Driving Distance: 55 Km | Driving Time: 1.5 Hr | Altitude of Thimphu: 2300 m 

The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience.

On completion of immigration formalities, your guide from Ideal Travel Creations shall welcome you with a “Tashi Khadar”. Drive to Thimphu. Discover the barren mountains, Tamchog Lhakhang, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu river (Wangchhu) at Chhuzomsa and the three stupas as you drive through the well maintained road between Paro and Thimphu.

Lunch at Thimphu. After lunch, You may choose to relax at the hotel or walk around the Thimphu town. In the evening, visit the Tashichhodzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). Dinner at the Latest Recipe. Overnight at Le Meridien, Thimphu. 

Altitude of Thimphu: 2300 m

A leisure breakfast in Latest Recipe. Start your day with a visit the National Memorial Chhorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. It is a center of worship for the people living in Thimphu. Light a Butter lamp circumambulate the chhorten. This is a good way to earn merits as per Buddhist beliefs. Then drive towards Kuenselphodrang, where stands the biggest statue of Buddha Drodenma. In addition, a mesmerizing view of Thimphu Valley, biking and hiking trails and a picnic spot makes it worth a visit. 

Visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan.  Then visit the Changangkha Monastery built on a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. Many parents of Thimphu take their new born babies to this monastery to be blessed by a high lama. Spend some time here enjoying the breathtaking view, the soothing Himalayan breeze and ample photo opportunities. Drive down towards Gumji Lam to visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group. 

 A typical Bhutanese Lunch at Simply Bhutan. Tasting the local “Arra” (Bhutanese Local alcohol) is a great experience.

 After lunch visit the the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Students are taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan in this institute. 

A private interaction session with a Bhutanese Host in the evening. Dinner with your Bhutanese Host as you converse in regards to this new place and its cultures. Overnight in hotel in Thimphu. 

DRIVING DISTANCE: 140 KM | DRIVING TIME: 4 – 5 HR

Visit the Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. Drive to the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Explore the Lobesa Village for a while. Interact with the local vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables and other local produce.

Lunch at the Lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638.

Drive along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu). After crossing the bridge, the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolicking around could be the most common sights. Explore the Lawala Pass. A few Photographs are must here.

Drive down along the pine forest till you reach Gangtey. A further short drive through the villages takes you to your hotel. Spend your evening enjoying the breathtaking views the property has to offer in one of the most beautiful Glacial valleys in the Himalayas.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PHOBJIKHA/ GANGTEY : 3000 M

Start your day with a breakfast with views. Visit the Gangtey Goemba overlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.

Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery. The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley.  Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks.  Explore the nearby villages for a while.

Picnic Lunch in the Phobjikha Valley. After lunch drive towards the villages of Kilkhorthang and Remeachin. Visit the Nelung Dreachagling Nunnery and the villages around. Witness farmers working in the field and enjoy taking photographs in this beautiful Glacial valley.

On the way back visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books.

In the evening a enjoy a traditional hotstone bath at the hotel. Soak in the stone heated water rich in minerals and floating sprigs of khempa as the sun sets. (Advance reservations and additional cost may be applicable)

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PHOBJIKHA/ GANGTEY : 3000 M

DRIVING DISTANCE: 160 KM | DRIVING TIME: 4 – 5 HR

Today your journey goes deeper into the Kingdom of Bhutan amidst breathtaking views, beautiful landscapes and interesting experiences. Visit the Chendebji Chorten, built in the style of the great Boudhanath Chorten of Nepal. Further near Trongsa, stop at a place across on the other side of the Trongsa Dzong, where you get a perfect view of the Dzong. Photograph the Dzong.

Continue your journey with a stoppage at Yotongla, the highest peak between Bumthang and Trongsa and then the Chhumey village, known for Yathra Textile. It is the most famous textile product of Bumthang. The Chhumey Valley is known for the beautiful Yathra woven by the locals. Yathra is a hand-woven fabric made from the wool of sheep or Yak. The wool is first spun into threads and then dyed before they are woven into Yathra with beautiful flower patterns and colors. The Yathra cloth is made into scarves, jackets, tablecloths, bags, etc. Most of the women in this valley, especially in Zungye village earn their lively hood by weaving Yathra which is supplied to various towns in Bhutan.

Your today’s journey ends on arrival at hotel in Bumthang.

ALTITUDE OF BUMTHANG: 2800 M

Your day starts with a visit to the Jakar Dzong, literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667. Visit the Wangdichholing Palace which was the home to the First and Second Kings of Bhutan. Continue your day’s sightseeing with visits to Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang.

Picnic Lunch in a quaint setting in the Chhoekhor valley.

After lunch, visit the Tamshing Lhakhang and the Könchogsum Lhakhang. As you reach Bathpalathang, visit the cheese and apple juice/wine making factory. Taste the Locally made red panda beer here.

Before going back to the hotel, explore the Chamkhar Town.

ALTITUDE OF BUMTHANG: 2800 M

BUMTHANG – URA
DRIVING DISTANCE: 50 KM | DRIVING TIME: 2 HRS

URA – TRONGSA
DRIVING DISTANCE: 85 KM | DRIVING TIME: 3 HR

After breakfast drive to Ura via Old Bumthang – Mongar Highway. Explore Ura Valley for a while.

At 3,100 meters, Ura village consists of about 50 traditional houses, surrounded by lush forests, creating a serene atmosphere. Approximately 90 minutes from Bumthang Town, Ura was named after Padmasambhava, the 8th-century Guru who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, and is celebrated through the annual Yakchoe festival. Local legends recount Padmasambhava’s miraculous visit to cure a leprosy outbreak, during which he left behind a statue of Vajrapani. This story is central to the Yakchoe celebrations, reflecting the valley’s rich cultural heritage. Ura Valley captures the essence of ancient beliefs and traditions, offering visitors a glimpse into Bhutanese village life. It’s a must-visit for anyone exploring Bumthang, thanks to its stunning scenery and deep-rooted history.

Drive to Chhumey Valley. From here retrace the same road via Yotongla Pass to Trongsa. Lunch at Trongsa.

While in Trongsa, visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Then visit the Trongsa Ta Dzong (watch tower) which once. safeguarded the Trongsa Dzong from rebellion. Located on a promontory, it has four observation points named after mythical creatures: Tiger, Lion, Garuda, and Dragon. Visitors can climb the tower, which now features a shrine to the legendary King Gesar of Ling. Today, the Ta Dzong functions as the National Museum, presenting Bhutan’s rich heritage with modern amenities.

In the evening, walk around the Trongsa Town and explore the valley for a while.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

ALTITUDE OF TRONGSA: 2200 M

70 KM DRIVE | DRIVING TIME: 2 HRS | 6 KM TREK | 2-3 HRS TREK

After breakfast, a two-hour drive from town along the Zhemgang highway will bring you to the start of the trek at Tongtongphey.

On the way, you can visit the Kuenga Rabten Palace, a significant heritage site in Bhutanese history.

Once you have gathered ample information about the trek from the information booth, the village guide will lead you down to the Mangdi River, where you’ll cross a suspension bridge. It’s almost impossible to miss the Golden Langurs, which are abundant in this area unless you have a strong preference for observing ants and other ground creatures.

On the first day, you will encounter the Monpas, who are believed to be the first inhabitants of Bhutan. Observing their lifestyle provides further validation of their ethnicity, accompanied by mythical legends about their origins. The campsite in Jangbi is situated on the valley sill, offering a splendid view of the Mangdi Valley. If you still have some energy left, you can enjoy a local cultural program or even participate in it.

ALTITUDE OF JANGBI: 1350 M

12 KM | 6 HRS

The morning presents an opportunity to further interact with the Monpas. Before proceeding, consider visiting the orchid garden that houses about 75 different kinds of orchids, perfect for botanical photography enthusiasts.

The hike to Kudra is filled with a jovial atmosphere, as the trail meanders along stone imprints of Guru Rinpoche’s footprints, dagger, and phallus, each festooned with stories that celebrate Guru’s praxis.

Lunch will be served just before arriving at Phrumzur, one of the off-trail villages of the Monpa communities. You can visit the village Lhakhang in Phrumzur before proceeding to the campsite in Kudra.

Along the way, you’ll pass through another small Monpa village called Lekpogang. After that, the campsite in Kudra is just an hour’s walk away.

The campsite offers a bird’s-eye view of Nyimshong village and Zhemgang town.

ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 1500 M

13 KM | 7 HRS

You’ll wake up to the distant call of the Rufous-necked hornbill. This part of the trek features a collage of streams, waterfalls, and thick forests that invigorate your sense of being out in the wild.

Along the trail, you may spot the Great Himalayan Squirrel, Rhesus Macaques, and small snakes. Though unseen, the presence of Himalayan black bears, Red pandas, tigers, and Clouded leopards adds to the thrill.

Upon arrival at the holy tree in Nabji, you’ll receive a heartwarming reception from the local people.

Nabji is a picturesque village, with paddy fields encircling the clustered houses. You could also hike to the community school and join a game of football or volleyball, where children delight in the presence of guest athletes.

ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 1300 M

3 KM | 2 HRS

En route to Korphu, you’ll pass by the Nabji temple, which is situated in the middle of the paddy fields. Inside the temple stands a stone pillar where Guru Rinpoche, while traveling through Bhutan in the 8th century, resolved a conflict between King Sindha Gyelp of Bumthang and King Noeche by imprinting their thumbs on either side of the stone.

A unique festival is celebrated at the temple grounds sometime in early January.

Korphu is perched on a mountaintop at an altitude of 1500 meters. The hospitality of the people here is remarkable, making you feel like royalty.

The villagers also perform the traditional Tashi Labey dance to bid you farewell. If interested, the villagers can explain and demonstrate the quintessential Bhutanese games of Khuru, Dego, Sok-sum, and Gee-dum, and even let you participate. You can also visit the village temple, which houses the sacred relics of Pema Lingpa, the renowned treasure revealer of Bhutan.

A local lunch can be provided at the village campsite, offering a spectacular bird’s-eye view of Nabji and the surrounding areas.

ALTITUDE of CAMPSITE: 1500 M

8 KM | 4 HRS

The hike from Korphu to Nyimshong is pleasant and arguably one of the best birding spots, boasting a list of over 395 species. The elusive Rufous-necked hornbill has its nesting holes adjacent to the trail.

The walk features a mix of waterfalls, streams, and cantilever bridges.

By evening, you’ll arrive at Nyimshong, a village with its distinctive architecture and lifestyle.

The campsite is equipped with an amphitheater. The women of Nyimshong have a penchant for singing and dancing, and a cultural show would be an ideal way to celebrate the end of your trek.

ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 1300 M

5 KM | 3 HRS | ALTITUDE OF RIOTALA: 1000 M

If you’re lucky, the golden langurs will lead the way as you exit.

Descend to the Mangdue River, where you can spot herons and river lapwings. After an hour’s steep ascent to the road, your vehicle will be waiting for you. Then drive to Trongsa for dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel.

ALTITUDE OF TRONGSA: 2200 M

DRIVING DISTANCE: 140 KM | DRIVING TIME: 4 HR

After breakfast, retrace the same road back to Punakha, via Pelela Pass. Ensure that you do not miss anything interesting on the way make the drive an interesting and worthy of re experience.

While in Punakha, check in hotel. Afternoon, experience Rafting. Explore the Khuruthang town for a while on the way back to hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

DRIVING DISTANCE: 140 KM | DRIVING TIME: 4 HR.

After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village. After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint,

After lunch walk over the Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilevered bridge. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong.  Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics. Finally explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals. Drive back to the hotel.

Dinner and Overnight in Hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M

Your day starts with an early morning hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8^th century. Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.  Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan.

Farewell dinner at the hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M

Your 17 days of Bhutan travel with Nabji Korphu Community Trek comes to an end with a drive to Paro Airport and farewell.