Ten days lets you cross the country's central passes into Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, where some of the oldest temples stand in wide, pine-fringed valleys. This central Bhutan itinerary links the western highlights with Phobjikha, Trongsa and two nights in Bumthang, then returns west for the Tiger's Nest hike.
It is a journey with more time in the car than our shorter plans, but the roads pass through some of the most varied scenery in the country, and the central valleys see far fewer visitors than Paro and Thimphu. As always, the route below is a template that we shape around your dates, interests and preferred pace.
The 10 day route at a glance
- Day 1: Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu
- Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing
- Day 3: Over Dochula Pass to Punakha
- Day 4: Punakha to Phobjikha
- Day 5: Phobjikha to Trongsa
- Day 6: Trongsa to Bumthang
- Day 7: Bumthang temples
- Day 8: Bumthang to Punakha or Thimphu (or fly to Paro)
- Day 9: Drive to Paro, Paro valley
- Day 10: Tiger's Nest hike, departure the next morning
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu
Meet your guide at Paro airport and drive to Thimphu, about an hour. Spend a gentle afternoon at the Memorial Chorten and in the town.
Day 2: Thimphu
Visit Buddha Dordenma, the Folk Heritage Museum and a craft workshop, and Tashichho Dzong in the late afternoon. Our Thimphu page has more ideas.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula
Stop at Dochula Pass for the 108 chortens and mountain views, then descend to Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong and walk to Chimi Lhakhang.
Day 4: Punakha to Phobjikha
Cross the Punakha suspension bridge in the morning, then drive to the Phobjikha Valley. Visit Gangtey Monastery and walk part of the nature trail. In winter, the black-necked cranes feed on the valley floor.
Day 5: Phobjikha to Trongsa
Cross Pele La into central Bhutan, stopping at Chendebji Chorten along the way. The drive takes around four hours. In the afternoon visit Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest dzongs in the country, spread along a ridge above a deep river gorge. Trongsa has a special place in Bhutanese history as the ancestral seat of the royal family.
Day 6: Trongsa to Bumthang
In the morning visit Ta Dzong, the old watchtower above Trongsa Dzong, now a museum about the monarchy. Then cross Yotong La to Bumthang, about two and a half to three hours. Settle into Jakar and, if there is time, walk up to Jakar Dzong above the town.
Day 7: Bumthang temples
A full day among the valley's ancient temples, covered in detail in our Bumthang temples guide. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, traditionally dated to the seventh century, and Kurjey Lhakhang, linked with Guru Rinpoche. Cross the river on foot to Tamshing Lhakhang, then drive to Membartsho, the Burning Lake, a pool in the Tang river gorge that is a place of pilgrimage. Try local buckwheat dishes and Bumthang cheese in the evening.
Day 8: Leaving Bumthang
This is the longest day on the road: the drive back west to Punakha or Thimphu takes around seven to eight hours with stops, crossing the central passes again. Alternatively, domestic flights connect Bathpalathang airport in Bumthang with Paro on some days. Schedules change by season, so we check them for your dates and include the flight in your quote if it works.
Day 9: To Paro
Continue to Paro (or, if you flew yesterday, enjoy a full day here). Visit Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum at Ta Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Our Paro page lists more options for a free afternoon.
Day 10: Tiger's Nest hike
End the trip at Paro Taktsang. Allow four to six hours for the round trip and read our Tiger's Nest hike guide beforehand. Fly out the next morning.
Who this itinerary suits
- Travellers who want to see more than the western valleys
- Those interested in Buddhist history and old temples
- Visitors who enjoy long scenic drives and do not mind early starts
- Repeat visitors who have already seen Paro, Thimphu and Punakha
Best time to go
Autumn, from late September to November, gives the clearest views over the central passes. Spring brings rhododendrons along Pele La and Yotong La. Bumthang hosts several important festivals, including Jambay Lhakhang Drup in autumn, and dates follow the lunar calendar, so check our festival calendar. Winter is cold in Bumthang but often sunny, and the cranes are in Phobjikha. During the summer monsoon, landslides can slow the central road, so we build in extra time. See our best season guide.
Pace and driving
This is a road journey through the mountains. Expect three to four hours of driving on most travelling days, and seven to eight hours on the return from Bumthang if you drive. The roads are winding and climb over passes of more than 3,000 metres, but your driver stops often, and the views change constantly. If you would like to avoid the long drive back, ask us to check the domestic flight from Bathpalathang.
How to extend this trip
- Add a third night in Bumthang for the Tang or Ura valleys, or a short day hike.
- Add Haa: a day trip over Chele La from Paro, covered in our Haa Valley guide.
- Go further east towards Mongar and Trashigang with two or three more days, then exit by road. Ask us about this route.
- Shorter: our 7 day itinerary covers the west and Phobjikha without Bumthang.
Where you stay
Overnight stops are usually Thimphu (two nights), Punakha, Phobjikha, Trongsa, Bumthang (two nights), Punakha or Thimphu again, and Paro. Hotels in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro cover every level of comfort. In Trongsa and Bumthang the choice is smaller and simpler, though there are comfortable lodges in Jakar, and many guesthouses use wood stoves for heating. Farmhouse stays in Bumthang are a good way to see village life and try home-cooked buckwheat pancakes and local cheese. We tell you honestly where options are limited and book early for festival dates.
What is included is in your quote
We do not publish fixed package prices because every trip is built around your dates, hotels, group size and pace. Your written quote lists exactly what is included, typically the guide, the car and driver, hotels, meals, permits and the SDF, and anything that is not included, so you can compare like with like. For a quick ballpark first, try our trip cost calculator. The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is currently USD 100 per adult per night for most nationalities, a rate confirmed until 31 August 2027, and INR 1,200 per person per night for Indian nationals. Fees can change, so we confirm the current rates for your dates when we quote.
Practical tips
- Bumthang and Phobjikha are cold in the evenings for much of the year; bring warm layers. See our packing list.
- ATMs are mostly in larger towns; carry some cash. Our money guide explains the options.
- Mobile coverage is good in towns but patchy on the passes. See our SIM and wifi guide.
- Try the local food in each region. Our Bhutanese food guide helps you order.
Thinking about central Bhutan? Message us on WhatsApp +975 17661648 or email [email protected]. We reply with a tailored itinerary and quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough to see Bhutan?
Ten days is enough for western Bhutan, Phobjikha and Bumthang at a steady pace. Eastern Bhutan needs several more days.
Can we fly back from Bumthang to Paro?
Domestic flights operate between Bathpalathang in Bumthang and Paro on some days. Schedules change by season, so we check them for your dates before including a flight.
How long is the drive from Bumthang to Paro?
It is a long journey, usually broken into two days with a night in Punakha or Thimphu. The first stretch from Bumthang to Punakha takes around seven to eight hours with stops.
What is special about Bumthang?
Bumthang is home to some of the oldest temples in Bhutan, including Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, and has strong links to Guru Rinpoche. The valleys are wide, quiet and good for walking.
Is the road through central Bhutan safe?
Yes. Our drivers know the road well, and we adjust plans if weather or road works cause delays. In the monsoon we allow extra time.
Can Indian travellers do this route?
Yes. Indian nationals need an entry permit, route permits for districts beyond Thimphu and Paro, and a licensed guide under current rules. We arrange them.
How much does a 10 day trip cost?
Costs depend on hotels, season, group size and whether you take a domestic flight. Our calculator gives a ballpark, and we send a written quote that lists what is included.
Can we add a festival?
Yes. Bumthang and Trongsa hold several festivals each year. Check our festival calendar and we will reshape the route around the dates.
