Kingdom In the sky

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival Paro
Arrive at Paro airport by Druk Air. Transfer to Bhutan's capital, Thimphu and check in at a hotel.

Thimphu offers an exciting blend of tradition and modernity. The Thimphu valley unfolds breathtaking images of natural splendor.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02 : Thimphu
After breakfast set out for a full-day sightseeing tour of Thimphu Valley.

There's a lot to see in Thimphu. Visit the National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, Trashichhodzong and Handicrafts Emporium.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03 : Thimphu - Trongsa
After breakfast, drive to Dochula Pass (10,130 ft) on the way to Trongsa. Enjoy lunch at Wangduephodrang. Also visit Pelela Pass and the 18th century Chendbji Chorten Een route.

Stop briefly at Dochula Pass to admire the Chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags decorating the highest point on the road. Proceed onward to Trongsa across Pelela Pass. An abrupt change in vegetation will be seen here, mountain forests are replaced by dwarf bamboo.

Arrive at Trongsa late afternoon. Check into the lodge to retire for the night.

Day 04 : Trongsa - Bumthang
Today visit Trongsa Dzong. Later drive to Bumthang over the Yutongla pass. Check into lodge after arrival.

Trongsa Dzong was built in 1648 and was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. This fortress is a massive structure with multi levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built.

Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 05 : Bumthang
Spend the day exploring Bumthang.

Many important Buddhist temples and monasteries are situated in Bumthang. Visit Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong. Stroll down the the village and visit little handicraft shops at the entrance to the town.

Spend night at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 06 : Bumthang - Punakha
After breakfast head to Punakha, stopping en route at Trongsa for lunch. Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong and the town along the way to Punakha.

This picturesque and sleepy town is the administrative center of a district by the same name. It is famous for rice farming.

On arrival at Punakha check into a hotel and stay overnight.

Day 07 : Punakha - Paro
Visit Punakha Dzong in the morning. After lunch, drive to Paro. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, built in 1627. On arrival, check in at a hotel.

Punakha Dzong, a grand structure built at the meeting point of two rivers still serves as winter residence of monk body. The fortress has withstood many damages from earthquake and flood over the centuries.

Stay overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 08 : Paro
Spend the day sightseeing in Paro valley. Visit the famous Ta Dzong and Paro Dzong. After lunch drive up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong. En route also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, which was built in 7th century.

Ta Dzong served in the past as a watchtower for Paro Dzong and now houses the National Museum. The Paro Dzong is an old massive structure built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

Day 09 : Depart Paro
After breakfast in the hotel, head back to the airport for return/onward flight.