Mystical Bhutan: 9 Days and 8 Nights - Himalayan Classic Tour

Bhutan, the last Himalayan kingdom, seems shrouded in a magical mystery. Here, traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global development. In Bhutan, rice is red, and chili peppers are a main dish rather than just a condiment. Monks play with smartphones after rituals, and many homes display large phallic paintings to ward off evil spirits.

Far from being isolated as many imagine, Bhutanese people are polite and humorous, and it is this blend of the ancient and the modern that makes Bhutan incredibly charming!

If you have enough time and reasonable budget for travel, this in-depth 9-day and 8-nights classic sightseeing itinerary is perfect for you! Besides the four valleys commonly visited, this tour will also take you to Bhutan's central region—the ancient Bumthang area. Bumthang consists of four valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Ura, and Chume, lush with greenery and grazing cattle. It is one of Bhutan's earliest inhabited areas and was once the capital of the Bhutanese kingdom during the reigns of the first and second kings. It is also the place where the Lotus-Born Master visited and is the birthplace of the treasure master. Notable sites like Jampel Lhakhang and the Burning Lake are must-visit pilgrimage spots for Buddhists.

Itinerary Highlights:

• Visit Gangtey, considered the most beautiful valley in Bhutan
• Explore Bhutan's central region—Bumthang, with well-planned drive times to reduce travel fatigue.
• Stay in top-quality local boutique hotels.
• Unique cultural experiences including wearing traditional Bhutanese attire, archery, and hot stone baths.
• Dine with locals in century-old houses for in-depth interaction.
• Enjoy a complimentary bottle of locally-produced Bhutanese wine.

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Arrival in Bhutan - Thimphu 

Arrive at Paro International Airport from Kathmandu/ Bangkok. Our driver and guide will meet you at the airport with a sign bearing your name. Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, approximately one hour away.

Thimphu is a city without traffic lights, with buildings no higher than six floors. Besides traditional Buddhist sites, it also has numerous cafes, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

Upon arrival in Thimphu, visit the following landmarks (depending on arrival time, not all may be visited):

• The Buddha Dordenma statue at the entrance to the Thimphu Valley, standing 51.5 meters tall with 125,000 smaller Buddha statues inside.
• The National Memorial Chorten, a prominent Tibetan-style stupa built in 1974 to commemorate the Third King of Bhutan.
• The Bhutan Post Museum, the world's only place where you can create stamps with your own photo.
• The National Institute for Zorig Chusum (School of Painting), where students learn Bhutan's 13 traditional crafts.
• The Thimphu Weekend Market, showcasing the authentic local vibe (open only on weekends).

In the evening, visit the beautiful Tashichho Dzong, the site of the fifth king's coronation and the annual Thimphu Tsechu festival.

Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay at a boutique hotel in Thimphu.

Thimphu Boutique Hotels (1 out of below 3 options):

• Bhutan Peaceful Residency & SPA
• Pelyang Boutique
• Seven Suites

Day 2: Thimphu - Punakha 

Start the morning with a coffee at a local cafe and visit any Thimphu sites missed the previous day before heading to Gangtey.

Drive through Dochula Pass at 3150 meters to view the snow-capped Himalayas (weather permitting) and the 108 stupas built to honor fallen soldiers.

Arrive at the entrance to Punakha Valley, visit Chimi Lhakhang temple, known for its fertility blessings. Then explore Punakha Dzong, the former capital and political center of Bhutan, famous for its architectural beauty and historical significance.

Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay at a scenic hotel in Punakha.

Punakha Boutique Hotels (1 out of below 3 options):

• Zhingkham Resort
• Four Boutique Hotel
• Hotel River Valley

Day 3: Punakha Valley - Trongsa - Bumthang 

After breakfast, drive to Trongsa (5-6 hours), passing through Pele La Pass at 3420 meters to view the Himalayas. Visit the Chendebji Chorten, resembling Kathmandu's Swayambhunath Stupa.

Trongsa is a central hub connecting Punakha and Bumthang. Visit Trongsa Dzong, perched above the Mangde Chhu River.

Drive to Jakar in Bumthang and stay overnight at a hotel in the Bumthang Valley.

Bumthang Boutique Hotels (1 out of below 3 options):

• Hotel Ugyenling Bumthang
• Yugharling Resort
• MR Mountain Resort

Day 4: Bumthang 

Bumthang consists of four valleys, with Chokhor Valley often considered synonymous with Bumthang. Explore significant temples in a pilgrimage trek, including:

• Jakar Dzong (White Bird Dzong)
• Jambay Lhakhang, built in 659 AD
• Kurjey Lhakhang, named after the footprint of the Lotus-Born Master
• Tamshing Lhakhang, built by the famous treasure master Pema Lingpa

Visit the Burning Lake (Membartsho), a sacred site associated with Pema Lingpa's revelations.

Dinner and overnight at your Bumthang Valley boutique hotel.

Day 5: Bumthang - Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley 

Drive from Bumthang to Phobjikha Valley (5-6 hours). Phobjikha is renowned for its scenic beauty and as a major wildlife sanctuary. Visit Gangtey Monastery, perched on a ridge overlooking the valley.

Stay at a boutique hotel in Gangtey and enjoy a local meal or dine with locals.

Gangtey Boutique Hotels (1 out of below 3 options):

• Dewachen Hotel
• Hotel Phobjikha

Day 6: Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley 

Explore Phobjikha Valley, known for its Shangri-La-like beauty. Recommended is the Gangtey Nature Trail, a gentle 2-3 hour walk through the valley's lush landscapes. Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Center and interact with locals.

Relax in the serene valley and stay another night at your Gangtey boutique hotel.

Day 7: Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley - Paro 

Drive from Gangtey to Paro (4-5 hours). Depending on arrival time, visit the National Museum and Paro Dzong.

The National Museum, formerly a watchtower, houses over 3,000 artifacts, including stamps with various themes. Paro Dzong, built in 1644, serves as both a temple and a government center.

Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at a boutique hotel in Paro.

Paro Boutique Hotels (1 out of below 3 options):

• Lhayhuel Resort & SPA
• Shomo Chuki Resort
• The Tiger Nest Camp Hotel

Day 8: Paro - Tiger's Nest Monastery 

Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched 900 meters above Paro Valley, is Bhutan's most famous and sacred temple. The hike to and from the monastery takes 4-5 hours.

Visit the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang temple and enjoy a traditional hot stone bath at a local hotel.

Dress in traditional Bhutanese attire for photos, practice archery, and shop for souvenirs.

Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 9: Departure from Paro 

After breakfast, drive to Paro Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu/Bangkok and onward to your home.