Bhutan Tour Package & Tour Itinerary of 15 Night/16-Day West-East Circuit Bhutan Tour

Distance: 54 km & estimated driving time: 1 hour
Altitude at Thimphu: 2330 m

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional Bhutanese tour guide from Access Bhutan Tour. Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, stopping en route at Chunzom, the scenic confluence of the Paro (Pa Chhu) and Thimphu (Wang Chhu) rivers. Enjoy countryside views, traditional houses, and river landscapes along the way.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax.
After lunch, explore Thimphu’s highlights, time permitting:

• National Textile Museum – Traditional Bhutanese weaving and handwoven textiles
• National Institute of Traditional Medicine – Insight into Bhutan’s ancient healing system
• Bhutan Postal Museum – Create personalized Bhutanese postage stamps
• Centenary Farmers’ Market – Lively local market with organic produce and handicrafts
• Flag Lowering Ceremony at Tashichhoe Dzong (around 5:00 PM) – A dignified ceremony at the seat of Bhutan’s spiritual and political center

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu. 

After breakfast, drive 25 minutes (14 km) from Thimphu through the peaceful countryside of Begana village to the base of Tango Monastery. From the road end, begin a scenic hike through oak, pine, and rhododendron forests in Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, with chances to spot Gray Langur monkeys and birdlife. After about 40 minutes, reach a chorten viewpoint, followed by a further 20-minute climb to the monastery. The 2.5 km round-trip hike takes around 2 hours at a relaxed pace.

Founded in the 13th century and rebuilt in 1688, Tango Monastery is an important center for higher Buddhist studies, known for its traditional architecture, serene atmosphere, and sweeping valley views. After your visit, descend to the base and enjoy a picnic lunch in an open meadow near Cheri Monastery.

Return to Thimphu, stopping at Pangri Zampa Monastery, a 16th-century College of Astrology and Bhutan’s main center for traditional astrology, set in a tranquil riverside location with ancient cypress trees.

Later, continue Thimphu sightseeing with visits to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine ,Simtokha Dzong, and Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Thimphu and visit the Craft Bazaar for authentic Bhutanese handicrafts and souvenirs.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Thimphu-Punakha :Distance: 71 km, estimated driving time: 2 hr
Altitude at Dochula:3140
Altitude at Punakha:1300m

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 35-minute drive to Dochula Pass (3,140m), one of Bhutan’s most iconic mountain passes. On clear days, take in sweeping views of the Eastern Himalayas and Bhutan’s highest snow-capped peaks, along with the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens built in honor of His Majesty the 4th King.

Descend into the warmer Punakha Valley and, upon reaching Lobesa village, visit a traditional farmhouse for a Bhutanese home-cooked lunch hosted by a local family—an intimate glimpse into rural life and hospitality.

In the afternoon, take a gentle 20-minute walk through Sopsokha village and its rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the famed “Divine Madman.” The temple, built on the site where he subdued a demoness, remains a popular place for couples seeking fertility blessings.

Later, walk uphill to Rinchengang Village, a centuries-old settlement known for its traditional stone houses and skilled stone masons. Stroll through the village lanes, enjoy fine views of Wangduephodrang Dzong and the river below, and interact with locals to experience their daily life and enduring traditions.

Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Punakha

Punakha-Bumthang:Distance: 197 km, estimated driving time: 5 hr
Altitude at Pele La Pass:3300m
Altitude at Yotong La Pass:3400m
Altitude at Bumthang: 2600 m

After breakfast, proceed to the ancient Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang (“Palace of Great Happiness”). Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River), this majestic fortress is one of Bhutan’s most historically and spiritually significant sites. It houses ancient relics of the Drukpa Lineage and has played a central role in Bhutan’s royal history and Buddhist traditions.

From the Dzong, take a short 15-minute walk to one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, stretching over 350 meters across the Pho Chhu River. Draped with colorful prayer flags, the bridge offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding valley and connects you to the peaceful village of Lungkha.

Then, travel to Bumthang via Wangdue Phodrang and the scenic Pele La Pass (3,300 m). As you ascend the pass, the landscape unfolds into a stunning panorama of rural Bhutan – dotted with traditional farmhouses, open alpine meadows, and yak herding settlements nestled high in the mountains. This stretch is ideal for photography, with several opportunities for scenic stops along the way.

En route, enjoy a lunch break and pass the historic Chendebji Chorten – a 19th-century stupa built in the style of Nepal’s Swayambhunath. Continue onward to Trongsa, the ancestral seat of Bhutan’s royal family, where your cultural journey deepens.

After a refreshment break at Trongsa, visit the magnificent Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses. Built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Afterwards, continue eastward, crossing the Yotong La Pass (3,400 m) before descending into the spiritual heartland of Bumthang.

Just before reaching your destination, stop at the Yathra Weaving Centre in Zungney Village, where you’ll witness local artisans weaving vibrant Yathra textiles — colorful, handwoven woolen fabrics unique to the Bumthang region.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Bumthang

Bumthang –Tang Valley: Distance:46 km, estimated driving time:1 hour
Altitude at Tang Valley:2800m

After breakfast, travel for one-hour to the remote and tranquil Tang Valley, one of the four valleys that make up the Bumthang district. Unlike the fertile lands of other valleys, Tang’s soil is less suitable for cultivation, so the locals primarily raise sheep and yaks, especially at higher elevations.

Upon arrival in Tang, enjoy a gentle hike through the upper villages, where you can interact with friendly locals working in their fields.

Next, visit the Ogyen Choling Heritage Museum, a beautifully preserved manor house that once served as a royal palace. Now a private museum, it houses an impressive collection of historical artifacts, religious objects, and household items, offering deep insight into Bhutanese aristocratic life.
Lunch will be served at a nearby farmhouse.

In the afternoon, return to Bumthang Chamkhar with detour to the sacred Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) en route. This deep, serene pool of water is one of the most revered spiritual sites in the region, closely associated with the legendary treasure discoverer, Terton Pema Lingpa.

In the evening, enjoy a relaxed stroll around Chamkhar town, the commercial and cultural hub of Bumthang, offering a glimpse into local life and Bhutanese village charm.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Bumthang.Top of Form

Bumthang –Tang Valley: Distance:46 km, estimated driving time:1 hour
Altitude at Tang Valley:2800m

After breakfast, travel for one-hour to the remote and tranquil Tang Valley, one of the four valleys that make up the Bumthang district. Unlike the fertile lands of other valleys, Tang’s soil is less suitable for cultivation, so the locals primarily raise sheep and yaks, especially at higher elevations.

Upon arrival in Tang, enjoy a gentle hike through the upper villages, where you can interact with friendly locals working in their fields.

Next, visit the Ogyen Choling Heritage Museum, a beautifully preserved manor house that once served as a royal palace. Now a private museum, it houses an impressive collection of historical artifacts, religious objects, and household items, offering deep insight into Bhutanese aristocratic life.
Lunch will be served at a nearby farmhouse.

In the afternoon, return to Bumthang Chamkhar with detour to the sacred Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) en route. This deep, serene pool of water is one of the most revered spiritual sites in the region, closely associated with the legendary treasure discoverer, Terton Pema Lingpa.

In the evening, enjoy a relaxed stroll around Chamkhar town, the commercial and cultural hub of Bumthang, offering a glimpse into local life and Bhutanese village charm.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Bumthang.Top of Form

Distance: 180 km  Estimated Driving Time: 6 hours  Altitude at Mongar: 1,600 m

After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to Mongar along the highway that leads into Eastern Bhutan. Your drive begins with a passage through the historic village of Ura in the Ura Valley. Here, narrow cobblestone streets and ancient houses evoke a bygone era, while local yak and sheep herders continue age-old traditions.

Leaving Ura Valley, the road ascends sharply to the Kingdom’s highest motorable pass, Thrumshingla Pass (3780m). Beyond the pass, the drive meanders through rugged terrain, gradually descending toward Sengor village. where cascading waterfalls punctuate the landscape and you might even encounter the rare golden langur.

The descent slows at a bridge over the Kurichu, at an elevation of 650 m  before the journey climbs again through pine forests, maize fields, and quaint eastern hamlets, finally arriving in Mongar Town.We visit the Mongar Dzong– was established in 1930 to replace the original Shongar Dzong, although the original utse (central tower) dates from an earlier age .

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Mongar

Distance: 91 km | Estimated Driving Time: 3 hours
Altitude at Trashigang: 1,126 m

After breakfast, visit Mongar Dzong was established in 1930 to replace the original Shongar Dzong, although the original utse (central tower) dates from an earlier age .

From here begin your journey to Trashigang, passing through several villages along the way. The road follows the Gamri River, winding through lush cornfields and banana groves before gradually ascending to Yadi, where you’ll stop for a short tea break or lunch.

Continuing onward, the drive takes you up to Kori La Pass (2,450 m), a well-known spot for birdwatchers, before descending into Trashigang. The region’s subtropical climate supports the cultivation of maize, rice, and various fruits. The people of Trashigang are skilled weavers and metalworkers, and they are also known for brewing ara, a traditional alcoholic drink distilled from fermented maize or wheat.

After lunch in Trashigang, take a scenic 50-minute drive to Radhi Village, a place renowned for its vast rice fields and skilled weavers. Often referred to as the ‘Rice Bowl of the East,’ Radhi’s fertile fields supply much of Eastern Bhutan’s grain.

The village is home to around 200 households, where weaving is an essential craft, particularly during the off-agricultural season. Using traditional back-strap looms and natural dyes, Radhi produces some of Bhutan’s finest raw silk (bura) textiles. As you explore the village, observe local women engaged in this intricate weaving process—a vital source of income for the community.

In the evening, return to Trashigang for dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Trashigang.

Distance: 54 km | Estimated Driving Time: 1.5 hours
Altitude at Trashiyangtse: 1,750 m

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Trashiyangtse, passing by the sacred Gom Kora Temple along the way. On a clear day, the journey offers breathtaking glimpses of snow-capped mountains.

Upon arrival, visit the historic Trashi Yangtse Dzong, an impressive fortress housing around 300 monks. Originally built to safeguard the ancient trade route with Tibet, the dzong was established in the 15th century by Saint Pema Lingpa. Inside, its temples house valuable statues and sacred relics, making it a site well worth exploring.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Trashiyangtse town, a peaceful and charming settlement.

Trashiyangtse is renowned for its woodcraft, particularly the handcrafted wooden bowls and containers, considered the finest in Bhutan. Visit the Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 Traditional Arts and Crafts) to witness artisans mastering woodworking, papermaking, and other traditional skills. The intricate craftsmanship of this region is highly prized across the country.

In the late afternoon, drive back to Trashigang.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Trashigang.

Distance: 155 km, driving time: 4  hours
Altitude at Lhuenste:1815 m

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive  from Trashigang to Mongar and further to Lhuentse, one of Bhutan’s most isolated districts, renowned for its dramatic landscapes featuring stark cliffs, gorges, and dense coniferous forests. The region is celebrated for its exceptional weaving traditions, producing textiles considered among the finest in the country. Notably, the Kurtoe region of Lhuentse is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal dynasty.

Upon arrival, visit the Lhuentse Dzong, a fortress and Buddhist monastery perched on a spur at the end of a narrow valley. The approach involves a flagstone-paved path over steep cliffs, leading to a dzong that houses approximately 100 monks. Originally established in 1543 by Pema Lingpa’s son, Kuenga Wanpo, it was renovated in 1654 by the Trongsa Penlop, Mingyur Tenpa. The dzong contains five temples, including those dedicated to Padmasambhava and Avalokiteshvara, and serves as a significant religious and administrative center. 

After a brief refreshment, proceed to Khoma Village, approximately an hour’s walk from the main road to Lhuentse Dzong. Khoma is renowned for its intricate woven silk textiles known as Kishuthara, a brocade dress that is highly prized throughout Bhutan. The village’s women are skilled weavers, and visitors can observe them using traditional backstrap looms to create these exquisite fabrics. Engaging with the weavers offers insight into this vital aspect of Bhutanese culture. 

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Lhuentse.

Distance: 120 km, driving time: 4  hours

After breakfast drive to visit Lhuentse Dzong: The approach to this Dzong (fort) is through a flag-stone-paved path over the vertical drops. The Dzong houses a body of 100 monks of the country. In the 16th century Pema Lingapa’s son Kunga Wangpo set up this Dzong in the form of a small Gompa. In 1654 it was renovated by the Trongsa penlop Mingyur Tenpa.

After lunch travel to Yongkola, a picturesque area situated between Bumthang and Mongar, approximately 56 km from Mongar. Yongkola is renowned as a hotspot for birdwatching, attracting enthusiasts eager to observe diverse avian species. The eco-lodge Trogon Villa is located here, offering comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the rolling hills and convenient access to the highway.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Trogon Villa Resort in Yongkola, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the area.

Distance: 142 km Estimated Driving Time: 5 hours
Altitude at Bumthang: 2,600 m

After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey from Yongkola to Bumthang, renowned for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. This route offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities, especially along the stretch between Yongkola and Bumthang via Namling Waterfall and Thrumshingla Pass. Thrumshingla Pass (3,780 m), as the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, offers panoramic views and a chance to observe some elusive birds in their natural habitat. 

The journey traverses the enchanting Ura Valley, situated at approximately 3,100 meters above sea level.

Upon arrival at Bumthang and after a brief refreshment visit Jakar Dzong (fortress of the White Bird): The Dzong lies on a hillock overlooking the charming town of Jakar.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Bumthang.

Distance: 155 km, driving time: 4 hours
Altitude at Phobjikha :2900 m

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, also known as Tamshing Lhendrup Chholing, meaning “Temple of the Good Message.” Founded in the early 16th century by the great spiritual master Pema Lingpa.

Next, enjoy a pleasant 10-minute walk, crossing a traditional suspension bridge over the Chamkhar Chu River to reach Kurjey Lhakhang. Kurjey means “body imprint,” and the temple is named after the sacred cave where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated and left the imprint of his body.

Continue to Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It is believed to be one of 108 temples he commissioned across the Himalayan region to subdue a demoness and propagate Buddhism.

Afterward, visit a traditional farmhouse near Jambay Lhakhang, where you’ll enjoy an authentic Bhutanese lunch in a warm and rustic local setting.

After lunch travel to Phobjikha valley via Trongsa. Along the way, pass through Chumey Valley, one of the four valleys of Bumthang, where you may stop to engage with friendly locals and observe their daily rural life.

Continue traveling to Phobjikha and cross the Yotong La Pass (3,400 m), offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, before descending into Trongsa — the historic center of Bhutan’s royal lineage. Upon arrival in Trongsa, take a short refreshment break.

Afterward, continue your journey toward Phobjikha valley, crossing the scenic Pele La Pass (3,300 m) and traveling through mountain forests and scattered highland settlements before reaching the pristine Phobjikha Valley.

Phobjikha lies within the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (formerly Black Mountain National Park), one of the largest untouched tracts of forest in the Eastern Himalayas. The valley’s diverse elevation and rainfall patterns create a rich ecosystem, supporting an impressive variety of flora, fauna, and birdlife — including the endangered Black-Necked Cranes, which migrate here in winter.

This journey is not just a transfer but an immersive introduction to Bhutan’s natural beauty, biodiversity, and rural life.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Phobjikha valley.

Altitude at Thimphu :2300 m

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Gangtey Monastery. From here, embark on a gentle downhill nature hike that offers panoramic views of Gangtey Valley. The trail meanders through verdant meadows leading to Semchubara Village, then passes through beautiful forests into an open valley. After passing a chorten (stupa), the trail culminates at Kinga Lhakhang Temple. This scenic hike takes approximately 50 minutes.

Next, visit the Black-Necked Crane Center. If you’re traveling between mid-November and the end of March, you’ll have the unique opportunity to observe these majestic birds as they begin their winter migration. Afterward, take a short walk through fields and past farmhouses, engaging freely with local residents and experiencing authentic rural life.

After lunch, travel to Thimphu through the picturesque villages of Nobding,Toeb Thinleygang and Dochula Pass, enjoying scenic landscapes along the way.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Distance 54 km and travel time: 1 hour.
Altitude at ParoL2200m

After breakfast take a scenic drive to Paro and drive for about 20 minutes minutes to visit Dzongdrakha temple:Often called the mini- Taktsang, Dzongdrakha temples are built on the cliffs above Bondey village. Take a short walk to the temple for about 15 minutes…

After lunch walk through Rinpung Bridge ( oldest Traditional Cantilever Bridge), to visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks.

Later in the afternoon visit Dungtse Lhakhang( temple) ( Chorten shaped Lhakhang): The unusual and circular Lhakhang, reminiscent of the Shanag, or the black hat worn by the Bhutanese Black Hat dancers was, built by the great “Builder of iron chain bridges,” Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo.

In the evening take a stroll through Paro town.

Dinner and overnight.

Altitude at Takstang:3000m

After breakfast, drive for about 1 hour to the base of Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest, one of Bhutan’s most revered and iconic historical monuments. Begin your hike through pine-scented forests; it takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the Viewpoint. Pause for refreshments at the Taktsang Cafeteria, a scenic rest stop offering incredible views and a chance to catch your breath.

Continue your ascent for another 1.5 hours to reach the monastery itself. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) flew to this sacred site on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated in a cave for three months..

After exploring the sacred temples inside the Taktsang monastery descend to the cafeteria for lunch with a view, before hiking back down to the base.

In the late afternoon, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed with Bhutanese butter tea and local snacks, offering a genuine glimpse into rural Bhutanese hospitality and lifestyle. Experience the cultural charm of the countryside, and try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport  –  archery, using traditional bamboo bows and arrows.

Enjoy an authentic Bhutanese dinner at the farmhouse, featuring home-cooked dishes prepared with local ingredients.

Overnight at hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, your tour guide and driver from Access Bhutan Tours — your trusted local Bhutan tour operator  –  will escort you to Paro International Airport for your departure flight.

Note: The above Bhutan Tour itinerary can be customized to suit your specific interests. Please let us know your preferences when planning your Bhutan trip with us.