10-Day Central Bhutan Tour: Punakha, Phobjikha and Bumthang
Beyond the western valleys to Phobjikha's glacial valley and the temples of Bumthang, Bhutan's spiritual heartland, with Tiger's Nest to finish.
USD 2,700 per person, 10% off for groups of more than 8
Overview
This route continues where most short tours stop. After Thimphu and Punakha, you drive into the wide Phobjikha valley and over the Pele La pass to Trongsa and Bumthang, where many of the oldest temples in Bhutan stand.
Expect two long driving days on the mountain road through central Bhutan. They are part of the experience: the road passes villages, forests and high passes that few visitors see.
Trip highlights
- Gangtey Monastery and the glacial Phobjikha valley
- Trongsa Dzong, above the Mangde Chhu gorge
- Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong in Bumthang
- Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu
Your guide meets you at Paro International Airport. Drive to Thimphu, stopping at Tachog Lhakhang, and spend the evening in the capital.
- Day 2
Thimphu to Punakha
Morning in Thimphu at Buddha Dordenma and the National Memorial Chorten. Cross Dochula Pass to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong.
- Day 3
Punakha to Phobjikha
Walk to Chimi Lhakhang in the morning, then drive up to the Phobjikha valley. Visit Gangtey Monastery and walk part of the Gangtey Nature Trail across the valley floor. In winter, the valley is home to black-necked cranes.
- Day 4
Over Pele La to Trongsa and Bumthang
A long day on the road across the Pele La pass, with a stop at Chendebji Chorten and a visit to Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral seat of the royal family. Continue over the Yotong La into Bumthang.
- Day 5
Bumthang: Chokhor valley
Visit Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, two of the oldest temples in the kingdom, then Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong above the town.
- Day 6
Bumthang: Tang valley
Drive into the Tang valley to Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake, where the treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa is said to have found sacred texts. Afternoon in a village, or time to rest.
- Day 7
Bumthang to Punakha
A long drive back west over the passes, breaking the journey with lunch on the way.
- Day 8
Punakha to Paro
Drive to Paro. In the afternoon, visit Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.
- Day 9
Hike to Tiger's Nest
Climb through pine forest to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger's Nest, a fitting end to the journey.
- Day 10
Depart from Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation, meals and transport
Accommodation
Hotels approved by Bhutan's Department of Tourism, chosen for their location and comfort. If you would like a particular hotel or a different category, tell us and we will quote the difference.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, mostly at your hotel and at local restaurants along the route. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Transportation
All airport transfers and sightseeing drives within Bhutan, with a driver.
Your guide
A licensed Bhutanese guide travels with you throughout, explaining the history and customs behind each place you visit.
Price and inclusions
What’s included
- Hotel accommodation
- All meals
- Transportation within Bhutan
- Licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- Bhutan visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
What’s not included
- Entrance fees for monuments and sacred sites
- International and domestic airfare
- International travel insurance
- Personal and entertainment expenses
Price per person, including the Bhutan visa fee and the Sustainable Development Fee. Groups of more than 8 travellers receive 10% off.
Best time to travel
March to May, September to November
- Autumn (Sep to Nov)
- Spring (Mar to May)
Who this trip is for
Travellers with more time who want to see central Bhutan and are comfortable with two long days on mountain roads.
Important information
Visa
Sustainable Development Fee
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes. Any itinerary can be adjusted: add or remove days, change the pace, or combine it with a festival or a trek. Use Customize This Trip to tell us what you would like, and we will send you a revised plan and price.
What does the price include?
The regular price includes hotel accommodation, all meals, transportation within Bhutan, a licensed Bhutanese tour guide, the Bhutan visa fee and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
It does not include entrance fees for monuments and sacred sites, international or domestic airfare, international travel insurance, or personal and entertainment expenses.
Is there a discount for groups?
Yes. Groups of more than 8 travellers receive 10% off the regular price.
Is the Sustainable Development Fee included?
Yes. The Sustainable Development Fee charged by the Royal Government of Bhutan is included in our regular price.
Is the Bhutan visa fee included?
Yes. The Bhutan visa fee is included in our regular price.
Places on this journey
Similar journeys
7-Day Bhutan Cultural Tour
Paro, Thimphu and Punakha in one week: the capital's dzongs, the Dochula pass, Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers, and the hike to Tiger's Nest.
USD 1,800
5-Day Bhutan Short Tour
The essentials of western Bhutan in five days: Thimphu, Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, and the hike to Tiger's Nest in Paro.
USD 1,200
13-Day Bhutan West to East Tour: Paro to Samdrup Jongkhar
The whole country in one journey: from Paro and Tiger's Nest through Punakha, Phobjikha and Bumthang to the dzongs, temples and weaving villages of eastern Bhutan, leaving by road into India.
USD 3,600
Before you travel
Make this trip your own
Book it as it is, or change it: travel on your own dates, slow the pace, choose different hotels, or add a festival or a trek. Tell us what you have in mind and we will send you a revised itinerary and price.