Myth of Central Bhutan

11 Days / 10 Nights

We explore western and central Bhutan. We land at Paro airport, scenically the most beautiful, having flown via awe-inspiring peaks of the Himalayas. We scour four districts in western Bhutan, and head towards the central which is known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. This tour provides arresting insights on Bhutanese culture, history, nature and environment, flora and fauna, and breathtaking views of Himalayan landscapes. All along, we also meet people from all walks of life.

Our Bhutan itineraries are suggestions and are fully customisable according to your needs, interests and budget.

Treat these itineraries as inspiration and one of our experts will create your unique, tailor-made Bhutan holiday with your requests in mind so that you can truly experience Bhutan with Seven Senses.

Day 1. Arrive Paro

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A flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. You will be received by your guide and escorted to a restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon visit Ta-Dzong, the Rinpung Dzong built in the 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. Every Dzong has a dual system housing a political and a religious section as well. 

Day 2. Paro - Punakha

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Visit Punakha Dzong the winter capital for over 300 years, and still the home of Je Khenpo (chief Abbot) and the central monastic body. Take a mini hike to Khamsum Yuelly Namgyel Chorten, a village hike to the Divine Madman Monastery, which is named after a man from Tibet who came to Bhutan in the 15th century. He is known as the Lama. 

Day 3. Punakha - Trongsa

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This morning we will drive to Trongsa through the Pele-la pass at 3300m, a landmark between east & west. On the way we will come across Yak herders' camps and encounter Yaks especially during winter. We will see high Himalayan villages like Rukubji and Chendebji.  You will see the 18th century Nepalese style stupa built by saint Shida. 

Day 4. Trongsa - Bumthang

Take an excursion drive to Kuenga Rabten. It was the winter Palace for our beloved 2nd King Jigme Wangchuk. 

The trip from Trongsa to Kuenga Rabten will give you an intimate insight into the early days of Bhutan’s Monarchy. 

Visit Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest & most impressive Dzongs in Bhutan.

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Day 5. Bumthang

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Take a hike to Thangbi Mani countryside. It is a very easy trail and we will come across a few villages where we will visit a very old monastery with Gomchens & the local community school. After lunch we visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang, and the Swiss Cheese Processing Unit. 

Day 6. Bumthang – Gangtey – Wangdue

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Visit the Gangtey Goemba. Further down you will reach the Phobjikha valley, reserved for the migration of the black Neck Crane. 

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Day 7. Wangdue – Thimphu

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Drive to Thimphu, visit one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan, the Tashichho Dzong. Later, opportunity for a leisurely walk around Thimphu city. 

Day 8. Thimphu

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Visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts followed by a visit to the School of Arts, famous for carving and free hand art. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, the Handicrafts Emporium, the General Post Office, the Traditional Medicine Institute where the ancient healing arts are still practiced.

Drive up to the viewpoint and take a hike for about an hour to see clear views of Thimphu valley. 

Day 9. Thimphu - Paro

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Drive to Dodena 2600 meters above see level, which is the starting point of our half-hour mini hike to Cheri Gonpa monastery, a meditation centre at the top beside the monasteries. One of the most important is a cave where Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel meditated to gain the power to fight back the invasion from Tibet. 

Day 10. Paro - Taktsang hike

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Drive to Ramthangkha (6 Km from the site) and walk to the Taktsang Monastery perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4000ft. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. Our hike will take 5-6 hours round trip. On the way back from Taktsang monastery visit the Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan.

Day 11.  Departure

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Your guide will take you to the airport according to your flight schedule and will bid you farewell and a safe journey home. Board your flight back towards the UK.

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The itinerary may be subject to change depending on circumstances.