Bhutan Adventure Tour 12 Days

After breakfast, visit the National Library, Zilukha Nunnery and the general post office. After lunch, visit the handmade paper factory. Evening, walk around the main square of Thimphu.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD Thimpu

Leaving Thimphu, drive up the mountains and over the 3500m Dochu-la (pass). On clear day, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the snowcapped eastern Himalayas and the magnificent 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten (Stupa). Gradually descend through varied forest finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. Check into your hotel and after lunch; visit the Punakha Dzong, the district civil and religious centre for Punakha. This is one of the most impressive Dzong in the country located at the confluence of the Pho-chu (male-river) and Mo-chu (female-river).

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Punakha

In the morning, drive to Phobjikha. This valley is well known as one of the last winter grounds of the black necked cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau. Arrive at Gangtey Gompa where you can see the small Gangtey village and the Gangtey monastery.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Phobjikha

After breakfast, take a long but stunning scenic drive (about 7 hours) to Bumthang. This is the road where the movie "Travelers and Magicians" was filmed. The road winds its way up and cross two high passes at Yotong-la and Pele-la pass and arrive at the famous Bumthang Yathra weaving region. For the more adventurous, we can arrange a 3 days trek in the splendid Bumthang Valley. This trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through the Bumthang countryside and provides an exceptional opportunity to interact with the Bhutanese rural life.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Bumthang

Today, you explore the Tamshing valley by hiking. The hike starts from Kurjey and ends at the Swiss Farm. On the way, visit the Tamshing Monastery, founded in 15th century and the Konchogsum Temple. The late evening is spent strolling around Bumthang.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Bumthang

Early breakfast, drive back to Punakha re-crossing the Yotong-la and Pele-la pass. The journey would take around 7-8 hours with picnic lunch on the way.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Punakha

Drive back to Paro on the way lunch at Thimphu

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Paro

In the morning visit the Drugyel Dzong which is now in ruins after a fire in 1951. Continue to the National Museum, housed in an ancient watch tower and visit the Paro Dzong, the district administration and the religious centre for Paro. After the visit, walk down the gentle slope and over the traditional cantilever bridge to downtown Paro.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Paro

This morning, we make an excursion to Taksang Monastery - this has to be the monastery with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face 800 m above the ground, it defies all engineering logic. For the energetic, hike 2 hours up to get a more dramatic view of the monastery.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Taksang monastery

Today is a leisure day, rest and final shopping. Overnight at hotel.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Paro

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.