Your tour guide will meet you at Paro International Airport. Visit Ta Dzong, a historical tower now the National Museum of Bhutan, and Tagchok temple along the river. Spend the afternoon exploring Thimphu’s streets, visiting shops, and relaxing at your hotel.
Overnight in Thimphu

Start your day with a visit to the Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang, the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a major landmark, and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum to see traditional Bhutanese arts. Stop by the Takin Preservation Center to see Bhutan’s national animal. Hike to Wangditshe Temple for views of Thimphu valley and birdwatching. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the summer residence of Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body.
Overnight in Thimphu

Hike through forests of hemlock and rhododendrons to Lungchutse Temple and Trashigang Goenpa, with great birdwatching opportunities. Spot birds like Ibisbills, Sandpipers, Kingfishers, and more.
Overnight in Thimphu

Drive to Dochu La for views of the Himalayas and visit Lampelri Botanical Park to see various bird species. Continue to Punakha, known for its bird-rich subtropical valley and critically endangered White-Bellied Heron.
Overnight in Punakha

Walk through paddy fields to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang temple and continue birdwatching. Spot Bay Woodpeckers, Red-headed Trogons, and more. Enjoy lunch by the river and then go rafting in the Mochu River. After rafting, visit Punakha Dzong and cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge.
Overnight in Punakha

Drive to Gangtey Valley, home of the Black-Necked Cranes (October to March). Birdwatch in the Phobjikha Valley and visit the Black-Necked Crane Center. Stay at a local farmhouse for a traditional Bhutanese experience.
Overnight at a farmhouse

Drive through scenic landscapes to Trongsa, with stops for birdwatching. Trongsa offers great habitats for birds like Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler and Rufous-bellied Eagle. Visit Trongsa Dzong and the Royal Heritage Museum.
Overnight in Trongsa

Travel to Zhemgang, with birdwatching stops in dense forests. Spot rare species like the White-bellied Heron and the Golden Langur. Stay in a tented camp.
Overnight in a tented camp

Explore birding spots in Tingtibi, including subtropical and mossy forests. Spot birds like the Beautiful Nuthatch, Crested Honey Buzzard, and Rufous-necked Hornbill. Stay in a tented camp.
Overnight in a tented camp

Drive to Bumthang, making stops for birdwatching. Look for Rose Finch, Rufous-breasted Accentor, and more.
Overnight in Bumthang

Spot Monal Pheasant and Satyr Tragopan around Bumthang. Visit sacred Me-Bar Tsho (Burning Lake) and Tang nunnery. Explore Ugyen Choling Palace and a sheep farm, and visit Red Panda Brewery.
Overnight in Bumthang

Fly from Bumthang to Paro. Visit Chencho Handicraft for local handicrafts and explore Paro town. Visit Kichu Lhakang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
Overnight in Paro

Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), clinging to a cliff. If needed, ride a horse to a viewpoint and walk the rest of the way. Enjoy lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria with views of the monastery. Free time in Paro for shopping.
Overnight in Paro

After breakfast, gradually make your way to the airport. The team at Himalayan Gateway Travel wishes you a wonderful life ahead and hopes to see you again in the future. In Bhutan, we never say goodbye, believing we’ll meet again. Take care until next time.