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Bhutan Grand Cultural Circuit Fly-In/Fly-Out — 10 Nights & 11 Days

Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang & Wangdue · 10 nights / 11 days · Bhutan

From ₹39,644 per person

Paro to Bumthang and Back, Every Dzong on the Way. Stay plan: Paro (2N) – Thimphu (2N) – Punakha (1N) – Trongsa (1N) – Bumthang (2N) – Wangdue (1N) – Paro (1N). Arrive Paro International Airport, depart Paro International Airport.

Where the nights are

Paro (2N) → Thimphu (2N) → Punakha (1N) → Trongsa (1N) → Bumthang (2N) → Wangdue (1N) → Paro (1N)

Day by day

  1. Day 1 — Arrival in Paro — Rinpung Dzong & Paro Town

    Arrive at Paro International Airport and complete immigration, baggage collection and entry formalities. Subject to clear weather, the flight approach may offer memorable views of the Himalayan range and Paro Valley. Meet the local representative outside the terminal and transfer to the hotel. Complete check-in and take a brief rest before beginning the sightseeing programme according to flight arrival time. Visit Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, a striking fortress-monastery overlooking the valley. Explore the permitted courtyards and observe the traditional woodwork, murals and architecture. Visitor access depends on official timings, religious functions and security restrictions. Later, explore Paro Town at leisure. Walk through the market streets, browse handicrafts and textiles, visit cafés or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the valley. Overnight stay in Paro.

    Overnight: Paro

  2. Day 2 — Tiger's Nest Monastery — Kyichu Lhakhang — National Museum

    After an early breakfast, drive to the Taktsang trailhead and begin the hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery, Bhutan's most iconic spiritual site. The trail climbs steadily through pine forest, prayer flags and mountain viewpoints. The hike is moderate to strenuous depending on fitness, altitude, weather and walking pace. A cafeteria viewpoint offers a common rest stop before the final approach. Continue through the stair sections leading to the monastery and follow all dress-code, security and photography rules. Spend time exploring the permitted temples and learning about the site's association with Guru Padmasambhava. Horse service may be available for part of the uphill section at direct cost, but the final approach and return require walking. After descending, continue to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples. Later, visit the National Museum of Bhutan for an introduction to the country's art, religion, textiles, natural history and cultural heritage. Return to the hotel and stay overnight in Paro.

    Overnight: Paro

  3. Day 3 — Paro — Thimphu — Buddha Dordenma, Dzong & Museums

    After breakfast, check out from the Paro hotel and drive to Thimphu through the Paro and Wang Chhu river valleys. On arrival, visit Buddha Dordenma, the giant seated Buddha overlooking the capital. Spend time at the complex and enjoy panoramic views of Thimphu, subject to weather and visibility. Continue to Tashichho Dzong, the important religious and administrative centre of Bhutan. Access depends on official functions, visiting hours and security restrictions. Later, visit the Folk Heritage Museum for an introduction to traditional rural life and household culture. Continue to the National Textile Museum to learn about Bhutanese weaving, ceremonial dress and regional textile traditions. Check in at the hotel and stay overnight in Thimphu.

    Overnight: Thimphu

  4. Day 4 — Full-Day Thimphu Exploration

    After breakfast, begin the day at the National Memorial Chorten, a prominent place of daily prayer for Thimphu residents. Walk clockwise around the chorten and observe local devotional practices. Continue to Changangkha Lhakhang, a hilltop temple overlooking the Thimphu Valley. The site is traditionally associated with blessings for children and offers scenic views of the capital. The remaining sightseeing may include local markets, handicraft centres or a relaxed walk through Thimphu's main streets. Browse traditional products, textiles, local food items and souvenirs. The programme may be adjusted to include any cultural site missed on Day 3, depending on institutional opening hours and official schedules. Return to the hotel and stay overnight in Thimphu.

    Overnight: Thimphu

  5. Day 5 — Thimphu — Dochula Pass — Punakha Dzong

    After breakfast, check out from the Thimphu hotel and drive towards Punakha. Ascend to Dochula Pass, one of Bhutan's best-known mountain viewpoints. Visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. When the sky is clear, the pass may offer extensive Himalayan views, although visibility cannot be guaranteed. Continue the descent into the warmer Punakha Valley, passing forests, villages and agricultural landscapes. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, an architectural landmark situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Explore the permitted courtyards and learn about the dzong's role in Bhutan's history and religious life. Later, transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight stay in Punakha.

    Overnight: Punakha

  6. Day 6 — Punakha — Trongsa — Trongsa Dzong & Ta Dzong

    After breakfast, check out and begin the drive towards Trongsa. The journey crosses scenic valleys, dense forests and winding mountain roads. Rest and photography stops may be taken at safe locations. Arrive in Trongsa and visit Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan's largest and most historically significant fortress-monasteries. The structure dominates the valley and played an important role in the country's political history. Continue to Ta Dzong, the former watchtower now functioning as a museum. Exhibits focus on Bhutanese royal history, religion and regional heritage. The site also offers impressive views of Trongsa Dzong and the valley. Check in at the hotel and stay overnight in Trongsa.

    Overnight: Trongsa

  7. Day 7 — Trongsa — Bumthang — Jakar Dzong & Kurje Lhakhang

    After breakfast, check out and continue towards Bumthang, Bhutan's spiritual heartland. The road passes through forests, mountain passes and traditional settlements before entering the broad Bumthang Valley. On arrival, visit Jakar Dzong, often called the Castle of the White Bird. The dzong overlooks the valley and serves as an important administrative and monastic centre. Continue to Kurje Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's most revered pilgrimage sites. The temple complex is linked to Guru Padmasambhava and contains important religious monuments and sacred spaces. Transfer to the hotel, check in and stay overnight in Bumthang.

    Overnight: Bumthang

  8. Day 8 — Full-Day Bumthang Spiritual & Cultural Exploration

    After breakfast, visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples and an important religious site in the Bumthang Valley. Continue towards Mebar Tsho, also known as the Burning Lake. The sacred site is located along a rocky river gorge and is associated with the treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. Visitors must remain within safe areas, as the rocks and river edge may be slippery and dangerous. Later, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, known for its historic murals, religious art and connection with Pema Lingpa. Follow temple dress codes and photography restrictions. Depending on time, take a relaxed walk through the valley, explore nearby villages or visit local craft and food outlets. Return to the hotel and spend the second overnight in Bumthang.

    Overnight: Bumthang

  9. Day 9 — Bumthang — Wangdue Phodrang

    After breakfast, check out from the Bumthang hotel and begin the long drive towards Wangdue Phodrang. The route passes forests, highland scenery, valleys and traditional villages. On arrival, visit Wangdue Dzong, subject to current accessibility, restoration status and official opening conditions. The site offers broad views of the surrounding valley. Later, explore nearby villages and countryside landscapes at a relaxed pace. The exact programme depends on arrival time, road conditions and local access. Check in at the hotel and stay overnight in Wangdue.

    Overnight: Wangdue

  10. Day 10 — Wangdue — Paro — Drukgyel Dzong

    After breakfast, check out and begin the return journey to Paro. The route passes through mountain valleys and forested roads, with comfort and photography stops taken according to time. On arrival in Paro, visit Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress associated with Bhutan's defence history. The surrounding area may offer views towards Mount Jhomolhari in clear weather. Later, check in at the hotel and enjoy a relaxed final evening in Paro. Guests may visit a local restaurant, shop for souvenirs or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the town. Overnight stay in Paro.

    Overnight: Paro

  11. Day 11 — Departure from Paro International Airport

    After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Paro International Airport according to the confirmed flight schedule. Arrive with sufficient time for airline check-in, baggage screening, immigration and security procedures. Keep passports, permits and flight documents readily accessible. The Bhutan Grand Cultural Circuit concludes at Paro International Airport.

Inclusions

Exclusions