Historic Central Bhutan Valleys Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival at Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

Arrive at Paro Airport. Our guide will receive you upon arrival. After lunch proceed  to Thimphu. Evening at leisure.
overnight Thimphu

Day 2:
Thimphu

Full-day sightseeing in Thimphu Valley. visits includes: National Library, which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion; Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; National Institute of Traditional Medicine, where the medicinal herbs abundant in the kingdom are compounded and dispensed, and traditional medical practitioners are trained; National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy; Tashichhodzong: This impressive fortress houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body; Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3:
Thimphu – Punakha

Drive to Punakha, en route Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. on a clear day  the following peaks can be sighted from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Over Night Punakha.

Day 4:
Punakha - Wangdue – Trongsa
Drive Early to Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Then Proceed to Trongsa via Pele La pass (3,300 m). Visit Chendebji Chorten (a Buddhist stupa in built in Nepalese style) on the way.
Over Night  Trongsa.

Day 5:
Trongsa – Bumthang
Visit Trongsa Ta-Dzong (Watch Tower) and Trongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang across Yotong La pass (3,400 m). Free afternoon for exploring the picturesque Bumthang valley on your own.
Over Night Bumthang.

Day 6:
Bumthang Valley
Full day sightseeing of Bumthang valley, visit Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang (8th Century) , Kurje Monastery (8th Century) and Tamshing Lhakhang (15th Century).
Over Night Bumthang.

Day 7:
Bumthang to Gantey/Phobjikha
Drive back to Trongsa. Then proceed to Gantey/Phobjikha. Evening free to take a stroll in the wide, open valley, meet locals or watch Black Necked Cranes (only in winter though).
Over Night Gantey

Day 8:
Gantey/Phobjikha to Thimphu
After breakfast visit Gantey Monastery. Then drive to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang.
Over Night: Thimphu

Day 9:
Thimphu to Paro
Morning drive to Paro. Enroute visits Semtokha Dzong (oldest dzong in Bhutan). After lunch, visit 8th century Kichu Monastery. Drive to Ta-Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and visit Paro's local market.
Over Night  Paro

Day 10:
Paro Valley Sightseeing
After breakfast drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (the Fortress where Drukpas won over joint Tibetan-Mongol
Invasions in 1700s). Along the way, one can view the sacred Mount Jhomolhari (7,314m) – The abode of the Goddess Jhomo. Drive back to Satsam Chorten and then hike up(optional) to view the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) built on the face of 1000 m rock cliff.
Over Night: Paro.

Day 11:
Depart from Paro
TDrive to Paro airport for your onward departure