General Information
Duration: 10 Days/ 9 Nights
Start/ End: Thimphu/Paro
Tour Route: Thimphu - Punakha - Bumthang - Dhur Village - Drangela Pass - Tharpaling Monastery - Paro
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Without three day of Bumthang Owl Trek, tell us what you are interested in)
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Paro Arrival - Drive to Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 03: Transfer from Thimphu to Punakha/ Wangdi
Day 04: Transfer from Punakha/ Wangdi to Bumthang
Day 05: Bumthang Sightseeing
Day 06: Bumthang Owl Trek from Manchugang to Dhur Village
Day 07: Bumthang Owl Trek from Dhur Village to Drangela Pass
Day 08: Bumthang Owl Trek from Drangela Pass to Tharpaling Monastery
Day 09: Transfer from Bumthang to Paro - Taktsang Goemba Hike
Day 10: Paro Departure
Full Itinerary
Day 01: Paro Arrival - Drive to Thimphu
On reaching the International Airport in Paro, you will be greeted by the stunning panorama of the Paro Valley which is the first thing beginning a whole chain of ecstatic experience that you will never forget in life. Our representative will greet you at the existing door following customs formalities and then, we will escort you to your hotel in Thimphu.
The pretty drive will take you to pass through small villages, traditional farmhouses along the river valley with a peaceful ambiance. On reaching Thimphu, we will enjoy a short hike from Kuensel Phodrang to Depsi. Not so fast, before beginning our hike, we head to the Tallest Buddha Statue in the World. Our hike leads us to pass through the dense & lush pine, rhododendron and oak forests.
Later, in the evening, we visit Tashi Chho Dzong, have dinner, and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, we head to the Nationaal Memorial Chorten built in 1974 giving good examples of tantric Buddhists and their philosophy. After that, we go to the Mothithang Mini Zoo to witness the national animal of Bhutan – Takin. We then visit Zulikha Nunnery, Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery housing sixty nuns engaged in Buddhist study and practices; the Folk Museum – a showcase where give you an insight into the living style of the Bhutanese family; and the National Library which was established in 1967 with the aim of preserving many old-aged Dzongkha and Tibetan texts.
At noon, we have lunch in Thimphu.
In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Paper Factory to see how the authentic Bhutanese paper products are made; Weaving Center where hand-woven textiles are made and ready-made garments for sale.
Later, we move to Bhutanese Farm House for dinner and enjoy our time with Traditional Hot Stone Bath.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Transfer from Thimphu to Punakha/ Wangdi
This morning, we take a pretty drive to Punakha/ Wangdi. En route, we bump into the lush pine, rhododendron, and hemlock spruce forests.
When we reach Dochula Pass, there will be an impressive vista of the Eastern Himalayan Mountains ranges adorned with 108 small stupas along with fluttering prayer flags. As the road descends, it leads you to the fertile valley of Punakha – Wangdi Phodrang.
We head to the Chimi Lhakhang where you will witness something weird yet exciting.
When we are in Punakha, it’s time to come to Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. After everything we visited, we then drive till the view of Khamsum Yule Namgyal Chorten widely open for us.
Later, in the evening, enjoy your leisure time and dinner
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04: Transfer from Punakha/ Wangdi to Bumthang
Today, we drive to Bumthang following the road ascends to Pelela Pass where you might see yaks grazing along the road. The road, then, descends taking you through the semi-tropical vegetation as well as an alpine environment offering the stunning view of rhododendron and green dwarf bamboo forests.
Lunch at Rukubji Restaurants.
After lunch, our drive goes on and we stop at the Chendebji Chorten built-in 19th to cover the remains of an evil spirit. When you take a step into Trongsa Valley, the massive Trongsa Dzong– also known as The Tower of Trongsa, will widely open for you. Continue our trip to Bumthang.
Later, have dinner and the rest of the day in Bumthang will be yours.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Bumthang Sightseeing
We begin our new day with breakfast and head to Jambay Lhakhang – one of the oldest temples in Bhutan constructed in the 7th century. Once there, learn about the Lhakhang and have lunch in the hotel.
In the afternoon, we go to Mebertsho (Burning Lake) – a sacred lake according to the Bhutanese people.
In the evening, we move to Farmer’s House and enjoy Bhutanese tea, alcohol, and Dhotsho (Hot Stone Bath).
Overnight at the hotel or Farmer’s House as you wish.
Day 06: Bumthang Owl Trek from Manchugang to Dhur Village
Our Bumthang Owl Trek, today, will begin. This day, we will trek from Manchugang to Dhur Village where the nomadic Kheps and Brokpas inhabit.
En route, we climb through the blue pine forest and reach the campsite at Schonath surrounded by the hemlock and juniper trees.
Overnight at the camp base.
Day 07: Bumthang Owl Trek from Dhur Village to Drangela Pass
Begin the second Bumthang Owl Trek’s Day with the trail through the lush hemlock, fir, spruce, and rhododendron forests. It’s also an opportunity to trek through the bamboo forests – the main undergrowth in this area.
After a few hours, we reach the Drangela Pass and climb up to Kitiphu ridge bringing you to the campsite for an overnight at the high altitude (3870 m).
This point gives you a fresh condition to breathe and a spectacular view of snow-capped peaks and valleys underneath.
Overnight at the camp base.
Day 08: Bumthang Owl Trek from Drangela Pass to Tharpaling Monastery
Our last day of Bumthang Owl Trek. We trek downwards the Zambhalha Monastery, Chuedak Monastery, and Tharpaling Monastery.
In the afternoon, we trek along the Kikila ridge as well as the traditional trek between Trongsa and Bumthang through a stunning view of hills and forests.
Finally, we have the most gorgeous view of Jakar Dzong and then, we come to the end of the Bumthang Owl Trek.
Have dinner and overnight at the Guest House.
Day 09: Transfer from Bumthang to Paro - Taktsang Goemba Hike
After breakfast, we take a drive to Bumthang Airport and take a domestic flight to Paro. When we reach Paro, we will enjoy a hike to Taktsang Goemba – the Tiger’s Nest.
After that, we back to Paro and on the way back, we head to Kyichu Lhakhang – the oldest monastery of Bhutan.
Later, have dinner and enjoy your last night in Paro.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: Paro Departure
Time to say goodbye Bhutan. Enjoy your last moment with breakfast and then, stroll around the city, go shopping for a while, or just refresh yourself in the hotel. Our representative will meet you before 2 hours when your flight takes off. The trip ends, hope you had the best time in Bhutan with our Bumthang Owl Trek and wish that we could be your sidekick next time when it comes to fantastic Bhutan tours.
