Day 01: Arrive At Paro

Discover the great Himalayan peaks as you fly into Paro Airport. On arrival, you will be received by your private guide with a traditional white scarf of auspiciousness and escort you for sightseeing.

Traverse the traditional wooden cantilever bridge to reach Paro Rinpung Dzong or the fortress on Heap of Jewels and explore the astonishing architecture and paintings before visiting the National Museum to discover the artifacts dating back to 4000 BCE. The National Museum or the Ta Dzong served as a watchtower to protect the Paro Dzong in the olden days.

Later take a leisure hike to the ancient Zuri Dzong. The trail offers an enchanting view of the verdant Paro valley, Paro Dzong, and the Ta Dzong.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 02: Chelela Pass And Hike To Kila Nunney 

Our first day of the tour was steeped in culture and history. Today we will take a break and soak our visual senses with some natural beauty. After a good breakfast, journey to the tranquil mountains Pass of Chelela at 3988 meters above sea level. The road from Paro Bondey to Chelela Pass takes you through a spectacularly lovely forest of pine, oak, and rhododendrons that are ablaze with red blossoms in April and May month.  The pass is adorned with numerous prayer flags that seem to spear the intense blue sky. On a clear day, you can see the majestic Mt. Jomolhari and other Himalayan peaks.

Kila Nunnery Hike 

About 10 km from the top (Chelela Pass) is Kila Nunnery perched on a rocky mountain. After circumambulating a whitewashed stupa, explore the trail to the peaceful mountain of Kila Nunnery. The hiker will have a wonderful opportunity to venture into the unspoiled forest of rhododendrons and wildflowers before being able to see clouds floating below your feet from the nunnery.

From  Kila Nunnery, descend about 2 kilometers on a dirt road before connecting to the main road leading to Bondey in Paro. 

Upon reaching Paro try your taste pallets to the different flavors of Bhutanese beer at Namgay Artisanal Brewery before taking an evening walk in the typical Bhutanese houses of Paro Street.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 03: Thimphu Sightseeing 

Drive to Thimphu with an optional stop at the invigorating Tachog Lhakhang before reaching the capital city sprawled along the banks of Wang Chu (Thimphu River). Upon reaching Thimphu visit the gigantic Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang and capture the spectacular view of the Thimphu valley.

Drive down to the Institute of Traditional Medicine where medicinal plants and herbs are collected from outlying parts of this Himalayan Kingdom and distributed to the public in the form of medicinal pills, ointment, teas, etc.

Later visit the School of Traditional Arts or Zorig Chusum before going to the Folk Heritage Museum.

Explore the exquisite architecture of Thimphu Tashichho Dzong. 

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu 

Day 04: Explore Thimphu On Bicycle 

Take an amazing 17 km cycling adventure to the outer reaches of Thimphu towards Dodena.

Bicycling is the best way to discover and experience the isolated regions of the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Pedal through the shades of pine forest on a comfortable road with light traffic and explore the countryside of Northern Thimphu valley. There is no better way to connect deeper with the pristine nature and take in the stunning landscape of Bhutan than cycling.

Once you are at Dodena, you have the option to hike up an off beaten track to Chari Monastery.  Meet monks on this hilltop Chari monastery and enjoy the tranquility and silence of the mountains.

Read more on Chari Hike https://www.bhutaninbound.com/blog/2020/10/18/hiking-in-bhutan/

After a hot picnic lunch, journey back to Thimphu and take a strollThimphu city in the evening. 

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 05:Thimphu – Punakha (Homestay)

Start your journey to Punakha with a stop at Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters’ elevation. Dochula Pass is marked with a cluster of 108 sacred Chortens (stupas) festooned with bright-colored prayer flags around. One can enjoy the view of the Himalayan ranges in a clear sky.

On arriving in Punakha valley- drive through the valley floor and visit the incredible Punakha Dzong before having a good lunch by the riverside.

Later, try out river rafting- which starts from the bridge to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel and ends at Changyul village. The rafting stretches to 10 kilometers and about one and a half hours. The river maneuvers in a scenically beautiful environment offering lots of opportunities to see birds, especially from the month of October to April. As you flow to the lower part of the valley you will have a fine 360-degree view around you.

After the rafting adventure, a steady steep drive to Laptsakha village before reaching Leki Wangmo Homestay, one of the best traditional farm-stays offering a grand view of Punakha valley. Experience the rural life of Bhutanese villages by engaging in their daily activities like cooking Bhutanese dishes or learning the art of preparing butter tea, or you can relax by trying out their hot stone bath.

Overnight: Leki Wangmo Homestay in Punakha 

Day 06: Punakha To Paro 

After an organic farm-to-table breakfast, retrace your way back to Paro while taking a short walk through the village of Sopsokha and visit Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha located atop a small hillock beyond the lush paddy fields of the village.

Upon arriving Paro check in to your hotel and ready your things for Bumdra Trek the next day. 

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 07: Bumdra Trek Camp

Bumdra Trek- Venture into the untamed Wilderness of the Himalaya

Bumdra is a sublime paradise high above the clouds at an elevation of 3,800 meters above sea level. It is a perfect place for one-night camping in the untamed wilderness under the blanket of stars with comfortable bedding facilities in Paro Bhutan.

The 5-6 hours trek starts from Sangchen Choekor Buddhist University, about 12 km away from Paro town. After visiting the chapel at Sangchen Choekor; venture through the forest of bare naked trees until you reach a small canopy to rest.

Following a brief gentle walk, continue hiking up the ridge through cool tree shades to the lunch point at Choechotse Lhakhang situated at 3,640 meters above sea level. It takes about 3 hours to get here from Sangchen Choekor- the starting point of the trek. After a good hot packed lunch, visit the Choechotse Lhakhang and continue another 1.5 to 2 hours till Bumdra Camp.

Bumdra camp is set in a yak pasture just below the Bumdra Monastery. Bumdra derives its name from the word ‘Bum’ which means ‘One Hundred Thousand’ and ‘Dra’ which means ‘rock’. In association to the myths and legends connected to this sacred pilgrim place, Bumdra is translated as “Rock or a cave where One Hundred Thousand Dakinis left their footprints and aspirations’’.

Apart from being sacred, the place is truly magical and picturesque. When you are at Bumdra be sure to take time to sit down and breathe in the calming silence of the mountains and appreciate its stillness. You will need to experience it to understand it, and you will be glad you did.

The epic view of the valley below, glorious Himalayan ranges at the backdrop, the blanket of clouds floating below your feet, exotic sunset, and starlit sky at night, and serene morning sunrise enhances the wonder of this place.

Overnight: Bumdra Luxury Camp

Day 08: Hike To Tiger Nest

The following day you will descend to Tiger’s Nest Monastery visiting many secluded temples in remarkable locations. Visit Taktsang Monastery (3,210 meters), the signature spot of Bhutan before continuing to the base of the valley at Ramthangka, Paro valley (2,220 meters) before you drive back to your accommodation in Paro.

Take a healing hot stone bath to rejuvenate from the hike.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day09: Departure 

Our team will pick you up from your hotel and drop to Paro Airport