Spiritual Journey Through Bhutan: A 9-Day Immersion

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

Paro, Bhutan on May 1, 2025

10:00 AM

Arrival at Paro Airport

After a breathtaking flight over the Himalayas, arrive at Paro Airport, where you'll be greeted by your local guide.
Transfer to hotel through scenic Paro valley.
USD$30, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Café Kuenphen

Enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Bhutanese cuisine, such as Ema Datshi (cheese and chili) while soaking in the local ambiance.
Short drive from hotel.
USD$15, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Paro Dzong

Stroll through the stunning Paro Dzong, a fortress-monastery with stunning architecture and serene surroundings.
Walking distance from lunch spot.
USD$5, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Embark on a rewarding hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, where you’ll find tranquility and spiritual beauty.
45 minutes drive to trailhead, followed by a hike.
USD$10, 4 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at the Hotel

Relax and enjoy a homely dinner with Bhutanese specialties at your accommodation.
Return to the hotel after the hike.
Included with accommodation, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Exploration of Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan on May 2, 2025

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a view of the mountains before heading to Thimphu.
Departure to Thimphu after breakfast.
Included with accommodation, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Thimphu

Travel to Bhutan's capital, Thimphu, a city where modernity meets tradition.
Approximately 1.5-hour drive.
USD$50 (Private transport), 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Buddha Dordenma

Visit the giant Buddha statue symbolizing peace and tranquility that overlooks the city.
Drive from the center of Thimphu.
USD$5, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Folk Heritage Museum Cafe

Experience local flavors with a dish like Kewa Datshi (potato and cheese) at this cultural cafe.
Short drive from the statue.
USD$15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Tashichho Dzong

Explore this impressive fortress and monastic complex, which is the seat of the government and the central monastic body.
Walking distance from lunch spot.
USD$5, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Shop for Local Handicrafts

Spend some time shopping for beautiful Bhutanese handicrafts and souvenirs at the local market.
Short drive or walk to the market.
USD$0 (varies by purchase), 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Swiss Farm

Savor Swiss and Bhutanese fusion dishes ensuring a taste sensation to remember.
Drive from the market.
USD$20, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Punakha

Punakha, Bhutan on May 3, 2025

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast in Thimphu before departing for Punakha.
Prepare for departure post-breakfast.
Included with accommodation, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Punakha

Travel through stunning mountain landscapes as you make your way to Punakha.
Approximately 2.5-hour drive.
USD$50 (Private transport), 2.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Punakha Dzong

Marvel at the majestic Punakha Dzong located at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers.
Walking distance from the parking area.
USD$5, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Punakha River Restaurant

Try a unique dish like Sancho Churpi served beside the riverside to rejuvenate your experience.
Short walk from the Dzong.
USD$18, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Rafting on the Mo Chhu River

For an adrenaline rush, enjoy a scenic river rafting experience on the Mo Chhu, surrounded by postcard-perfect scenery.
5-minute drive to the rafting site.
USD$40, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Hotel

Unwind and soak up the serene surroundings of your hotel, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Back to the hotel.
Included with accommodation, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Hotel Felicity

Savor a warm meal while sharing tales from the day and preparing for tomorrow’s journey.
Dinner at the hotel.
Included with accommodation, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: From Punakha to Trongsa

Trongsa, Bhutan on May 4, 2025

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Refuel with breakfast before the scenic drive to Trongsa.
Departing after breakfast.
Included with accommodation, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Trongsa

Enjoy the scenic mountainous route to Trongsa, allowing for some spectacular views.
Approximately 3-hour drive.
USD$50 (Private transport), 3 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Trongsa Dzong

Explore the majestic Trongsa Dzong, an important historical and religious site of Bhutan.
Short walk from parking.
USD$5, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Royal Heritage Hotel

Enjoy a warm meal with local flavors at this charming hotel restaurant.
Short drive from the Dzong.
USD$20, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit the Ta Dzong Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Bhutan through exhibits in the former watchtower of the Trongsa Dzong.
5-minute drive to the museum.
USD$8, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Leisure Walk in Trongsa

Take a serene walk around the town, reflecting on the experiences of the day.
Walking distance from the museum.
USD$0, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Hotel Yangkhil

Enjoy traditional Bhutanese dishes in a cozy setting, immersing yourself in local culture.
Back to hotel.
USD$15, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Splendor of Bumthang

Bumthang, Bhutan on May 5, 2025

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Delight in breakfast to gear up for a beautifully fulfilling day ahead in Bumthang.
Departing after breakfast.
Included with accommodation, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Bumthang

Enjoy a scenic journey towards Bumthang, one of the spiritual heartlands of Bhutan.
Approximately 2.5-hour drive.
USD$50 (Private transport), 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Jakar Dzong

Explore the impressive Jakar Dzong, known as the castle of the White Bird, and enjoy stunning valley views.
Walking distance from parking.
USD$5, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Swiss Guesthouse

Indulge in delicious local and European dishes while enjoying the serene ambiance.
Short walk from the Dzong.
USD$20, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Kurjey Lhakhang

Visit the sacred Kurjey Lhakhang monastery, a place of great religious significance.
15 minutes drive to the monastery.
USD$5, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Tamshing Lhakhang

Explore the Tamshing Lhakhang, the oldest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan and a captivating site.
Short drive from Kurjey Lhakhang.
USD$5, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Hotel Jakar

Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring local dishes as you unwind after an active day of exploration.
Back to hotel.
Included with accommodation, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Immersion in Bumthang

Bumthang, Bhutan on May 6, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on more adventures in Bumthang.
Preparing for departure after breakfast.
Included with accommodation, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Cheese Factory

Learn about traditional cheese making at the Bumthang Cheese Factory and taste some of their delightful products.
10 minutes drive to the factory.
USD$5, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Jambay Lhakhang

Visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, which holds great cultural significance.
Short drive from the cheese factory.
USD$5, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Ugyen Homestay

Taste the homemade flavors of Bhutan at a warm and inviting homestay setting.
Short drive to the homestay.
USD$15, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit the Bumthang Yathra Weaving Center

Experience the intricate art of weaving at the Yathra Weaving Center and shop for beautiful textiles.
Short drive from the homestay.
USD$5 (optional purchase), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Hotel

Unwind at the hotel and reflect on your experiences in Bumthang.
Head back to the hotel.
Included with accommodation, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at The Swiss Guesthouse

Indulge in a nourishing meal, relishing the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality.
Dinner at the guesthouse.
USD$20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Spiritual Exploration in Bumthang

Bumthang, Bhutan on May 7, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your last full day in Bumthang with a rejuvenating breakfast.
Preparation for the day.
Included with accommodation, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Ngang Lhakhang

Hike to Ngang Lhakhang, also known as the 'Crane Monastery', which offers breathtaking views and spiritual ambiance.
30 minutes drive to the trailhead.
USD$5, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Rema Resort

Enjoy a satisfying meal with local flavors at the resort, situated in a tranquil setting.
Head back from Ngang Lhakhang.
USD$18, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Pema Lingpa’s Monastery

Visit the significant monastery associated with the revered saint and discover the beautiful surroundings.
20 minutes drive to the monastery.
USD$5, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Jakar’s Traditional Paper Factory

Learn about traditional Bhutanese papermaking and its cultural importance at this fascinating factory.
10 minutes drive from Pema Lingpa’s Monastery.
USD$3, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Jakar Hotel

Conclude your day with delicious fare at Jakar Hotel, sharing stories of your spiritual odyssey.
Head back for dinner.
USD$20, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Return to Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan on May 8, 2025

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast before embarking on your return trip to Thimphu.
Prepared to leave after breakfast.
Included with accommodation, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive back to Thimphu

Retrace your route through the majestic landscapes back to the capital.
Approximately 6-hour drive.
USD$80 (Private transport), 6 hours

3:00 PM

Check-in at the Hotel

Check into your hotel and relax after the lengthy journey.
Return to hotel in Thimphu.
Included with accommodation, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Visit the National Memorial Chorten

Explore the beautiful stupa dedicated to world peace and the memory of the Third King of Bhutan.
Short drive from hotel.
USD$5, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Ambient Restaurant

Relish a delightful meal at this peaceful restaurant, perfect for ending your journey’s final evening.
Short drive or walk from the stupa.
USD$25, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Departure from Paro

Paro, Bhutan on May 9, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your final day in Bhutan.
Getting ready for departure.
Included with accommodation, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Paro Airport

Travel back to Paro Airport for your departure flight, cherishing the memories of your spiritual journey.
Approximately 1-hour drive.
USD$30 (Private transport), 1 hour
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