widely considered the most beautiful fortress in the country, and walk through vibrant paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang (the Temple of Fertility).

Night: Punakha/Wangdue Phodrang

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Day 4: Journey to the Spiritual Heartland

Today we head east to Bumthang. We pause in Trongsa to marvel at the Trongsa Dzong, an architectural masterpiece perched on a jagged ridge. After visiting the Ta Dzong museum, we cross the mountain passes into the sacred valleys of Bumthang.

Night: Bumthang

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Day 5: The Legends of Bumthang

Bumthang is where history and myth become one. We explore the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang and the sacred Kurjey Lhakhang complex. To experience a different side of the valley, we visit the Swiss Farm in the evening to sample locally produced cheese and Bhutan’s famous "Red Panda" beer.

Night: Bumthang

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Day 6: The Village of Ura & The Burning Lake

A day trip to Ura, one of Bhutan’s most picturesque and traditional villages. On our return, we stop at Membartsho (The Burning Lake), a deep river pool where sacred treasures were once discovered by the saint Pema Lingpa.

Night: Bumthang

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Day 7: Into the Glacial Phobjikha Valley

A leisurely drive brings us to the bowl-shaped Phobjikha Valley, a stunning glacial landscape. This conservation area is famously the winter home of the rare Black-Necked Cranes.

Night: Phobjikha

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Day 8: Cranes and Conifer Forests

Visit the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery which dominates the valley skyline. We’ll visit the Crane Information Center to learn about the delicate ecosystem before a peaceful afternoon drive back toward the west.

Night: Wangdue Phodrang

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Day 9: The Return to Paro

Enjoy a scenic drive back to Paro. This afternoon is yours to relax, browse the boutique shops in Paro town, or prepare for tomorrow’s iconic hike.

Night: Paro

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Day 10: The High Pass of Haa

We take a day excursion to the secluded Haa Valley via the Chele La Pass (3,810m)—the highest motorable point in Bhutan. The views of Mt. Jomolhari from here are breathtaking. In Haa, we visit the "Black and White" temples (Lhakhang Karpo and Nakpo) and enjoy the quiet rhythm of this remote border town.

Night: Paro

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Day 11: The Icon – Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang)

No journey is complete without visiting Taktsang Monastery. We hike through ancient pine forests to reach this architectural marvel that clings to a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. In the evening, we celebrate your final night with a traditional farmhouse dinner and an optional hot stone bath. Night: Paro

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Day 12: Farewell

Your guide will accompany you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey, leaving you with memories of the Land of the Thunder Dragon that will last a lifetime.