ZHINGKHAM EXCURSIONS • SELECTIONS
The Signature Bhutan Excursions
A long-form journey across Bhutan’s most significant valleys — crafted for clarity, comfort, and a sense of place. Switch between itineraries for different entryways above.
DAY 01 •
Phuentsholing – Paro • 143 km / ~4 hrs (from border)
Arrival in Bhutan & drive to Paro
After breakfast, drive to the Indo–Bhutan border town of Phuentsholing. After immigration formalities, meet your Bhutanese guide and continue your journey to Paro.
Recommended highlight: Zangtopelri Lhakhang — a serene temple in Phuentsholing representing Guru Rinpoche’s celestial abode.
En route, stop at Chunzom (confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers), marked by three distinct chortens in Nepali, Tibetan, and Bhutanese styles.
Optional (time permitting): roadside village strolls • scenic viewpoints showcasing the transition from subtropical foothills to pine-clad valleys.
Overnight: Paro
DAY 02 •
Paro • Tiger’s Nest Hike
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) — Bhutan’s iconic pilgrimage
After an early breakfast, embark on the memorable hike to Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff ~900m above the valley floor. Those who prefer not to hike can coordinate alternatives with your guide.
The trail winds through forest paths and viewpoint ridges lined with prayer flags. A midway café offers rest and panoramic views. Horse rides may be available up to the halfway point (charges not included).
- Duration: 4–5 hours round-trip (moderate)
- Trail: forest paths, viewpoints, prayer-flag-lined stretches
- Note: photography is not allowed inside the monastery
Overnight: Paro
DAY 03 •
Paro – Chele La Pass – Haa • 65 km / ~2.5 hrs
High pass panoramas & a quiet valley
After breakfast, visit Kyichu Lhakhang (one of Bhutan’s oldest temples), followed by the National Museum (Ta Dzong) and Rinpung Dzong.
Later, drive across Chele La Pass (3,988m), one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes, with sweeping views of Jhomolhari and prayer flags along the ridge. Descend into the serene Haa Valley, known for its rustic charm and pristine landscapes.
Optional (time permitting): village walks • Haa Dzong (Wangchuk Lo Dzong).
Overnight: Haa
DAY 04 •
Haa – Thimphu • 115 km / ~3–4 hrs
Temples of Haa & arrival in the capital
Begin with visits to Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), sacred sites tied to Bhutan’s early spiritual history.
Continue to Thimphu. Visit the Takin Preserve (walking required; go at your pace), then enjoy an evening walk around Tashichho Dzong, seat of the King’s throne room and central monastic body.
Optional (time permitting): Changangkha Lhakhang • National Folk Heritage Museum.
Overnight: Thimphu
DAY 05 •
Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha • 75 km / ~3 hrs
Sacred landmarks & Bhutan’s most graceful dzong
Visit Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten and the towering Buddha Dordenma, then cross Dochula Pass (3,140m) with its 108 chortens and Himalayan views.
In Punakha, explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, then walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple of Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
Optional (time permitting): Kuruthang town • riverside café.
Overnight: Punakha
DAY 06 •
Punakha – Gangtey (Phobjikha) • 79 km / ~3 hrs
Phobjikha — glacial valley serenity
Drive to the enchanting Phobjikha Valley, known for sweeping landscapes, village life, and conservation significance. Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre and stop at a scenic viewpoint.
Optional (time permitting): Gangtey Monastery • leisure walks through meadows and village paths.
Overnight: Gangtey (Phobjikha)
DAY 07 •
Gangtey – Trongsa – Bumthang • 145 km / ~4 hrs
Across the central passes into Bhutan’s heartland
Cross Pelela Pass and Yotong La Pass, with dramatic views of highland landscapes. Pause at a viewpoint overlooking Trongsa Dzong, once the seat of royal power.
Continue to Bumthang. If time permits, visit sacred temples: Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang.
Overnight: Bumthang
DAY 08 •
Bumthang – Mongar • 182 km / ~6 hrs
Through Thrumshingla — alpine to subtropical
Journey east through Thrumshingla National Park. Cross Thrumshing La Pass (3,750m) and witness the landscape transition from high-altitude wilderness to lush subtropical forests.
Optional (time permitting): Mongar town walk • Mongar Dzong.
Overnight: Mongar
DAY 09 •
Mongar – Trashigang • 90 km / ~3 hrs
Eastern Bhutan — fortresses and river valleys
Continue eastward to Trashigang, gateway to remote eastern regions. Visit the commanding Trashigang Dzong, dramatically perched above the Gamri River.
Optional (time permitting): Trashigang market • village walks.
Overnight: Trashigang
DAY 10 •
Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar • 180 km / ~6–7 hrs
To the south-eastern gateway
Time permitting, begin with an optional village walk in Khapti for a glimpse of rural life in eastern Bhutan. Continue on a long yet scenic drive through remote landscapes, terraced fields, forests, and traditional settlements.
Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar
DAY 11 •
Departure through Samdrup Jongkhar Gate
Departure
Final Note
This is a long journey that covers many of Bhutan’s most important and significant sites — from western valleys to the east. We offer two approaches: a regional entry via border gate, or an international entry via Paro Airport. If you’d like to slow the pace further, we can refine the routing. Though, exit from any place other than Samdrup Jongkhar would most likely increase the distance covered and number of days. For a more relaxed tour, consider our other excursions — or select a few key places and let us create a bespoke route. If you have a destination in mind that’s unfamiliar to us, we’ll research it and make it happen — simply contact us.
Contact us to tailor this journeyZHINGKHAM EXCURSIONS
Ready when you are.
Book this excursion, or explore our tour selections to compare options and choose the right pace.
Signature Bhutan Excursions
Email us to confirm dates, hotels, and any personal preferences. We’ll reply with a clear plan and next steps.
Explore tour packages
Compare our curated itineraries, or choose a foundation and refine it into a bespoke journey.
DAY 01 •
Arrival • Paro International Airport
Welcome to Bhutan — Paro arrival & gentle settling-in
Arrive in Paro and meet your private guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel and take time to rest, adjust to the altitude, and enjoy a quiet first evening in the valley.
Optional (time permitting): short town stroll • relaxed viewpoint stop • local market browse.
Overnight: Paro
DAY 02 •
Paro • Tiger’s Nest Hike
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) — Bhutan’s iconic pilgrimage
After an early breakfast, embark on the memorable hike to Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff ~900m above the valley floor. Those who prefer not to hike can coordinate alternatives with your guide.
The trail winds through forest paths and viewpoint ridges lined with prayer flags. A midway café offers rest and panoramic views. Horse rides may be available up to the halfway point (charges not included).
- Duration: 4–5 hours round-trip (moderate)
- Trail: forest paths, viewpoints, prayer-flag-lined stretches
- Note: photography is not allowed inside the monastery
Overnight: Paro
DAY 03 •
Paro – Chele La Pass – Haa • 65 km / ~2.5 hrs
High pass panoramas & a quiet valley
After breakfast, visit Kyichu Lhakhang (one of Bhutan’s oldest temples), followed by the National Museum (Ta Dzong) and Rinpung Dzong.
Later, drive across Chele La Pass (3,988m), one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes, with sweeping views of Jhomolhari and prayer flags along the ridge. Descend into the serene Haa Valley, known for its rustic charm and pristine landscapes.
Optional (time permitting): village walks • Haa Dzong (Wangchuk Lo Dzong).
Overnight: Haa
DAY 04 •
Haa – Thimphu • 115 km / ~3–4 hrs
Temples of Haa & arrival in the capital
Begin with visits to Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), sacred sites tied to Bhutan’s early spiritual history.
Continue to Thimphu. Visit the Takin Preserve (walking required; go at your pace), then enjoy an evening walk around Tashichho Dzong, seat of the King’s throne room and central monastic body.
Optional (time permitting): Changangkha Lhakhang • National Folk Heritage Museum.
Overnight: Thimphu
DAY 05 •
Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha • 75 km / ~3 hrs
Sacred landmarks & Bhutan’s most graceful dzong
Visit Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten and the towering Buddha Dordenma, then cross Dochula Pass (3,140m) with its 108 chortens and Himalayan views.
In Punakha, explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, then walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple of Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
Optional (time permitting): Kuruthang town • riverside café.
Overnight: Punakha
DAY 06 •
Punakha – Gangtey (Phobjikha) • 79 km / ~3 hrs
Phobjikha — glacial valley serenity
Drive to the enchanting Phobjikha Valley, known for sweeping landscapes, village life, and conservation significance. Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre and stop at a scenic viewpoint.
Optional (time permitting): Gangtey Monastery • leisure walks through meadows and village paths.
Overnight: Gangtey (Phobjikha)
DAY 07 •
Gangtey – Trongsa – Bumthang • 145 km / ~4 hrs
Across the central passes into Bhutan’s heartland
Cross Pelela Pass and Yotong La Pass, with dramatic views of highland landscapes. Pause at a viewpoint overlooking Trongsa Dzong, once the seat of royal power.
Continue to Bumthang. If time permits, visit sacred temples: Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang.
Overnight: Bumthang
DAY 08 •
Bumthang – Mongar • 182 km / ~6 hrs
Through Thrumshingla — alpine to subtropical
Journey east through Thrumshingla National Park. Cross Thrumshing La Pass (3,750m) and witness the landscape transition from high-altitude wilderness to lush subtropical forests.
Optional (time permitting): Mongar town walk • Mongar Dzong.
Overnight: Mongar
DAY 09 •
Mongar – Trashigang • 90 km / ~3 hrs
Eastern Bhutan — fortresses and river valleys
Continue eastward to Trashigang, gateway to remote eastern regions. Visit the commanding Trashigang Dzong, dramatically perched above the Gamri River.
Optional (time permitting): Trashigang market • village walks.
Overnight: Trashigang
DAY 10 •
Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar • 180 km / ~6–7 hrs
To the south-eastern gateway
Time permitting, begin with an optional village walk in Khapti for a glimpse of rural life in eastern Bhutan. Continue on a long yet scenic drive through remote landscapes, terraced fields, forests, and traditional settlements.
Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar
DAY 11 •
Departure through Samdrup Jongkhar Gate
Departure
Final Note
This is a long journey that covers many of Bhutan’s most important and significant sites — from western valleys to the east. We offer two approaches: a regional entry via border gate, or an international entry via Paro Airport. If you’d like to slow the pace further, we can refine the routing. Though, exit from any place other than Samdrup Jongkhar would most likely increase the distance covered and number of days. For a more relaxed tour, consider our other excursions — or select a few key places and let us create a bespoke route. If you have a destination in mind that’s unfamiliar to us, we’ll research it and make it happen — simply contact us.
Contact us to tailor this journeyZHINGKHAM EXCURSIONS
Ready when you are.
Book this excursion, or explore our tour selections to compare options and choose the right pace.
Signature Bhutan Excursions
Email us to confirm dates, hotels, and any personal preferences. We’ll reply with a clear plan and next steps.
Explore tour packages
Compare our curated itineraries, or choose a foundation and refine it into a bespoke journey.