9 Days Bhutan Tour
The 9-day Bhutan tour itinerary encompasses the districts of western and central Bhutan, including Trongsa and Bumthang. Bumthang comprises four picturesque valleys – Tang, Ura, Chumey, and Choekhor – and stands as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, serving as the birthplace of the revered saint, Pema Lingpa. Throughout the valley, there are numerous significant landmarks and pilgrimage sites.
During your 9-day Bhutan trip, you’ll have the opportunity to explore majestic dzongs (forts), ancient temples, and more. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and the visit to the Divine Madman’s temple in Punakha are experiences that will undoubtedly leave you in awe.
Tour Highlights:
- Explore ancient temples, monasteries, and dzongs.
- Enjoy breathtaking scenic landscapes.
- Witness traditional archery matches.
- Engage with local communities.
- Visit pristine Bhutanese villages and experience a farmhouse visit.
- Experience a scenic mountain flight.
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 2: Explore Thimphu | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
- Day 4: Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey Sightseeing | 75 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 3000 m.
- Day 5: Gangtey – Trongsa Sightseeing – Bumthang | 156 km | Drive: 5 hours | Altitude: 2600 m.
- Day 6: Explore Bumthang | Altitude: 2600 m.
- Day 7: Bumthang – Paro Sightseeing | By Mountain Flight | 25 minutes | Altitude: 2200 m.
- Day 8: Paro Sightseeing – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery | 7 km | 4 hours.
- Day 9: Paro – Departure (End of 9-day Bhutan Tour Itinerary).
9 Days Tour - Detail Information
Begin your Bhutanese adventure with a warm meet and greet at Paro International Airport, followed by a scenic drive to Thimphu.
During the journey, take a brief pause to marvel at the Tamchog Monastery, a 15th-century architectural gem built by Thang Tong Gyalpo.
In the afternoon, explore Thimphu’s cultural richness with visits to the Memorial Chorten, the towering Buddha statue, Changangkha Lhakhang, the Takin Preserve Center, and the scenic Sangaygang Viewpoint.
As evening approaches, pay a visit to Dupthop Nunnery and then enjoy leisure time for a relaxing stroll through the town, ideal for shopping and capturing memorable photographs.
Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
In the morning, begin your day with visits to the National Postal Museum, the Craft Bazaar, the Textile Museum, and the School of 13 Arts and Crafts, also known as the Painting School.
Enjoy lunch at the Simply Bhutan Museum Restaurant.
In the afternoon, experience the excitement of an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium.
As the day progresses, explore the historical Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat, in the evening.
Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
In the morning, embark on a drive to Punakha. En route, make a stop at Dochu La Pass (3140 m).
Next, visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honor Drukpa Kuenley, also known as “The Divine Madman.” This temple is popularly referred to as the “Temple of Fertility.”
During the afternoon, explore Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, where King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first national assembly in 1952.
Afterward, take a hike to the beautiful Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery.
In the evening, take a stroll across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning 160 meters.
Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
In the morning, commence the journey to Gangtey, making a brief stop along the way to admire Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
Note: The upper part of the valley is known as Gangtey, where the Gangtey Tshechu is held, and the lower part is called Phobjikha.
During the afternoon, visit Gangtey Monastery, constructed in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley. Continue the exploration with a visit to the Crane Information Center.
In the evening, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the glacial valley of Phobjikha (3000 m), known as the winter roosting ground for the rare black-necked cranes.
Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
In the morning, embark on a drive to Bumthang, with a stop along the way to explore Trongsa Dzong, constructed in 1648 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. During late autumn, the magnificent Trongsa Festival takes place here.
Continue the journey with a visit to Ta Dzong, also built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, which has now been transformed into the Royal Heritage Museum.
In the afternoon, proceed with the drive to Bumthang.
Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Bumthang is one of the most scenic valleys and the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. It is also the birth place of Bhutanese patron saint, Pema Lingpa. There are many sacred temples and pilgrimage sites scattered across the valley.
In the morning, visit Jakar dzong “The castle of white bird”, Jambay lhakhang, Chakhar lhakhang and Kenchosum monastery.
Afternoon – visit to Mebar tsho or “The burning lake”, Tamshing lhakhang and Kurjey lhakhang.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, proceed to the airport and take a flight to Paro. Upon your arrival, your guide will be there to greet you and drive you to the hotel.
During the afternoon, explore Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Following that, visit Rinpung Dzong, where the famous annual Paro festival is held. Constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it stands as a prime example of Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship. Notably, scenes from the 1995 film “Little Buddha” were filmed here.
In the evening, enjoy free time to wander through the town for shopping and photography.
Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
In the morning, drive to Satsam Chorten and embark on a 2-hour hike to reach the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang).
During the afternoon, explore Drugyal Dzong, constructed by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate his victory over raiding Tibetan armies. Although the dzong was ravaged by fire in 1951, the remaining ruins still present an impressive and imposing sight, currently undergoing repair.
Next, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, built in 659 AD by the Tibetan king Srongtsen Gampo.
In the evening, experience the authentic ambiance of a Bhutanese farmhouse. Later, enjoy leisure time for a stroll through the town, perfect for shopping and photography.
Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to the Paro airport and farewell (End of 9 days Bhutan tour itinerary).
Inclusions:
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening tea).
- Accommodation (twin/double sharing basis). Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country, including airport transfers.
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English-speaking local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water on the tour.
Exclusions:
- Drukair/Bhutan Airlines fares.
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Travel insurance premiums.
- Payments for services provided on a personal basis.
- Costs for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include” section.
- Costs incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest, etc.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, camera charges, incidentals, portage, bellboy charges, tips, or any other services.
- Hot stone bath.
- Cycling around Paro valley.
- Practice archery.
- Bhutanese cooking class.
- Bhutanese cultural show featuring various mask dances and folk dances.
- Talk on Gross National Happiness / Buddhism.
- Consulting an astrologer.
- Practice dart.
- Performing religious ceremony.
- Marriage ceremonies.