The best of west and central bhutan

1. The best of west and central Bhutan: 11 nights/12 Days
Day 01:Paro-Thimphu
Your tour guide will meet you and take you on a short one-hour drive along the Paro and
Thimphu river valleys to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, at 2320 metres. You can stop on the way
to take in the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s
iron bridge builder. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu
Sightseeing in Thimphu, where you can visit
the National Memorial Chorten, the National
Library, the National Painting School and
Changangkha Temple. Browse the striking
collection of intricate textiles at the National
Textile Museum and visit the Folk Museum.
Overnight inThimphu.
Day 3 Thimphu-Punakha
In the morning drive to Punakha via the Dochu La Pass, where we will stop for a hot drink and
to enjoy views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges. In the afternoon visit Punakha Dzong,
Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Mad Man’ (Lama
Drukpa Kuenley). Overnight in Punakha.
Day 04: Punakha-Bumthang
Drive from Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa, the gateway to central Bhutan. You can stop to
visit the impressive TrongsaDzong which commands the
eye from miles away. Visit the new museum in the
watchtower dedicated to the Royal Wangchuk dynasty,
which tells the stories of the Dzong and features
personal belongings of the Kings and Queens of Bhutan.
Continue your journey through some of Bhutan’s most

2. beautiful landscapes to Bumthang. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 05: Bumthang
A day of sightseeing in the Bumthang valleys.
Your guide will take you on a fascinating tour
of a variety of sacred sites including
Jamba Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and
Tamshing Lhakhang. Visit
Jakar Dzong (Bhutan’s largest) and you may
be interested to see Bumthang’s famous swiss
cheese factory. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 06: Excursion to Tang Valley
Today we take an excursion to the remote Tang valley. Stop to visit Membar Tsho (the burning
lake), which is one of Bhutan’s most important pilgrimage sites. Then on to Drangchel, Pema
Lingpa’s birthplace. You will also see some picturesque villages and temples and can walk up to
visit Ugyenchholing Palace, which is now a museum and gives an interesting insight into life in
an aristocratic family in the last century. Return to Bumthang for the night.
Day 07: Bumthang- Gangtey
Start your journey back west to Gangtey in the remote Phobjikha valley. Visit
Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and recently extensively renovated) and
explore the valley where the villagers continue to live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle. This
is the site where black-necked cranes visit in their hundreds in November each year after
spending the summer in Tibet. Overnight in Gangtey.
Day 8: Gangtey
Today can be a day of leisure in this beautiful rural valley. If it is winter you can view the
black-necked cranes. If you like hiking your guide will suggest a day or half day hike in the
valley. Overnight in Gangtey.

3. Day 09: Gangtey-Paro
Return to Paro via Wangdi. Sadly Wangdi Dzong was gutted
by fire in June 2012 and rebuilding will take many years.
There is little now to see in Wangdi so after a brief stop
continue on your way. When you reach Paro you can visit
the local handicraft shops for souvenirs of your
trip. Overnight in Paro.
Day 10: Paro
A full day of sightseeing in and around Paro including
Paro Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum. After lunch
visit Drukgyel Dzong (‘fortress of victory’), and the sacred
Kyichu Lhakhang (temple). Overnight in Paro.
Day 11: Hike to Tiger Nest
Take a day hike to the ‘Tiger’s Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery, and have lunch at the
Taktshang cafeteria. On the way back you can visit Dumtse Lhakhang, a temple built by
Thangthong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder. Overnight in Paro.
Day 12: Departure
Depart from Paro International Airport.