9 Days Bhutan Tour Itinerary

Arrival at Paro, Bhutan. Your Guide from the Excursion to the Himalayas will receive you at the airport and brief you about the program. Upon the first day of arrival, we recommend guests get a good rest for altitude acclimatisation. In the afternoon, explore the small town of Paro, get coffee and spend time with locals. Dinner and overnight in the Hotel.

Experience the beauty of the Himalayas on this 9 Days Bhutan Tour, where you explore the cultural richness and natural landscapes of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Bumthang. This journey offers a perfect blend of scenic drives, ancient monasteries, vibrant valleys, and peaceful countryside. From iconic landmarks to serene hiking trails, each day brings a new opportunity to immerse yourself in Bhutan’s traditions, spirituality, and breathtaking mountain views.

Be ready to experience warmer weather compared to Thimphu. Dress lightly as Punakha is hotter than Thimphu. On the way, you will come across local shops selling organic fruits and vegetables. Exchange the dollar for local currency to buy.

En route, you can stop at the marvellous location Dochu-la-pass, which is located at a height of 3100 meters above sea level.  The first stop of your expedition would be Punakha Dzong, which is inextricably connected to the glorious occasions of Bhutanese history. This Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and served as the capital of the city until 1907. However, today, it is known as the second-oldest and second-largest dzong of the country, with several traditional sculptures.

The second stop of the day would be a visit to the Longest suspension bridge. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

We start early today. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive dzong in Bhutan, built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Shabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family and the first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong.

Then Visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower. The chapel inside the Ta Dzong is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal. Overnight in Hotel.

Visit central Bhutan. Bumthang is the gateway to the eastern cities of Bhutan. After breakfast, drive to Bumthang. Upon arrival, visit Jakar Dzong, which literally means “The Castle of White Bird”. The current structure was built in 1667 and is said to be the largest Dzong in Bhutan. Then visit Lamey Goemba, a large palace and monastery built in the 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi.

Visit Jambay Lhakhang, said to have been built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. The temple was visited by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang and was renovated by Sindhu Raja. In October, one of the most spectacular festivals, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup”, is staged here. Overnight in the Hotel.

Visit Ura Valley. Perched at an elevation of 3100mt below Thrumshingla is the highest valley of Bumthang district, Ura Valley. It is located at a distance of 48km from the Bumthang. Drive back to Bumthang and Over Night at the Hotel.

Our team from Excursion will receive you and drive you to Chelela Pass to visit the Sky Burial. Chelela is about 30 km from Paro city and takes about 2 2-hour uphill drive. The pass is the highest road point in Bhutan and gives you a beautiful view of Haa Valley and the beautiful Jumolhari mountain.

Upon reaching the pass, visit the sky burial sites, which are about 30 30-minute uphill hike. Drive back to Paro and overnight at the Hotel.

After breakfast, a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, the trail of Tiger Nest monastery climbs through a beautiful pine forest. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria). The temple is an incredible monastery that clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.
After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (built in 1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”), the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Your 9 Days Classic Bhutan Tour ends here with our Guide and the driver will see you off to Paro International Airport.