Arrival in Paro, Bhutan

• Touch down in Paro! Representative from Bhutan Mystical Tours will receive you in the airport. Drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

• On the way see Tamchog Monastery built by Thangthong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder who came to Bhutan in 1433 looking for Iron Ore. He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which 8 were built in Bhutan. 

• On reaching Thimphu, drive uphill to Kuensel Phodrang where sits a massive sized Statue of Buddha Dordenma. It is made of bronze and is 169 ft. tall. You can get a spectacular view of Thimphu valley from this point.

• Next, visit to National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

• Later, head to Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), which houses the throne room of the king and the offices of the government.

• Overnight in Thimphu

Explore Thimphu – The Capital of Bhutan

• Dive deeper into the Thimphu city. Your day begins with a visit to the National Zoo which where the Takins, Bhutan’s national animal is preserved.

• While returning, you may visit to Dupthop Lhakhang which is known to be one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

• Visit the National Library to see a vast collection of ancient texts and scriptures. The library is a treasure trove for those interested in Bhutanese history and culture. 

• Later visit the National institute for Zorig Choesum (13 traditional arts) the painting School is on your next list. Bhutanese tradition has been preserved through painting and sculptures. Thangkas, the sacred Buddhist religious scrolls are either painted or embroidered on high-quality fabrics.

• Walk for a minute to Folk Heritage Museum which offers visitors the Bhutanese folk heritage and craftsmanship of Bhutan’s rural past. 

• Driving further to the city, visit National Postal Museum, which is worth a visit for you can get your own picture on Bhutanese stamp right then and there. Get a photo clicked then and there or give a photo of your dear ones and you will get personalized stamps in 5 minutes.

• Explore Centenary Farmers Market if you’re there on a weekend, this bustling market is a great place to experience local life and try fresh produce.

• Overnight in Thimphu

Explore Punakha – The Ancient Capital 

• Take a scenic drive to Punakha, En route, stop at the Dochula Pass (3116m) for panoramic views of the magnificent range of the Higher Himalayas.

• Visit the Royal Botanical Garden, the Royal Botanical Park, also known as the Rhododendron Garden at Lamperi, located half hour drive towards Punakha/Wangdue valleys. 

• On reaching Punakha, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley also known as “The Divine Madman”, in the year 1499. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.

• Visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River). War materials captured during the various battles with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha served as a capital of Bhutan till the year of 1955.

• In the evening, walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 m). The bridge is the longest of its kind and connects the two sides of the Pho chu river. 

• Overnight in Punakha

The Beautiful Gangtey – Land of Black Necked Crane

• As you leave Punakha, the road ascends through the picturesque valleys of the Wangdue Phodrang district. 

• On reaching, visit Gangtey Gompa founded in 1613. It is a Nyingma monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingma monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang.

• Explore the beautiful Gangtey valley, where you will be able to see the rare, Black-Necked Crane, especially during wintertime.

• For more information on this magnificent bird, you can also visit the Crane Information center, under the supervision of the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature.

• The farmhouse stay in Phobjikha is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the serene beauty of the valley. It will allow you to experience traditional Bhutanese hospitality with home-cooked meals made from fresh, local ingredients. Spend time with the family, learning about their way of life, participating in farming activities, traditional crafts, or even cooking sessions.

• Although the Ura Yakchoe Festival 2026 is still upcoming, this cultural immersion gives you a deeper understanding of the traditions you’ll witness during the Ura Yakchoe Tshechu in Bumthang.

• Overnight in Gangtay

Explore Trongsa – Heart of Bhutan

• After breakfast approach the Pele La Pass, standing at an elevation of 3,390 meters. . The pass serves as a natural boundary between the western and central regions of Bhutan.

• En route, visit Trongsa Dzong (fortress), the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong.

• Just a minute from the fortress, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower which currently serves as a museum. Drive further to Bumthang. 

• Continue your journey to Bumthang, the cultural heart of Bhutan, preparing for the upcoming Ura Yakchoe Festival 2026. This scenic drive allows you to experience both the natural beauty and historical richness of central Bhutan before the festival celebrations begin.

• Overnight in Bumthang

Witness the Ura Yakchoe Festival 2026 in Ura Valley

• Today, experience the vibrant Ura Yakchoe Tshechu at Ura Lhakhang. Locals gather in colorful traditional attire to perform mask dances, music, and rituals honoring the Yak, a revered figure in Bhutanese folklore.

• Engage with the community, explore local stalls, and taste authentic Bumthang delicacies. Capture the festival’s energy while learning about the centuries-old traditions that make the Ura Yakchoe Festival 2026 a truly unique cultural celebration. After the festival, return to Chamkhar town and, if time permits, visit Jakar Dzong (“Castle of the White Bird”) and Jambay Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple known for its sacred relics.

• Overnight in Bumthang

Explore Tang Valley and Ogen Choling Palace

• Membar Tsho (“The Burning Lake”): Visit the sacred lake where Terton Pema Lingpa discovered treasures hidden by Guru Rimpoche in the 14th century.

• Tang Valley Exploration: Wander through the serene Tang Valley, enjoying picturesque landscapes and local village life.

• Ogen Choling Palace Museum: Explore the former noble residence turned museum, preserving Bhutanese heritage, lifestyle, and religious practices.

• Cultural Immersion: Interact with locals to deepen your understanding of traditions celebrated during the Ura Yakchoe Festival 2026 and Ura Yakchoe Tshechu.

• Bumthang Brewery Visit (Optional): Sample locally brewed craft beers and learn about Bhutanese brewing techniques.

• Overnight in Bumthang

Bumthang to Paro

• Mountain Flight to Paro: Enjoy a scenic flight over the Himalayas, witnessing Bhutan’s rugged peaks, valleys, and rivers from above.

• Arrival in Paro: Your guide will receive you at Paro International Airport and escort you to your hotel.

• Rimpung Dzong (“Heap of Jewels”): Explore this historic fortress, built in 1646 as the center of administrative and religious authority.

• Ta Dzong / National Museum: Visit the ancient watchtower, now a museum showcasing Bhutanese art, history, and cultural artifacts.

• Drukgyel Dzong: Discover the fortress built in 1644 to commemorate Bhutanese victories over Tibetan invasions.

• Leisure & Photography: Enjoy free time in Paro town for shopping, photography, or sampling local cuisine.

• Overnight in Paro

Hike to Tiger’s Nest 

• Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest): Embark on a scenic trek to this iconic monastery perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley.

• Trekking Experience: Walk through lush pine forests, waterfalls, and prayer flag-lined trails, immersing yourself in Bhutan’s natural beauty.

• Cultural Exploration: Visit the monastery complex, learning about its history, religious significance, and sacred relics.

• Bhutanese Cuisine in Nature: Enjoy a meal amidst the tranquil surroundings, experiencing local flavors in a serene setting.

• Traditional Hot Stone Bath (Optional): Relax and rejuvenate after the hike with a Bhutanese hot stone bath, a unique wellness tradition.

• Souvenir Shopping in Paro: Explore local handicrafts and pick up authentic Bhutanese souvenirs.

• Overnight in Paro.

• Our guide will drop you at Paro international airport as per your flight schedule. Farewell for your onwards journey.