Route to cities and towns of Bhutan | 9D long tour Bhutan

Upon arrival at NJP Railway Station or IXB Airport, you'll embark on a journey to Phuentsholing, a bustling border town in Southern Bhutan. This town serves as a major commercial hub.

Upon reaching Phuentsholing, your Bhutanese guide will meet and welcome you. Spend some time photographing the elaborate gate that marks the entrance to Bhutan.

Check-in at your hotel afterward. The evening is yours to explore or relax.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Phuentsholing.

After breakfast, complete the necessary immigration formalities before heading to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, situated at an altitude of 7,710 feet.

En route, take a break at Kharbandi Goemba, a monastery established in 1967 by the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choden.

The monastery, at 400 meters above sea level, offers captivating views of Phuentsholing and its surroundings. It also features Buddha's life paintings and statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche.

Continue your drive as you observe the plains transitioning into foothills and then into the majestic Himalayan slopes.

Upon arrival in Thimphu, check-in at your hotel.

The evening is free for leisure activities.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Thimphu.

Begin your day with breakfast before setting out to explore Thimphu.

Your sightseeing includes a visit to Kuensel Phodrang, where the massive Buddha Dordenma Statue stands on a hill offering a panoramic view of the city.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, where locals gather for prayers.

Explore the Folk Heritage Museum to get a glimpse into the traditional Bhutanese way of life and the Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Thimphu.

You will also visit the Motithang Takin Reserve, a sanctuary for Takin, Bhutan's national animal.

In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress that houses several government offices, including the secretariat of His Majesty and the central monk body.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive towards Punakha. (Distance: 77 kms. / Driving Time: 2 hrs. / Altitude of Punakha: 1,310 mts.)

On the way, pause at Dochula Pass, located at 3,100 meters, to see the 108 Druk Wangyal Stupas.

Continue to Punakha or Wangdue, where you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility. This involves a short hike of around 30 to 45 minutes.

Later, visit Punakha Dzong, an iconic fortress situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers.

Check-in at your hotel afterward. The evening is free for your leisure.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.

After breakfast, you have the option to visit Gangtey, a scenic glacial valley, and the winter home of the Black-Necked Crane.

Here, you can also explore the Gangtey Goemba, a monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, and the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, which features crane-watching equipment and educational resources.

In the evening, return to Punakha/Wangdue.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.

There’s another option as well. Take a hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, which offers stunning views of the Punakha Valley after about 45 minutes of walking.

You can also visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge and the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.

After breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way, stop at the Royal Botanical Garden at Lamperi, Bhutan's first botanical park.

Continue your journey with a stop at the Immigration Check Point in Hongtsho Village to return the previously stamped permit.

Visit Tamchog Lhakhang, built in the 13th century by Thangthong Gyalpo, also known as the Iron Bridge Builder, located between Thimphu and Paro.

Upon arrival in Paro, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower built in 1951, now serving as the National Museum, and Paro Rimpung Dzong, also known as the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, built in 1646.

Walk down to Nemi Zam Bridge, a traditional covered cantilever bridge connecting Paro town to the Dzong.

Check-in at the hotel in the evening. The evening is free for leisure.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, embark on a hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. This sacred site is perched at an altitude of 3,100 meters in the Upper Paro Valley.

Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the monastery.

The hike to the monastery typically takes 5 to 6 hours and involves steep climbs, making it unsuitable for small children and elderly individuals.

On your way back, visit Kyichu Lakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most revered temples.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive back to Phuentsholing. (Distance: 200 kms. / Driving Time: 7 hrs. / Altitude of Phuentsholing: 293 mts.)

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. The rest of the evening is free for leisure.

Overnight stay: Hotel in Phuentsholing.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to NJP Railway Station or IXB Airport for your onward journey. Tashi Delek! (Distance: 170 kms. / Driving Time: 5 hrs. / Altitude of NJP/IXB: 89 mts.)