Central Bhutan Premium Small Group Tour

You will be met at Paro airport and driven to your hotel.

After lunch, you will visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum.

Below the museum is the Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”), the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Enjoy your Welcome Dinner that celebrates the unique flavors of the region. Held at a charming local restaurant, this evening promises an unforgettable experience as we indulge in a menu featuring authentic regional dishes.

Overnight in Paro.

Important Information

We highly recommend that you download the Tweet Trip App before you travel. The app gives you easy access to your trip details and travel vouchers, and allows you to chat with our customer support team anytime, anywhere.It is very important that you attend the welcome briefing and dinner on this day. If you expect to arrive late, please contact our customer support directly through the Tweet Trip App. For details about the meeting location, simply ask the hotel reception.

Today's excursion takes us to Taktsang Monastery, with a visit to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, located 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and now stands in evocative ruins, commemorating its historic victories. Explore the ramparts, and on a clear day, enjoy an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m).

On the way back, we will visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. We’ll stop for a rest and lunch at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) before walking a short distance to Taktsang Monastery.

The primary Lhakhang was constructed around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort.

In the evening, we will drive to Thimphu, with a final stop at Tamchog Monastery, built in the 15th century by Thangthong Gyalpo, also known as Lama Chazampa, the Iron Bridge Builder.

Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten (1974), built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

Next, explore the National Library, which houses ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School, where traditional Bhutanese art, particularly Thangka painting (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls), is taught.

After lunch, drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute, where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. Visit Lungtenzampa to observe the royal silversmiths and the Bhutanese paper factory at work. Other highlights include Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, as well as the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).

Before returning to the hotel, visit the Handicrafts Emporium and enjoy some souvenir shopping in the shops of Thimphu.

Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Changangkha Lhakhang and Philatelic office.

After lunch, hike to Cheri Monastery.

Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. If the weather is clear, we will stop at Dochula Pass to admire the stunning views of the Higher Himalayas. Along the way, take a break to visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who subdued demons with his "Magical Thunderbolt." This temple is also known as the "Temple of Fertility."

After lunch, explore Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Located between the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River), this impressive fortress served as the seat of the government until the time of the second king.

Overnight at Punakha.

After breakfast, drive to the stunning Gangtey Valley, with a stop for sightseeing in Wangdue Phodrang Valley. Visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (from the outside), built in 1638. According to legend, as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying in four directions, an auspicious sign symbolizing the spread of religion to the four corners of the world. The Dzong is located at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers.

Continue the drive to Gangtey.

After lunch, visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery (from the outside). Founded in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, and built by Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second reincarnation, the temple is now overseen by the ninth reincarnation, Kunzang Pema Namgyal. Gangtey Gompa is a Nyingmapa monastery affiliated with other Nyingmapa monasteries, including Tamshing in Bumthang.

Explore the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, renowned for the Black-Necked Cranes that visit during the winter months.

Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast, drive to Trongsa.

Visit Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan's most impressive fortresses. Originally built in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, an official sent by Shabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan, it was later enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family, and the first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this fortress.

Next, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower. The chapel inside Ta Dzong is dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal.

After lunch, drive to Bumthang.

Overnight in Bumthang.

After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong, known as "The Castle of the White Bird." The current structure was built in 1667. Then, visit Jambay Lhakhang, built in 659 by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. Guru Rinpoche visited this temple during his journey to Bumthang, and it was later renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rinpoche restored his life force. It is said that beneath the temple lies a lake where Guru Rinpoche hid several Terma (hidden treasures). In October, the temple hosts one of Bhutan's most spectacular festivals, the "Jambay Lhakhang Drup."

After lunch, visit Kurjey Lhakhang, named after the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche. The temple was built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa. Then, explore Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Good Message), established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It is the most important Nyingma temple in Bhutan. In the evening, visit Membar Tsho, also known as "The Burning Lake."

Overnight in Bumthang.

Early breakfast, drive to Thimphu.

Lunch will be served on the way.

Farewell Dinner.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Early morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.