Customized 10-Day Bhutan Family Tour from Paro (Private)

Day 1: Arrival in Paro, Transfer to Thimphu for city exploration

1. Paro
   1h
   Welcome to Bhutan! Our experienced guide will meet you at the Paro airport and then transfer you to the capital city Thimphu.
2. 20m
   Afterward, enjoy a 1.5-hour comfortable transfer to Thimphu, with a stop at Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge – locals believe crossing it brings good luck.
3. 40m · Admission ticket included
   Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the city’s spiritual heartbeat with your guide. Our first stop is the National Memorial Chorten, a Tibetan-style stupa.
4. 40m · Admission ticket included
   Next, visit the 51-meter (167-foot) gilded Buddha Dordenma statue, which commands the Thimphu Valley.
5. Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
   40m · Admission ticket included
   We will conclude the day at the Tashichho Dzong, a striking fortress that serves as both the government’s seat and the Central Monastic Body’s summer residence. Later, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel for dinner.

Day 2: Thimphu: Tango Monastery, School of Thirteen Arts and Crafts, and Takin Preserve

1. Tango Buddhist Institute
   1h 30m
   This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel for a 1.5-hour hike to Tango Monastery, one of Bhutan’s premier Buddhist institutions.
2. National Folk Heritage Museum
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Next, we will visit the School of Thirteen Arts and Crafts, where young apprentices learn to preserve traditional crafts like weaving, wood carving, and thangka painting. Our next stop is the Folk Heritage Museum, set in a 150-year-old farmhouse.
3. Motithang Takin Preserve
   2h · Admission ticket included
   After watching Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, from the elevated boardwalks at Royal Takin Preserve Motithang, we’ll conclude the day at the Traditional Paper Making Factory. There, skilled artisans convert raw tree bark into delicate Desho paper. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Day 3: Thimphu - Dochula Pass - Chimi Lhakhang - Punakha Dzong

1. Punakha
   2h 30m
   In this morning, we will take you to Punakha by 2.5 hours drive.
2. Dochula Pass
   30m
   Along the way, we’ll briefly stop at Dochula Pass to see the 108 stupas, which honor Bhutanese soldiers who died in a southern counter.
3. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Once in Punakha, we’ll visit the Chimi Lhakhang, a temple over 600 years old dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, revered as the fertility saint.
4. Punakha Dzong
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Later, let’s head to Punakha Dzong. Inside, admire the beautifully carved wooden windows, intricate auspicious decorations, and murals in the central tower.
5. Punakha Suspension Bridge
   30m
   Then, let’s relax on the nearby suspension bridge. After capturing a stunning sunset, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel.

Day 4: Punakha - Rinchengang Village - Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley - Gangtey Monastery

1. 2h
   After meeting your guide and driver at your hotel, enjoy a 3-hour private transfer to Phobjikha Valley in Gangtey. We’ll make a brief stop at Rinchengang Village en route, renowned for its stone masonry.
2. Gangtey Monastery
   2h · Admission ticket included
   When we arrive, we’ll visit the Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingma Tibetan Buddhist school in Bhutan. Inside, you can admire vibrant murals, mystical ritual weapons, and the priceless Lotus Hat of Guru Rinpoche, the ‘precious master’ who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel for a soothing night.

Day 5: Gangtey Nature Trail Hike & Black-necked Crane Center; Drive to Trongsa

1. 1h
   After breakfast, your guide will lead you on a nearly 1-hour hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail.
2. 1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Later, we’ll visit the Black-necked Crane Information Center to learn about Bhutan’s national bird. Next, let’s meet with children and teachers at Gangtey Primary School.
3. 30m
   After that, your guide and driver will then escort you on a 5- to 6-hour drive to Trongsa, crossing the Pele La Pass and stopping briefly at the stupa Chendebji Chorten. Upon arrival at your hotel in Trongsa, rest early to recover from the long journey.

Day 6: Visit Trongsa Dzong & Local Weaving Center; Transfer to Bumthang

1. Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
   2h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Kick off your day with a visit to Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest fortress-monastery, accompanied by your guide and driver. We will walk through its complex of courtyards, corridors, and temples and enjoy stunning views of the Mangde River valley below.
2. Bumthang
   4h
   Our journey will then continue with a 4-hour drive to Bumthang. Along the way, we’ll stop at a local weaving center to watch women expertly hand-weave ‘yathra’ on horizontal looms. Finally, your guide and driver will help you check into your hotel in Bumthang.

Day 7: Bumthang Highlights with Tibetan Buddhist Sacred Sites

1. 1h
   Bumthang, considered the spiritual core of Bhutanese Tibetan Buddhism, hosts many ancient sacred sites. After meeting at your hotel, your guide and driver will escort you to explore these sites, beginning with Kurje Lhakhang, a large monastery complex.
2. Jakar Dzong
   1h
   Nearby, you can visit Jambey Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built by Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo (617-650 AD).
3. Jakar Dzong
   1h
   Afterward, visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative heart of Bumthang. Later, enjoy a leisurely walk with your guide through the nearby village and browse local handicraft shops.
4. 1h
   Our afternoon tour will include a visit to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery, which houses about 400 monks. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Day 8: Fly from Bumthang to Paro: Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) & Rinpung Dzong

1. Paro
   30m
   In the morning, your guide and driver will see you off at Bumthang Airport for a 25-minute flight to Paro.
2. Ta Dzong Museum
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Upon landing, your Paro guide and driver will escort you to your hotel. After a brief rest, we’ll visit Ta Dzong, situated on a mountaintop. Originally a strategic watchtower, it now functions as the National Museum.
3. Rinpung Dzong
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Next, continue our visit to Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, the administrative and religious center of Paro. After that, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Day 9: Paro one day tour with Taktsang

1. Paro Taktsang
   3h · Admission ticket included
   This morning, gear up for a memorable hike with your guide to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Put on your hiking boots; we’ll begin with a one-hour trek through dense forest to a cafe halfway up the mountain for a quick rest. The next hour involves climbing higher along a zigzagging mountain trail. Once at the top, explore the monastery complex, with its multiple chambers, monks’ quarters, caves connected by wooden corridors, ladders, and tunnels.
2. Kyichu Lhakhang
   2h 30m · Admission ticket included
   After descending the mountain, continue with your guide to Kyichu Lhakhang, Bhutan’s oldest temple. We'll conclude the day with a stroll through Paro Old Town. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Day 10: Departure from Paro, Airport see-off

1. Paro
   1h
   Your Bhutan holiday ends today. Our guide will see you off at the airport. Wish you a nice trip!

Pickup details

Your guide will pick you up at the airport hall and transfer you to Thimphu city.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels