13-Day Bhutan Wild Escape Itinerary

📍 Destinations: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Bumthang, Trongsa, Haa

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu (2,320m)

• Welcome at Paro International Airport
• Scenic drive to Thimphu (1.5 hrs) along the Paro River
• Stop at Tamchog Lhakhang (Iron Chain Bridge)
• Explore Tashichho Dzong – the seat of Bhutan’s government
• Overnight in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing & Nature Walk

• Visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue (overlooking Thimphu valley)
• Explore Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
• Visit the Takin Preserve (Bhutan’s national animal)
• Hike to Wangditse Nature Trail for panoramic views
• Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,100m)

• Drive via Dochula Pass, stop at 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens
• Short trek to Lungchutse Goenpa (optional)
• Descend to Punakha & visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
• Explore the stunning Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of two rivers
• Overnight in Punakha

Day 4: Punakha Adventure – Rafting & Village Walk

• Rafting in Pho Chhu/Mo Chhu River
• Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (an iconic stupa)
• Stroll through Rinchengang Village, one of Bhutan’s oldest settlements
• Overnight in Punakha

Day 5: Punakha – Phobjikha Valley (3,000m)

• Scenic drive to Phobjikha (3-4 hrs)
• Visit Gangtey Monastery, the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan
• Nature walk through Phobjikha Valley, home to the black-necked cranes (winter season)
• Overnight in Phobjikha

Day 6: Phobjikha – Bumthang (2,800m)

• Long but scenic drive to Bumthang via Trongsa (7-8 hrs)
• Visit Trongsa Dzong and Tower of Trongsa Museum
• Stop at Yotong La Pass (3,425m)
• Overnight in Bumthang

Day 7: Bumthang Cultural & Spiritual Experience

• Visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples
• Explore Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche meditated
• Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, known for ancient murals
• Walk around Bumthang Swiss Farm (try local cheese & Red Panda beer)
• Overnight in Bumthang

Day 8: Bumthang – Ura Valley Excursion

• Day trip to Ura Valley, a remote and picturesque village
• Visit Ura Lhakhang, a hidden monastery
• Enjoy a traditional lunch in a village home
• Drive back to Bumthang
• Overnight in Bumthang

Day 9: Bumthang – Trongsa – Haa Valley

• Long drive towards Haa Valley via Trongsa
• Pass through Chele La Pass (3,988m), the highest motorable road in Bhutan
• Visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) & Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple)
• Overnight in Haa Valley

Day 10: Haa Valley Exploration & Nature Walk

• Visit Haa Dzong
• Hike through Katsho Village and experience traditional life
• Enjoy a picnic by Haa Chhu River
• Drive back to Paro
• Overnight in Paro

Day 11: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery)

• Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) (4-5 hrs)
• Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan
• Stroll around Paro town & try Bhutanese cuisine
• Overnight in Paro

Day 12: Chele La Pass & Haa Valley Day Trip (Optional)

• Drive to Chele La Pass (highest motorable pass in Bhutan)
• Hike to Kila Goenpa Nunnery (hidden cliffside retreat)
• Free time for relaxation in Paro
• Overnight in Paro

Day 13: Departure from Paro

• Transfer to Paro International Airport
• Farewell & departure

Tour Highlights

✅ Hiking & Trekking: Tiger’s Nest, Lungchutse, Khamsum Yulley
✅ Adventure: River rafting, nature walks
✅ Culture & Heritage: Dzongs, monasteries, traditional villages
✅ Scenic Landscapes: Phobjikha, Bumthang, Haa Valley