Travel Date: 30 September – 10 October 2025
This immersive itinerary explores the best of Western and Central Bhutan, including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha (Gangtey), Trongsa, Bumthang, and Haa Valley. It blends culture, nature, spirituality, and authentic local experiences for a truly unforgettable journey.
Tour Itinerary Overview.
2 nights in Thimphu –Witnessing Tshechu & exploring Thimphu.
1 night in Punakha valley – Monastery & Dzong visits plus hiking.
1 night in Phobjikha valley- Phobjikha valley, Gangtey Monastry, Black Necked Crane Centre
1 night in Trongsa-Trongsa Dzong, Royal Heritage Museum, Ta Dzong, Trongsa town
2 nights in Bhumthang- Jakar Dzong, Kuji Lhakhang, Jampay Lhakhang, Chamkhar Valley, Mebar Tso.
3 nights Paro valley – Taktsang Monastery hike, exploring & shopping
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
- Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your local guide.
- Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Thimphu, passing beautiful mountain and rural landscapes.
- Stop at Tachog Lhakhang Iron Bridge, a 15th-century chain bridge built by Tibetan saint Thangtong Gyalpo.
- Visit the National Memorial Chorten, dedicated to world peace and the Third King, observing locals with prayer wheels and butter lamps.
- Take a leisurely walk through Thimphu’s city centre to experience traditional architecture and modern Bhutanese life.
- Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
- Visit the majestic Buddha Dordenma with stunning views over the Thimphu valley.
- See Bhutan’s rare national animal at the Takin Sanctuary.
- Explore Bhutanese culture and history at the Folk Heritage Museum and National Textile Museum.
- Watch local artisans practising ancient crafts at the School of Arts & Crafts (Zorig Chusum).
- Experience the vibrant Thimphu Tsechu Festival at Tashichho Dzong, enjoying masked dances and sacred rituals.
- Stroll through the bustling local market to shop for handicrafts and sample local snacks.
- Overnight in Thimphu, inspired by the festival’s colors and traditions.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
- Drive from Thimphu over Dochula Pass (3,100m) with stunning views of Himalayan peaks and 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens memorial.
- Descend into the lush Punakha Valley, known for rice fields and a subtropical climate.
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), which is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley and is famed for fertility blessings.
- Explore Punakha Dzong, a beautiful fortress at the meeting point of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, noted for its intricate woodwork and serene courtyards.
- Overnight in Punakha, enjoying the valley’s tranquil atmosphere.
Day 4: Punakha to Phobjikha (Gangtey)
- After breakfast, drive to Phobjikha Valley, known for stunning landscapes and as the winter home of black-necked cranes (Oct–Feb).
- Visit Gangtey Monastery, a historic Nyingma Buddhist site with serene views over the valley.
- Stop at the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to learn about the cranes’ migration, conservation, and cultural significance.
- Enjoy gentle nature walks through the valley’s forests, meadows, and traditional villages.
- Overnight in Phobjikha, surrounded by peaceful natural beauty.
Day 5: Phobjikha to Trongsa
- Depart Phobjikha and drive to Trongsa, stopping at scenic viewpoints showcasing central Bhutan’s mountains and valleys.
- Visit Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest fortress with unique architecture and historic murals.
- Explore Ta Dzong (Royal Heritage Museum) with royal artefacts and exhibits on Bhutan’s culture and history.
- Stroll around Trongsa town, enjoying traditional shops, cafés, and local hospitality.
- Overnight in Trongsa, surrounded by tranquil mountain scenery.
Day 6: Trongsa to Bumthang (Jakar)
- After breakfast, drive east to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland with ancient temples and sacred monasteries.
- Visit Jakar Dzong, the “Castle of the White Bird,” overlooking Chamkhar Valley.
- Explore local temples including Jambay Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang, key pilgrimage sites linked to Guru Rinpoche.
- Stroll through Bumthang town, famous for its traditional wool products (yathra) and friendly local culture.
- Overnight in Bumthang, immersed in the region’s peaceful spiritual atmosphere.
Day 7: Bumthang Sightseeing
- Visit three key spiritual sites:
- Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body imprint.
- Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, was built in the 7th century.
- Tamshing Monastery, founded by saint Pema Lingpa, is known for its ancient murals and Nyingma teachings.
- Explore the sacred Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), famed for hidden treasures discovered by Pema Lingpa. Optional afternoon visit to a local cheese factory to taste Bhutanese dairy or a traditional farmhouse for butter tea and rural hospitality.
- Overnight in Bumthang, immersed in spiritual history and valley life.
Day 8: Bumthang to Paro (via domestic flight or drive)
- After breakfast, take a morning domestic flight to Paro (subject to availability) with stunning aerial views. If unavailable, enjoy a scenic drive through mountain passes and valleys with stops at viewpoints and villages.
- If the Flight is available,
- Upon arrival, visit Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery known for its white walls, intricate woodwork, and historic defence role.
- Explore Ta Dzong, the former watchtower now housing Bhutan’s National Museum with exhibits on history, religion, textiles, and artefacts.
- Spend the afternoon wandering Paro town, browsing handicrafts, local art, and enjoying butter tea at a café.
- Overnight in Paro.
Day 9: Paro Valley Exploration
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples from the 7th century.
- Explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress with scenic views of Mount Jomolhari.
- Optional visit to a traditional farmhouse for a hot stone bath and a home-cooked Bhutanese lunch.
- Free time in Paro town for shopping, photography, or relaxing.
- Overnight in Paro, resting before the Tiger’s Nest hike.
Day 10: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
- Early breakfast, then hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a 5–6 hour round trip through pine forests with prayer flags.
- Visit the cliffside monastery perched 900 meters above the valley, a sacred pilgrimage site linked to Guru Rinpoche.
- Lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria with stunning views of the monastery.
- Return to Paro for relaxation or an optional cultural evening with traditional music and masked dances.
- Overnight in Paro, reflecting on a memorable spiritual journey.
Day 11: Paro – Excursion to Chele La Pass or Haa Valley – Departure
- Morning excursion to Chele La Pass (3,988m), the highest motorable road in Bhutan, with panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drakye.
- Take a short walk to Kila Gompa Nunnery, a peaceful cliffside retreat inhabited by Buddhist nuns.
- Return to Paro for your transfer to Paro International Airport.
- Depart Bhutan with lasting memories of its sacred mountains, warm hospitality, and serene valleys.
Highlights:
- Thimphu: Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, markets
- Punakha: Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang
- Phobjikha: Gangtey Monastery, black-necked cranes (seasonal)
- Trongsa: Trongsa Dzong, Ta Dzong
- Bumthang: Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, Burning Lake
- Paro: Rinpung Dzong, National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang, Tiger’s Nest
- Chele La Pass/Haa Valley: Himalayan views, ancient temples
Unit price: Offer until November 2025
Solo Traveller: AUD$5305 now $4775pp
Duo/Couple Travellers was AUD$5000, now $4500 pp Twin/dbl
3-8 Travellers: was AUD$4700, now $4230pp Twin/dbl
9-17 Travellers: was AUD$4470, now $4025pp Twin/dbl
Why Book with Mindful Happiness Travel?
- Bhutanese-Owned, Locally Rooted: Proudly Bhutanese, with teams based in Perth (Australia) and Bhutan, ensuring smooth service and a deep cultural connection.
- Authentic Bhutan Experiences: Travel with heart. Our journeys immerse you in Bhutan’s rich traditions, spirituality, pristine nature, and warm local communities.
- Mindful, Meaningful Journeys: Peaceful and personalised travel experiences—perfect for families, honeymooners, and luxury travellers seeking depth and connection.
- Top Local Guides & Smart Itineraries: Discover Bhutan with expert Bhutanese guides. Our itineraries are thoughtfully crafted for less time on the road and more exploring.
Discover Our Favourite Travel Experiences in Bhutan
At Mindful Happiness Travel, Bhutan holds a special place in our hearts; it’s genuinely one of Earth’s most magical and enriching places. We’ve carefully designed three top private itineraries, perfect for solo travellers, couples, families, or small groups travelling together. Each journey can be customised and tailored beyond the suggested plans to suit your unique interests, travel style, and pace.
Full Package Includes the following list;
- Personalised tour with a local expert guide and private transport for a relaxed, mindful experience.
- Comfortable stays in three-star hotels or authentic farm homestays with private bathrooms.
- All meals included, including wholesome Bhutanese cuisine and daily bottled water.
- All fees, visas, and taxes are arranged for a hassle-free trip.
- A well-paced itinerary covering Bhutan’s key spiritual and cultural sites with time for reflection.
- Fully managed logistics by Mindful Happiness Travel so you can focus on meaningful moments.
- Return home refreshed, inspired, and connected to Bhutan’s unique culture.
The following lists are excluded from the complete package.
- International flights to/from Paro – must be booked and paid separately
- Personal bank charges or transfer fees
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, calls, tips, souvenirs, etc.)
- Hotel upgrades beyond standard 3-star accommodation
- Travel insurance – highly recommended and to be arranged by you
- Any required COVID-19 tests (PCR or rapid antigen)
Tailored Travel Options
- Flexible Packages: Choose Full Board or Half Board, with options for upgrading to luxury hotels or staying in authentic farmhouses in select valleys.
- Easy Communication: Connect with us via email, call, WhatsApp, Facebook, or TikTok—whichever suits you best.
- Reliable Support: Dedicated teams in Australia and Bhutan will assist you with planning your travel.
- Pre–Departure Planning Kit: Includes essential tips on culture, packing, weather, and etiquette to help you feel prepared.
- Comfort–Focused Itineraries: All hikes are optional; cultural sites like Punakha Dzong require minimal walking. Designed for flexibility and ease.
Optional activities
- White Water Rafting – Punakha Valley: Enjoy an exciting ride through scenic river landscapes.
- Archery – Paro, Thimphu, Bumthang: Try Bhutan’s national sport with a fun, guided archery session.
- Mountain Bike Hire – Paro & Thimphu: Discover the valleys at your own pace on two wheels.
- Cooking Class & Hot Stone Bath – Farmhouse: Learn to cook Bhutanese dishes and relax with a traditional hot stone bath.
