Panoramas of Bhutan – A 10-Day Journey

Tailor‑made journey · 10 days / 9 nights

Panoramas of Bhutan

A 10‑day journey through Bhutan’s valleys, monasteries, and gentle walking trails, with a private guide and driver throughout.

Start & end in Paro

Private guided · Easy walking

Request a proposal →

Day 1

Paro – Thimphu

Paro → Thimphu · 55 km · ~2 hours

Arrival in Paro, scenic drive to the capital.

Fly over the Himalayan range and descend into Paro Valley. Met at airport and transferred to Thimphu.

Optional Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point) visit.
Easy nature park trail (around 1.5 hours).
Memorial Chorten or archery grounds.

Day 2

Thimphu Valley Highlights

City sightseeing · Easy walking

Viewpoints, markets, and cultural institutions.

Spend the day discovering Thimphu, from valley viewpoints and prayer flags to museums and local markets.

National Institute for Traditional Medicine.
Folk Heritage Museum and School of Arts (Zorig Chusum).
Crafts market and evening visit to Tashichho Dzong.

Institutions may close on weekends and public holidays; your guide will adjust the sequence.

Day 3

Thimphu – Gangtey (Phobjikha)

Thimphu → Gangtey · 130 km · ~4 hours

Over Dochu‑La Pass into the glacial valley of Phobjikha.

Drive via Dochu‑La Pass, with its chortens and Himalayan views, then continue through forests into Phobjikha Valley.

Gangtey Nature Trail · 1.5–2 hours · Easy descent · Approx. 2,700 m altitude. Ideal for spotting black‑necked cranes in winter (Nov–Mar).

Day 4

Gangtey – Bumthang

Gangtey → Bumthang · 257 km · ~8 hours

Mountain passes and historic Trongsa Dzong.

Travel east via scenic mountain roads, stopping at Trongsa Dzong before continuing into the Bumthang region.

Check in to your hotel and, on some Sundays, watch a local archery tournament, Bhutan’s national sport.

Day 5

Monasteries & Craft Workshops

Bumthang valley · Easy sightseeing

Explore Bumthang’s four valleys, visiting monasteries and small producers that give insight into daily life.

Wangdicholing Palace and Kurje Lhakhang.
Jambey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang.
Brewery, dairy & cheese factory, and cider distillery (opening days vary).

Optional simple farm lunch or dinner; an overnight homestay can be arranged on request.

Day 6

Bumthang – Punakha

Bumthang → Punakha · 172 km · ~6 hours

Retrace the route via Dochu‑La, then descend into the warmer Punakha Valley.

Chimi Lhakhang hike · 30–45 minutes · Easy · 1,500 m altitude. Walk through fields to the “temple of fertility”.

Day 7

Khamsum Chorten & Punakha Dzong

Punakha valley · Easy hiking

Walk riverside and through fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten for views over the Mo Chu valley.

Visit Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, then continue to the village of Talo.

Day 8

Punakha – Paro

Punakha → Paro · 130 km · ~4 hours

Return to Paro, a fertile valley of terraces and traditional farmhouses overshadowed by Mount Chomolhari.

Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Rinpung Dzong.
Kyichu Lhakhang and a visit to a traditional farmhouse.

Day 9

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)

Taktsang hike · 5–6 hours round trip

Hike to Taktsang Monastery, perched around 900 m above the valley. The trail climbs to a viewpoint, descends to a waterfall, and continues into the monastery complex.

Approx. 3,100 m altitude · 900 m elevation gain · Moderate. Optional horse ride available on the first section (extra cost).

The monastery closes daily from 13:00–14:00; a halfway cafeteria serves tea, snacks, and lunch.

Day 10

Paro – Onward Flight

Paro Airport · Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for your onward flight, with final views over Bhutan’s valleys and peaks.

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive inspirational travel news 4-6 per year.

CONTACT

M: +31 (0)6 57142433

E: info@wildtimessafaris.com

Panoramas of Bhutan – A 10-Day Journey