Central Bhutan: Phobjikha & Bumthang — 8 days

Beyond the classic circuit, to the sacred valleys of the kingdom's heartland. Day-by-day itinerary: Arrival in Paro & drive to Thimphu; Thimphu; On to Punakha; Phobjikha Valley.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Paro & drive to Thimphu

• Mandatory organised travel
• 10:00 — Arrival at Paro airport
• 11:30 — Drive to Thimphu — Paro → Thimphou
• 13:00 — Hotel check-in — Thimphou

Day 2 — Thimphu

• 09:00 — Tashichho Dzong & the Great Buddha Dordenma — Thimphou
• 14:00 — Institute of Arts and Crafts — Thimphou

Day 3 — On to Punakha

• 08:00 — Drive over the Dochula Pass — Thimphou → Punakha
• 12:00 — Punakha Dzong & the suspension bridge — Punakha

Day 4 — Phobjikha Valley

• 09:00 — Drive to the Phobjikha Valley — Punakha → Phobjikha
• 12:30 — Black-necked Crane Information Centre — Phobjikha
• 15:00 — Gangtey Nature Trail hike — Phobjikha

Day 5 — On to Bumthang

• 08:00 — Drive to Bumthang over the Yotong La pass — Phobjikha → Bumthang
• 12:00 — Trongsa Dzong — Trongsa
• Drive to Bumthang — Trongsa → Bumthang
• 16:00 — Hotel check-in — Bumthang

Day 6 — The sacred Bumthang Valley

• 09:00 — Jambay Lhakhang temple — Bumthang
• 11:30 — Kurjey Lhakhang temple — Bumthang
• 14:30 — Jakar Dzong & Tamshing Monastery — Bumthang

Day 7 — Back to Paro

• 09:00 — Domestic flight to Paro
• 11:00 — Hotel check-in — Paro
• 15:00 — National Museum & Rinpung Dzong — Paro

Day 8 — Tiger's Nest & departure

• 06:00 — Hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang) — Paro
• 14:00 — Transfer to the airport
• 16:00 — Return flight