Matsutake Festival

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

Arrive at Paro, the only international airport in Bhutan. Once you complete immigration and customs, you will be greeted by your guide and driver, and they will transfer you to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day exploring Paro town, getting a feel for the local culture and architecture. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Bhutan, located in a former watchtower above the Paro Dzong. Then, explore the Paro Dzong, a fortress-monastery that serves as the administrative center of Paro district.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Visit the Buddha Dordenma, the largest statue of Buddha in the world. You will also visit the National Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the Traditional Art School, and the Folk Heritage Museum.

DAY 03: Thimphu – Trongsa 

After breakfast, depart Thimphu and drive to Trongsa, a town located in central Bhutan. En route, stop at Dochula Pass for panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range. You will also visit Chendebji Chorten, an ancient stupa built in the 18th century. Check-in at your hotel in Trongsa and spend the night.

DAY 04: Trongsa to Bumthang

After breakfast, you will visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan that also served as the ancestral home of the Bhutanese royal family. You will also visit the Ta Dzong, a watchtower that has been converted into a museum showcasing the history and culture of Bhutan. After your visit, you will drive to Bumthang and check-in at your hotel. You will spend the night in Bumthang.

DAY 05: Bumthang Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore Bumthang. You can visit the Jakar Dzong, a fortress-monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and the Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. You can also visit the Tamshing Lhakhang, a temple founded in the 16th century by Pema Lingpa, a famous Bhutanese saint. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.

DAY 06: Bumthang (Matsutake Festival)

After breakfast attend Matsutake Festival, held annually in Ura Valley in Bumthang and take part in various cultural activities such as traditional dances and songs. Taste local delicacies made with Matsutake mushrooms, which are rare and prized in the region. You can participate in activities such as hiking, mushroom hunting, and cooking demonstrations. Overnight at your hotel in Bumthang.

DAY 07: Bumthang  – Gangtey

 After breakfast, drive to Gangtey, a town located in the Phobjikha Valley. On the way, you will visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to learn about the endangered Black-Necked Crane that migrates to the Phobjikha Valley during winter. You will check-in at your hotel in Gangtey and spend the night.

DAY 08: Gangtey – Punakha

After breakfast, visit the Gangtey Monastery, an important religious site for the followers of the Nyingma school of Buddhism. After your visit, you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. On the way, you will stop at the stunning Punakha Dzong, a fortress-monastery that sits at the confluence of two rivers. You will check-in at your hotel in Punakha and spend the night.

DAY 09: Punakha – Paro
After breakfast, visit the Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, a popular figure in Bhutanese folklore. You will then drive back to Paro, where you will visit the Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery that serves as the administrative center of Paro. You will also visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. You will spend the night at your hotel in Paro.

DAY 10: Tiger’s Nest Hike
After breakfast, hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang. This is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley. The hike takes about 3-4 hours round trip and is considered a must-do for any visitor to Bhutan. In the evening, you can explore Paro town and shop for souvenirs. You will spend the night at your hotel in Paro.

DAY 11: DEPART PARO
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Your memorable journey to Bhutan comes to an end.