10 days Bhutan itinerary for a couple
Day 01: Arrival in Paro to Thimphu (1.5 Hr)
Visit interesting weekend market (Thu-Sun) and explore the city by walk or visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses throne room of His Majesty the King. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m
Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing
In the morning, visit handmade paper mill, School of Arts and crafts or see an archery match. After lunch, drive pass by memorial chorten built in memory of the 3rd King. Visit Buddha viewpoint, Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept and Zilukha Nunnery. Overnight in Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha (3 Hrs)
Drive to warm valley of Punakha over the most beautiful pass in the country called Dochula pass at 3150m. En-route walk through the rice field of Mesina to Chimi Lhakhang, Temple of fertility. Afternoon, visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong, which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. The Dzong, showcase the finest example of the arts and crafts of Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m
Day 04: Punakha to Trongsa (5 Hrs)
Visit Wangdue ruin Dzong. Continue to Trongsa over Pelela Pass at 3300m which forms the part of Black Mountain Range that divides the country into east and west. On arrival in Trongsa, visit Trongsa Dzong which was ancient home of the royals. Evening explore the tiny town on foot. Overnight in Trongsa, altitude 2200m
Day 05: Trongsa – Jakar (3 Hrs)
Visit watch tower which houses a museum now and further drive to Jakar-Bumthang over Yotongla pass at 3400m. Also, visit white bird fortress, Jakar Dzong. Overnight in Jakar, altitude 2650m
Day 06: Jakar sightseeing
Visit Jampay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performed annually. Visit Kurjey temple, the site where the royals were cremated. One can either walk cross the suspension bridge and visit the village of Parar and Tamshing on foot or drive there. End your day with a walk passing by the Swiss farm. Overnight in Jakar
Day 07: Jakar to Phobjikha (6-7 Hrs)
Enjoy the freshness of morning breeze from Chamkhar river. Visit valley of black necked cranes and rhododendron called Phobjikha, often called as Gantey too. Its is a drive crossing two highest passes Yotongla at 3400m and Pelela at 3300m pass before entring into Phobjikha valley. Visit between May to Jun is greeted with beautiful rhododendrons and visit between Nov to Feb gives the chance to see the world rare bird black necked cranes. Visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest and the only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in western Bhutan. Evening take a beautiful gangtey trail which will take about 2 hours one way, walk not recommended for rainy days. Overnight in Phobjikha, altitude 2900m
Day 08: Phobjikha to Paro (6 Hrs)
Visit National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use.Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m
Day 09: Paro sightseeing
Visit Taktsang Monastery or often called Tiger Nest Temple which is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (also known as Guru Padmasambhava) meditated. The eighth century old monastery is perched on a rock overlooking a sheer drop and clings seemingly impossible to a cliff of rock at 900m above the valley floor. Overnight in Paro
Day 10: Fly back from Paro