Your browser does not support the running script, you cannot get a perfect browsing
Your reliable Bhutan trip advisor that provides the best Bhutan Tour Packages since 2013.

Western and Central Bhutan Tour 11Days

  • bhutan Rice Field
  • 11 day Bhutan trip map
  • Gangtey Gompa
  • Trongsa Dzong
  • Jambay Lhakhang
    See More
10 Nights 11 DaysTour Code:BTG-D
  • Route:Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Gangtey-Trongsa-Bumthang-Paro
  • Group Size:1-12 pax
  • Tour Guide:English-speaking
  • Meals:10Breakfasts;9Lunches;10Dinners
  • Accommodations:10Nights, 3-Star
  • Single Supplement:USD400/pax
  • Tour style:
    Bhutan Odyssey Travel, Bhutan Cultural Tour

From:USD2,450

44 Pax Booked

Join a Group

Highlights:

  • 1. Dress in Bhutan National Attire (Gho or Kira) to take photos
  • 2. Drink traditional red rice beer with a unique local taste
Itinerary
Expand All
Collapse All
Day1  Arrive in Paro, Bhutan (airport pick-up & hotel check-in; Paro Airport Birds Eye View Point, Bhutan National Dress)

Tashi Delek and welcome to Bhutan. Our local representative will greet you at the only international airport in Bhutan that is located in Paro(2,262m), Western Bhutan. Have a nice shot at Paro Airport Birds Eye View Point, then you can check in at your sweet hotel for a good rest while getting used to the time difference.

Today, you will receive special offers from the AOT team:
Dress in Bhutan's National Dress (Gho or Kira) for a complimentary photo session.

Meals:None

Accommodation:Paro

  • Fly over the himalayas
    Fly over the himalayas
  • Welcome to Bhutan.
    Welcome to Bhutan.
Day2  Paro (Tiger's Nest Monastery Hiking, Kyichu Lhakhang)

Today, we will drive from Paro city to the start point of the hiking route of the Tiger's Nest Monastery. It takes about 2.5 hours to reach Tiger's Nest by foot (5 hours for a round trip), and you can have a rest at the view terrace which is located at the halfway point of the hiking road. Also, you can choose to ride a horse(self-paying) from the camp base to the Taktsang Cafeteria (lunch spot). 

Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Goemba, Takhtsang Lakhang, Paro Taktshang), first built in 1692, is the iconic landmark of Bhutan. As a world cultural heritage, it is sited on the side of a cliff at a height of 900m above the Paro valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche (a Buddhist saint) rode a tigress to the current site of the monastery and meditated in a cave for 3 years 3 months and 3 days. Now it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bhutan and a sacred religious site for Bhutanese to pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime.

After the Tiger's Nest hike, it is time to visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Thousand-armed and Thousand-eyed Avalokiteshvara). It is one of the 108 Buddhist temples built by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century (around 659 AD), and it is believed to have been constructed to subdue the left leg of the Tibetan witch. In the main hall of Kyichu Lhakhang, you can see the revered statue of an 8-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha, believed to have been created during the same period as the Jowo statue in the Ramoche Temple in Lhasa, Tibet. It is considered a national treasure of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Optional Bhutan Experiences: Bhutan Traditional Hot Stone Bath (1 hour). A visit to Bhutan without enjoying the health benefits hot stone bath would be incomplete. After the hiking, a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is perfect to relax in the water heated by hot river stones roasted on the fire.

Meals:Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation:Paro

  • Tiger's Nest
    Tiger's Nest
  • On the way to Tiger's Nest
    On the way to Tiger's Nest
Day3  Paro-Thimphu (Buddha Dordenma Statue, National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, Takin Preserve)

In the morning, we will head to Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu (72km, about 2.5h) via Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge. After sightseeing in Thimphu (2,360m) with Buddha Dordenma Statue, National Memorial Chorten, Motithang Takin Preserve, and Tashichho Dzong. Then have a good rest in your hotel.

Tamchog Lhakhang(Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge, Tachog Lhakhang) is located by the Paro river on the way to Thimphu from Paro. To get to the temple we must walk across a unique iron chain bridge with colorful fluttering prayer flags. Both the Lhakhang and the iron bridge are built by the saint Thangthong Gyalpo (1385-1464, Tibetan polymath). As the "King of the Empty Plain", Thangthong Gyalpo is now commonly known as the "Iron Bridge Maker". Enjoy his pioneering old-aged buildings left till today.

Buddha Dordenma Statue (Kuenselphodrang, Buddha Point) is a landmark of Thimphu city and you can have a great view of the Thimphu Valley there. With 51.5m in height, built of bronze and gilded in gold, the statue is famed as the largest sitting Shakyamuni statue in the world and there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues placed within it. The statue was finished in 2015(built for 9years) to fulfill an ancient prophecy to emanate an aura of happiness and peace all over the world.

National Memorial Chorten is the most visited landmark of Thimphu which was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk(the Father of Modern Bhutan) by his mother. Due to the idea of Jigme Dorji, this stupa is dedicated to world peace and prosperity. It is a Tibetan-style chorten with amazing paintings and brilliant sculptures, you can see the classical stupa pattern like the pyramidal pillar crowned by a crescent moon and sun. It is also a good place to meet local Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day in a clockwise direction for praying.

Motithang Takin Preserve (Takin Zoo, Takin Sanctuary) is a wildlife reserve for Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. Drukpa Kunley (Divine Madman), the famous Tibetan saint, is said to be responsible for the creation of Takin which has the head of a goat and the body of a cow.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) is located on the right side of the Wangchu River in the northern part of Thimphu city. As the "Fortress of the glorious religion", it houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, government offices, and the central monk body. Thimphu Dzong was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. There are two main entrances in the Tashichho Dzong. One leads to the administrative section to the south and the other one (at the north) leads to the monastic quarter where festivals and dances are performed.

Meals:Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation:Thimphu

  • Buddha Dordenma Statue
    Buddha Dordenma Statue
  • Buddha Dordenma Statue
    Buddha Dordenma Statue
Day4  Thimphu-Punakha (Dochula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang)

This morning we will drive to Punakha (74KM, about 2.5hrs) via Dochula pass and Chimi Lhakhang. In Punakha (1310m) we can take a visit at Punakha Dzong.

Dochula Pass (108 memorial chortens) is a place in honor of 108 Bhutanese Soldiers, there are 108 stupas called the "Druk Wangyal Chortens" representing each soldier's life that was lost in the war of December 2003. The pass is decorated with colorful prayer flags which are symbols of veneration and the best wishes for peace and prosperity for Bhutan. If the weather is good, the Dochula Pass will become the best platform to get breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayas.

Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple, Chime Lhakhang) is located on a hillock among the rice field and is a pilgrimage for a childless couple to seek blessings. The monk there blesses the couple with a wooden phallus that is believed to have the power to help the childless couple conceive a child. This temple is associated with the famous Drukpa Kunley (1455-1529, Divine Madman, Tibetan saint), who is famed for using his phallus to guide people to enlightenment and subdue demons. That is why you can see the symbol of phalluses scattered everywhere. You can buy handicraft souvenirs here with the phallic symbol in various colors, shapes, and sizes.

Optional Punakha Experience:
Punakha Rafting: You have the option to go rafting in the Po Chu and Mo Chu rivers, offering unique views of the Punakha Dzong that are not possible from land.

Meals:Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation:Punankha

  • Dochu la Pass in winter
    Dochu la Pass in winter
  • Chimi Lhakhang
    Chimi Lhakhang
Day5  Punakha-Gangtey (Punakha Dzong, Suspension Bridge, Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten)

After a visit to Punakha Dzong and the hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in Punakha Valley, we will drive to Gangtey (74KM, about 2.5hrs) the winter home of the Black-Necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis), immersing yourself in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley.

Punakha Dzong stands at the junction of two great rivers called the Pho Chu river (father river) and Mo Chu river (mother river). As the palace of great happiness or bliss, it is also known as the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. It was first built in 1637 by the founder of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, and was played as the administrative center and the seat of the Bhutanese official till the capital city was moved from Punakha to Thimphu in 1955. Now, this Dzong is served as the winter residence for Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body. In 2011, the Dzong witnessed the royal wedding ceremony of the 5th Bhutan's King, His Majesty Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck to Queen Jetsun Pema. If you visit Bhutan in May, you will be amazed by the breathtaking purple-blue jacaranda blooms outside the fortress.

After exploring the Punakha Dzong, your journey continues with an opportunity to cross one of Bhutan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges over the Po Chhu River. By walking across this 160-meter suspension bridge, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the lush Punakha Valley and the glacier-fed Po Chhu River below.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is on the west bank of the Mo Chhu river. After across a suspension bridge, it is about 45mins' walk from the main road to the Chorten(stupa). The stupa was built in 1990 by Ashi Tsering Yangdon Wangchuck(the mother of the 5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck) to drive off evil forces and bring peace to Bhutan and the world. This Chorten was a typical combination of the art, architecture, and traditions of Bhutan. It took Bhutanese carpenters, painters, and sculptors 9 years to finish this Bhutan-style pagoda. Also, you will get an excellent view of the Punakha Valley and Punakha Dzong there.

Meals:Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Punakha Dzong
    Punakha Dzong
  • Punakha Dzong Tshechu Festival
    Punakha Dzong Tshechu Festival
Day6  Gangtey (Gangtey Monastery, Gangtey Nature Trail, Black-Necked Cranes Center)

This morning, we will have a light hike on Gangtey Nature Trail (4km, 1.5-2hours) that start from Gangtey Monastery(3030m) and ends in Khewang Lhakhang(2850m). It is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. You can immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Phobjikha Valley(2840m) with farmhouses, dense pine forests, rhododendron forests, and bamboo plants on foot. During the winter, it may be a bonus to see the rare and endangered Black-neck Cranes. In the afternoon, we will drive to the Black-necked Cranes Information Center.

Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goemba, Gangtey Gonpa)was first built in 1613 by Pema Thinley, the grandson, and re-embodiment of Pema Lingpa( the reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche, 1450-1521). It is a beautiful temple architecture that stands on the hilltop and is a great spot to view the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. It is said that the Black-necked cranes circle the monastery three times when they arrive and three times when they leave. Each year on November 11, the Black-necked Crane Festival with local songs, dramas, and masked dances is held at the courtyard of Gangtey Goemba to celebrate the arrival of the endangered bird migrating from the Tibetan Plateau.

In Black Necked Crane Information Centre, you can enter the observation room and use the telescope and spotting scopes to watch the Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis). Every year (Oct. to Feb.), over 300 cranes migrate from Tibet to Bhutan for their winter months in Phobjikha Valley. As an indigenous Himalayan species, the black-necked cranes are the holy bird in the eyes of local people as it is a symbol of longevity. It was helpful for the center to protect and conserve the Black-necked crane and its species since 2003. It is a nice place to know more about the cranes and study their behavior.

Meals:Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation:Gangtey

  • Gangtey Monastery Festival
    Gangtey Monastery Festival
  • Black Necked Crane
    Black Necked Crane
Day7  Gangtey-Trongsa-Bumthang (Pele La Pass, Yongtong La Pass, Trongsa Dzong)

Depart Gangtey and drive to Bumthang via a visit to Trongsa Dzong (160km, about 5 hours) via Pele La Pass and Yongtong La Pass. Then check in at your hotel in Bumthang (2,590m) and visit around if you like. By the way, Bumthang, also known as Jakar is located in central Bhutan. It is famous for the production of honey, cheese, apples, wheat, buckwheat, potatoes, and yatra (woolen materials).

After having breakfast at your hotel in Gangtey, set your sights eastward towards Trongsa Dzong. Traverse through the dense forests as you make your way to the majestic Pele La Pass , standing at an altitude of 3,420 meters, serving as the gateway to Central Bhutan. From this pass, you will enter the expansive and captivating Mangde Chhu Valley, a land of open spaces and natural splendor. Along the journey, you will encounter the Chendebji Chorten, a magnificent white stupa constructed in the 19th century, inspired by Nepal's revered Swayambhunath. Continuing on, follow the winding zigzag road through the valley, treating yourself to a breathtaking view of Trongsa Dzong. The entire journey from Gangtey to Trongsa covers approximately 80km, taking around 2 hours to complete.

Trongsa Dzong (1920m), built in 1648, is the ancient fort where the first and the second King of Bhutan ruled the kingdom due to its strategic position. All successive Kings of Bhutan hold the post of Trongsa Penlop (governor) before being crowned as the Prince and the King. This Dzong is considered one of the longest and the largest fortresses in Bhutan. It also provides an extraordinary view of the Mangde River. There is a Ta Dzong (built in 1652) that served as the watchtower for Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion and it is now a heritage museum focused on Buddhist art and Royal memorabilia which is worth a visit.

After lunch, you will travel from Trongsa to Bumthang. Along the way, you will pass Yongtong La Pass, standing at an altitude of 3,425 meters, where you can catch sight of Tibetan stupas and prayer flags. This picturesque drive spans 80 kilometers, leading you towards the captivating cultural destination of Bumthang located in Central Bhutan. Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Meals:Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation:Bumthang

  • Trongsa Dzong
    Trongsa Dzong
  • Yongtong La Pass
    Yongtong La Pass
Day8  Bumthang (Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong)

Sightseeing day in Bumthang. As the home of some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries like Kurje Lhakhang and Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang is one of the most historic districts in Bhutan. What is more, it was here the place that Buddhism was first introduced into Bhutan. Sure we will also explore the Jakar Dzong and the Yathra Weaving Center today.

Kurjey Lhakhang consists of three buildings facing south namely: Guru Lhakhang (built-in 1652), Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang (built-in 1900), and Ka Gon Phor Sum Lhakhang (built-in 1900). It is said that, in the 8th century, the Saint Guru Padmasambhava(Rinpoche) meditated here for three months. The upper floor of the Kurjey Lhakhang houses 1000 small statues of Guru Rinpoche. There is also a huge cypress tree near the entrance of the temple which is believed to have sprouted from Guru Rinpoche's walking stick. It is a must-visit Lhakhang in Bumthang.

Jambay Lhakhang is one of the 108 monasteries built on a single day by Tibetan King Songtsen Goenpo in 659 AD to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region while spreading Buddhism over the Himalayas. It was believed that Jambay Lhakhang was built to pin down the left knee of the ogress. There is an annual festival called Jambay Lhakhang Drup held here to honor Guru Rinpoche who consecrated the Jambay Lhakhang. Visitors can enjoy watching the mask dance of Bhutan. It is worth seeing the beautiful statues, fascinating relics, and preserved murals in this Lhakhang.

Jakar Dzong (Jakar Yugyal Dzong), literally meaning "Castle of the White Bird", was initially built as a monastery in 1549 by Lam Ngagi Wangchuck (1517-1554), a Tibetan who came to Bhutan to spread the Drukpa Kagyupa Buddhist order. It was also the seat of the first King of Bhutan. As the dzong or fortress of the Bumthang district, it is located on a ridge above Jakar town that can give a spectacular view of the Chamkhar (Chokhor) Valley. Jakar Dzong is now the administrative center for Bumthang valley and houses the regional monk body.

Yathra Weaving Centre is a sales outlet showcasing textiles woven from sheep and yak wool. You will see women weaving intricate designs on their backstrap loom, wool dyeing in a natural way, and other processes there. Yathra is traditional wool weaving with intricate patterns native to Chumey Valley in Bumthang of central Bhutan. Almost every family in Chumey owns a backstrap loom. Girls around 8 years old are learning to weave. Yathra products are unique souvenirs, they are the main income for the people of Bumthang.

Meals:Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation:Bumthang

  • Kurjey Lhakhang
    Kurjey Lhakhang
  • Jakar Dzong
    Jakar Dzong
Day9  Bumthang-Wangdue Phodrang (Rinchengang Village)

Today we will drive to Wangdue Phodrang from Bumthang and explore the Rinchengang Village.

Rinchengang Village is located opposite to the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and Punatsangchhu runs along the highway. Believed to be one of the oldest villages in Bhutan dating back to the Zhabdrungs era., Rinchengang Village is famous for its proficiency in traditional means of stonework and its Bhutanese architectural designed houses. The village is also famous for its houses being close to each other and the space between the houses is barely enough to walk through. Meet local people and know more about the history of the Rinchengang village.

Meals:Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation:Wangdue Phodrang

  • Farmhouse, bumthang
    Farmhouse, bumthang
  • Jakar Dzong
    Jakar Dzong
Day10  Wangdue Phodrang-Paro (Rinpung Dzong, Bhutan National Museum)

Today it is time for us to drive back to Paro from Wangdue Phodrang (110km, about 3 hours). After arrive in Paro, you will have the opportunity to visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) & Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan).

Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzon), the "fortress of the heap of jewels", is built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is located near the crystalline Paro Chu (Paro River). Through a traditional wooden cantilever bridge, we can reach it to get panoramic views of the Paro Valley. As the office of the district administration and monastic body of Bhutan, the annual religious festival Paro Tsechu also takes place in its courtyard.

National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong) is famed as Bhutan's tallest building (a cylindrical structure), which is 22 meters (72 feet) high and has 6 floors. It was completed in 1649 as a watchtower on the hill above the Rinpung Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968 with a rich collection of ancient artifacts like pottery, armor, thangkas, masks, stamps, photos, statues, costumes, relics, stone axes, and religious paintings...

Meals:Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner

Accommodation:Paro

  • Ta Dzong
    Ta Dzong
  • Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong
    Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong
Day11  Paro Departure(Depart Bhutan, airport see-off)

Time to say goodbye to Bhutan, the beautiful Himalayan country. Our local representative will meet you at your hotel and send you to the international airport. Happiness is a place, wish you get happiness and great memories from the Bhutantrip with us. We look forward to seeing you again, Tashi Delek!

Note:
Please note that some of the sites in the itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the right to alter the itinerary. The changes in itinerary will mainly base on improving your tour experience in Bhutan.

Meals:Breakfast     

Accommodation:/

  • Paro Airport
    Paro Airport
  • Thank you for Choosing us.
    Thank you for Choosing us.

Price Includes

    • 1.Meals listed in the itinerary
    • 2.Accommodation in 3-star hotel under twin/dbl bed sharing basis
    • 3.All transportation within the country including airport transfers
    • 4.English-speaking local guide
    • 5.Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments
    • 6.Bhutan SDF fee
    • 7.Bhutan Visa fee: USD 40 per person

Price Excludes

    • 1.Single room supplement charges
    • 2.International flights before and after the tour
    • 3.Personal expense and Travel Insurance
    • 4.Cost for any services not mentioned in the "PRICE INCLUDES"

Hot Deals

Discover Bhutan Tour 7Days
7Days Bhutan Join-in Group Tours
View more
Bhutan Cultural Tour 6Days
6Days Bhutan Join-in Group Tours
View more
Western Bhutan with Gangtey & Haa 9Days
9Days Bhutan Join-in Group Tours
View more
Bhutan Panoramic Tour 8Days
8Days Bhutan Join-in Group Tours
View more
Bhutan Highlight Tour 6Days
6Days Bhutan Join-in Group Tours
View more
Classic Bhutan Tour 6Days
6Days Bhutan Join-in Group Tours
View more
Western Bhutan Trip with Haa 5Days
5Days Bhutan Join-in Group Tours
View more
Glimpses of Bhutan Trip 4Days
4Days Bhutan Join-in Group Tours
View more
Choose your Arrival Date
  • -Title-
  • Mr
  • Ms
Data in submission...