Complete Bhutan Traverse Tour 10 Nights - 11 Days

Package Overview

Traverse Bhutan’s cultural heartland from the emerald valleys of Paro to the sacred temples of Bumthang. Begin with the iconic Tiger’s Nest hike, then explore Thimphu’s craft studios and city sights before crossing high passes to the misty bowl of Gangtey/Phobjikha and its hilltop monastery. Continue east via Pele La to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual cradlevisit Jakar Dzong, venerable temples, a local brewery, Tamshing Lhakhang, and the storied Burning Lake (picnic included). Return west with a stop at majestic Trongsa Dzong, overnight in Wangdue, and drive back to Paro for a relaxed free day (farmhouse dinner, archery, or spa optional). Private guide and vehicle throughout; ideal for travelers seeking authentic culture, soft hikes, monastery heritage, and sweeping Himalayan scenery.

Best Season
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) due to pleasant weather, clear skies for mountain views, and vibrant festival celebrations.

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrival Paro

  Arrive at Paro International Airport (≈2,200 m): Meet your guide, traditional khadar welcome, and private transfer to the hotel.
  
  Check-in & refresh: Short rest after the flight. Orientation stroll (time permitting): Gentle walk in Paro town—handicraft shops, cafés, riverside. Briefing: Itinerary overview, permits/etiquette, currency & local SIM tips. Evening at leisure: Light dinner, hydrate, early night to acclimatize.
  
  Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
  Meals : D

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 2 : Paro

  Early start: Drive to the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) trailhead.
  
  Hike: 4–6 hrs round trip, ~600 m elevation gain; classic stop at the mid-way cafeteria viewpoint. Monastery visit: Quiet conduct, shoulders/knees covered; no photography inside temples. Descend & lunch: Return to base; lunch in Paro or optional farmhouse meal. Evening: At leisure (optional hot-stone bath).
  
  Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
  
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Hiking
• Day 3 : Paro → Thimphu

  Transfer: Drive Paro → Thimphu (~1–1.5 hrs). Check in and refresh.
  
  Highlights:
  
  Buddha Dordenma for sweeping valley views. Memorial Chorten—join locals in circumambulation. School of Traditional Arts (Zorig Chusum) to see the 13 crafts in practice. Simply Bhutan (or Royal Textile Academy) for culture and living heritage. Centenary Farmers’ Market (open days permitting). Tashichho Dzong at sunset; witness the National Flag ceremony. Evening: Stroll Norzin Lam/Craft Bazaar, café stop.
  
  Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.
  
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 4 : Thimphu → Gangtey

  Scenic transfer: Drive ~4.5–6 hrs via Dochula & Wangdue, over Lawa La (~3,360 m) into the glacial bowl of Phobjikha. Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goemba): Explore the 17th-century hilltop monastery and enjoy sweeping valley views. (Optional) Gangtey Nature Trail easy walk ~1.5–2 hrs through pine forest and meadows. (Oct–Feb: look out for black-necked cranes.) Check-in: Lodge in Gangtey; evening by the fireplace at leisure.
  
  Overnight: Gangtey.
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 5 : Gangtey → Bumthang

  Mountain transfer: Depart Gangtey for Bumthang via Pele La Pass (~3,420 m) and Trongsa. Estimated drive: ~7–9 hrs including photo/tea stops. En-route highlights (time permitting): Chendebji Chorten (Tibetan-style stupa beside the river). Trongsa Dzong viewpoints and the Ta Dzong (Royal Heritage Museum). Cross Yotong La (~3,425 m) before descending into Bumthang valley. Arrive & check-in: Hotel in Bumthang; evening at leisure.
  
  Overnight: Bumthang.
  
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 6 : Bumthang

  Jakar Dzong: Morning visit to the “Castle of the White Bird” for valley panoramas and dzong architecture.
  Ancient temple circuit: Jambay Lhakhang (7th century), Kurjey Lhakhang (site of Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint), Tamshing Lhündrup (Pema Lingpa’s seat; historic murals), Chamkhar town stroll: Handicrafts and local snacks.Brewery visit: Red Panda/Swiss Farm—small-batch tour and tasting (subject to opening hours).
  
  Evening: At leisure.
  Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang.
  
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 7 : Bumthang

  Tamshing Lhakhang (Tamzhing): Morning visit to Pema Lingpa’s 16th-century monastery—ancient murals and sacred artifacts. Drive to Burning Lake (Mebar Tsho): Head into Tang valley (~30–40 min from Chamkhar). Short walk to the sacred pool on Tang Chhu. Safety & respect: Keep to marked paths, avoid getting close to the edge; no washing/swimming—pilgrimage site. Picnic lunch: Lay out a simple riverside/overlook picnic with views and prayer flags; quiet time for reflection and photos. Return to town: Optional stop at local handicraft shops or a café in Chamkhar.
  
  Evening: At leisure.
  Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang.
  
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 8 : Bumthang → Wangdue

  Morning drive: Bumthang → Trongsa via Yotong La (≈2.5–3.5 hrs). Trongsa Dzong: Guided tour of Bhutan’s largest dzong; (optional) Ta Dzong (Royal Heritage Museum) if time allows. Continue to Wangdue: Trongsa → Wangdue via Pele La (≈3–4 hrs). (Optional en route) Chendebji Chorten photo stop or tea break in Rukubji.
  
  Check-in: Hotel in Wangdue; evening at leisure.
  
  Overnight: Wangdue.
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 9 : Wangdue → Paro

  Morning drive: Depart Wangdue for Paro via Dochu La Pass (3,100 m); ≈4–5 hrs with photo/tea stops. Optional stops: 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochu La; quick visit to Simtokha Dzong (near Thimphu) or Tamchog Lhakhang iron bridge en route to Paro. Arrive Paro: Check in and unwind; optional town stroll or hot-stone bath.
  
  Overnight: Hotel in Paro
  
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 10 : Paro

  Choose your favorites (mix & match):
  
  Chele La Pass viewpoint (highest motorable pass nearby) — ~1.5–2 hrs each way; light walks & big views. Haa Valley day trip via Chele La — full-day scenic excursion (7–8 hrs). Ta Dzong (National Museum) + Rinpung Dzong — culture & valley vistas (2–3 hrs). Kyichu Lhakhang + Drukgyel Dzong — ancient temple & restored fortress (2–3 hrs). Dzongdrakha Monastery (“Mini-Taktsang”) — short cliffside hike (1.5–2.5 hrs). Archery session — try Bhutan’s national sport (1–2 hrs). Farmhouse experience — traditional hot-stone bath & home-cooked lunch (3–4 hrs). Paro town — handicrafts, cafés, easy riverside stroll (flexible).
  
  Tips: Dress modestly for temples, carry water/sunscreen, and layer up for passes. Entry fees/permits may apply.
  
  Evening: Leisure time or optional farewell dinner/cultural show.
  
  Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
  
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 11 : Paro

  Departure from Paro International Airport
  Meals : B

  • Themes Sightseeing

Inclusions

• MAP (Room + Breakfast + Lunch/Dinner)
• SDF, Visa Fees, Transportation in private vehicles, Experienced guide and trekking staff, All monument entrance fees and permits

Exclusions

• Insurance, Flight cost

Price & Rates

Package Start From

• Paro, Bhutan, Asia

Terms & Conditions

This Tour is Offered by

• 1st Floor, Ananda Hotel Building, Debum Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan - 11001
• XXXXXX8299 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@gmail.com View Mail ID
• https://www.apaxtravel.com

Intested in This Tour?

• Requests are send directly to the tour operator
• We recommend to reqest quotes from 3 operators (Learn why)