Bhumthang tour: Bhutan

Fly into the Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan's national airline. As you approach Bhutan from the Indian plains, you'll see the lush green hills, called dooars, rising dramatically. The journey north towards the Tibetan border offers stunning views of silver rivers winding through valleys, waterfalls cascading down forested mountains, and the majestic snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas reaching skyward. Scattered farmhouses add charm to the hillsides on either side.

As the plane descends into the Paro Valley, you'll catch a glimpse of the Paro Dzong perched on a hillside overlooking the Paro Chu (river), with Ta Dzong, once a watchtower and now the National Museum, situated above it.

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, alongside modern books on Himalayan culture and religion (closed on Saturdays and Sundays).

• Next, explore the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the Arts & Crafts School or Painting School (closed on Saturdays and Sundays). The Institute offers a six-year course on Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. You can observe students honing their skills in various artistic disciplines.

• Continue with a visit to the King's Memorial Chorten, where locals circumambulate, reciting mantras and spinning prayer wheels. This monument, envisioned by Bhutan's third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, was completed in 1974 and symbolizes peace and prosperity.

• Then, see the impressive Trashichhodzong, a fortress/monastery housing the Secretariat, the King's throne room, and various government offices. It also serves as the summer residence for the Chief Abbot and the central monk body.

• Finally, browse the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local craft shops for Bhutanese hand-woven textiles, thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, carvings, jewelry, and other local items.

After an early breakfast, drive to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130 ft). Take a moment to enjoy the view and the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags. On clear days, you can see peaks like Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), and Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan's highest peak at 7,497m.

Continue to Wangduephodrang town for lunch. The road descends into the Wangduephodrang valley, about 1,700m below the pass. After lunch, proceed to Trongsa via Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830 ft), the traditional boundary between east and west Bhutan. Notice the vegetation change from mountain forest to high-altitude dwarf bamboo.

Stop at Chendbji Chorten, built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet. It resembles Kathmandu's Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Arrive in Trongsa and visit the historic Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648. It was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan, with all four kings invested as Trongsa Penlop ('governor') before ascending the throne. The current Crown Prince holds this post. The Dzong is an impressive structure with many levels, built along the ridge.

Start the day with a visit to the Ta Dzong in Trongsa, a remarkable five-storey stone tower built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa on the orders of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Recently transformed into a museum, it beautifully combines tradition and modernity. The main shrine is dedicated to Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha), and there is also a Khesar Lhakhang for Khesar of Ling. The tower, a retreat for hermits and lifelong yogis, honors the Wangchuck dynasty as Bhutan celebrates a century of monarchy.

After lunch, embark on a 68 km drive to Bumthang, crossing the Yutong-la pass at 3,400m (11,155 ft). The journey, about three hours, features steep climbs and descents through coniferous forests into the lush Chumey valley. Upon arrival in Bumthang, check into your lodge and enjoy a leisurely evening.

Bumthang comprises four picturesque valleys: Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura, with altitudes ranging from 2,600m to 4,000m. This region is known for its significant Buddhist temples and monasteries.

Explore Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava left his body imprint on a rock after defeating a local demon. Visit Jambey Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple, Tamshing Lhakhang, which houses some of Bhutan's oldest wall paintings, and Jakar Dzong, the area's administrative center. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village, browse the handicrafts shop at the town's entrance, and relax with refreshments at a local restaurant.

After breakfast drive to Punakha . Upon arrival check in at the Hotel and overnight.

Start your day with a visit to Punakha Dzong, strategically built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Despite being damaged by fires and an earthquake, it has been fully restored by the current King.

Then, drive to Paro and check into your hotel upon arrival.
In the afternoon, explore Ta Dzong, originally a 17th-century watchtower, now Bhutan's National Museum since 1968 (closed Sundays and Mondays). Next, take a scenic walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. Constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it houses Paro's monastic body, the district administrative office, and the district court. The approach to the Dzong is through a picturesque traditional covered bridge known as Nemi Zam.

After breakfast, we will embark on a hike to Tiger's Nest, also known as Paro Taktsang. This iconic monastery, perched on a cliffside 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley in Bhutan, is a sacred site and a marvel of architecture. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, flew to this location on the back of a tigress. The hike offers stunning views and a glimpse into Bhutanese spirituality, making it a memorable part of the journey.

Start your day with an early breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, head to the airport for your flight to your next destination. Our representative will assist with exit procedures and wish you a fond farewell.