Rivers & Dzongs of Bhutan Itinerary

Day 1 – Fly Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan; Visit the Rinpung Dzong

If possible, it is a good idea to arrive in Bangkok a couple of days early to explore the city and adjust to the new time zone. You are responsible for lodging and meals while in Bangkok. Fly into Paro (7200 feet), taking in the majestic views of the eastern Himalayas as you descend into the narrow Paro Valley. This picturesque town of traditional houses nestles amid more than 100 historic sites and monasteries.

We will meet the guides as you exit the airport and visit the Rinpung Dzong (ancient fortress). After lunch we’ll visit Kyichu Lhakhang (monastery).

Night at hotel (L,D)

Day 2 – Raft the Paro Chhu, Travel to Thimphu

After breakfast we raft a beautiful Himalayan stream, the Paro Chhu. Along the way, we’ll stop at a famous iron bridge built by a Tibetan monk in the 14th century.

This afternoon we drive an hour east to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu, located at 7,656 feet in the Wang Chhu Valley. We’ll check into our hotel and visit the largest sitting Buddha in the world.

If time permits, we may also visit the local textile museum, the National Library, or the National Memorial Chorten.

Night at hotel (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Drive over Dochu La, Temple of the Divine Madman

We spend the morning enjoying the cafes, shops, and ancient-meets-21st-century streets of Thimphu before traveling by bus over Dochu La pass (10,300 feet) and into the Punakha Valley (4000 feet).

Before checking into our hotel, we’ll hike through lush rice fields to the Temple of the Divine Madman. This monastery decorated with giant phalluses was built in 1499 to honor a local folk hero, Drukpa Kunley. Here you can participate in an ancient fertility ceremony.

Night at hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Raft the Pho Chhu, Visit Punakha Dzong

We hike up the fertile Pho Chhu Valley and then raft to its confluence with the Mo Chhu at the famous Punakha Dzong. This glacial river has beautiful blue water and fun Class II and III rapids.

After lunch, we visit the famous Punakha Dzong. This fortress was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637-38. It is one of Bhutan’s most attractive landmarks and has survived six fires, two glacial lake outbursts, and one massive earthquake. It was built at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and the Pho Chhu, which is considered an auspicious location. The Punakha Dzong was the site of the coronation of Sir Ugyen Wangchuck as the first hereditary monarch of Bhutan in 1907. More recently, the coronation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the 5th King of Bhutan, was held here on October 31, 2008.

Night at hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Drive over Pele La to Trongsa, Visit Trongsa Dzong

We drive 4 hours over the 11,200 foot Pele La pass to Trongsa (6900 feet). Upon arrival we’ll check into our hotel and then visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong in Bhutan.

Night at hotel (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Drive to Bumthang, Visit Jakar Dzong

We drive 2 hours over the 11,350 foot Yutong La Pass to the beautiful Bumthang Valley (8400 feet). In the afternoon we’ll tour the Jakar Dzong, a fortress perched high above the valley.

Night at Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Raft the Chamkar Chhu, Visit Jambay Lhakang

We begin our day by paddling the Chamkar Chhu through its beautiful gorge. In the afternoon we visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the two oldest Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan.

Night at Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Fly Bumthang to Paro, Hike to Taktsang (the Tiger’s Nest)

In the morning we catch a domestic flight from Bumthang back to Paro. After lunch we hike up to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest).

Taktsang is probably the most recognizable site in Bhutan, perched precariously on a cliff-face 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Mythology says that Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a flying tigress, which was actually one of his consorts in disguise, and landed here in the 8th century. The guru meditated in caves on the cliff and would eventually spread tantric Buddhism throughout Bhutan.

Night at Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Fly from Paro to Bangkok

Fly from Paro to Bangkok. Spend a few days in Bangkok, or head directly home the following day.