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Paro to Bumthang with a Guide and Driver: 9-Day Plan You Can Actually Do

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The 9-day version for October: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 7-day plan · 9-day plan · best time to go.

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9
days
300 km
distance
10.6 h
in transit
31
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Paro

1 curated stops
Transit
none
Finish
~15:00
Temperature
2.2°C–12.0°C
Rainy days
~7
Daylight
11.3h
09:00
Taktsang Monastery read more map ↗
Gaze at a monastery perched precariously on a towering cliff.
300 min · Paro
open: Daily, 8AM-4PM
14:00
Sonam Trophel Restaurant search
Relish authentic Bhutanese, Nepalese, and Indian cuisine in a cozy setting.
60 min · Paro
open: 10AM-8:30PM. Tu-Sun
Overnight here
e.g. Hotel Holiday Inn · Aman Resort
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 2 Around Paro

3 curated stops
Transit
0h54
Finish
~13:30
Temperature
2.2°C–12.0°C
Rainy days
~7
Daylight
11.3h
09:00
National Museum of Bhutan nationalmuseum.gov.bt read more map ↗
See historic artifacts and indigenous flora and fauna in a watch tower.
50 min · Paro
10:00
Rinpung Dzong read more map ↗
Admire the construction of this fortress from 1646.
50 min · Paro
11:40
Drukgyel Dzong read more map ↗
Explore ruins of a fortress commemorating a historic victory.
50 min · Paro
12:30
Hotel Tandin search
Savor fresh momo and Bhutanese dishes in the main town.
60 min · Paro
Overnight here
e.g. Hotel Holiday Inn · Aman Resort
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 3 Thimphu

3 curated stops
Transit
1h18
Finish
~13:55
Temperature
2.2°C–12.0°C
Rainy days
~7
Daylight
11.3h
09:55
Tashichho Dzong read more map ↗
See a historic dzong housing both monastic and civil bodies.
50 min · Thimphu
10:55
Zangthoperi Lhakhang bhutan.travel read more map ↗
Appreciate impressive murals in a temple on a historic battlefield.
50 min · Thimphu
12:05
Simtokha Dzong read more map ↗
Visit the first dzong in unified Bhutan housing a language institute.
50 min · Thimphu
12:55
Hayate Ramen search map ↗
Experience authentic ramen and sushi in a Japanese-style decor.
60 min · Thimphu
open: 11:00-21:00 (closed Tu)
Overnight here
e.g. Hotel Ghasel · Hotel Tandin
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 4 Around Thimphu

3 curated stops
Transit
0h12
Finish
~14:00
Temperature
2.2°C–12.0°C
Rainy days
~7
Daylight
11.3h
09:00
The Royal Textile Museum rtabhutan.org map ↗
Admire exquisite Bhutanese textiles spanning centuries.
50 min · Thimphu · Nu 150
open: M-Sa 09:00-16:00
10:30
National Folk Heritage Museum search map ↗
Discover rural life in a traditional house with cultural shows.
50 min · Thimphu · Nu 150
open: M-F 10:30-16:30, Sa 10:30-13:00, Su 11:30-15:30
11:30
The National Library search map ↗
Explore rare Buddhist texts and English books on Bhutanese culture.
90 min · Thimphu
open: M–F 09:30–13:00, 14:00–17:00
13:00
The Seasons Restaurant Pizzeria search map ↗
Enjoy authentic pizza and Italian salads on an outdoor patio.
60 min · Thimphu
open: W-M
Overnight here
e.g. Hotel Ghasel · Hotel Tandin
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 5 Punakha

3 curated stops
Transit
2h01
Finish
~14:40
Temperature
3.8°C–14.7°C
Rainy days
~8
Daylight
11.3h
10:25
Punakha Dzong read more
Behold the majestic fortress at the rivers' confluence.
50 min · Punakha
11:30
Chimi Lhakhang read more map ↗
Admire scenic paddy fields and serene monastery views.
50 min · Punakha
12:50
Punakha Suspension Bridge read more map ↗
Feel the gentle sway as you watch the river flow below.
50 min · Punakha
13:40
Bridge View Restaurant search map ↗
Relish dumplings, pasta, and fresh juices in a cozy setting.
60 min · Punakha
open: 24 hours daily
Overnight here
e.g. Damchen Resort · Zhingkham Resort
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 6 Phobjikha Valley

2 curated stops
Transit
1h56
Finish
~12:40
Temperature
3.8°C–14.7°C
Rainy days
~8
Daylight
11.3h
10:40
Gangteng Monastery read more map ↗
Connect with ancient Nyingma traditions in quiet reflection.
50 min · Phobjikha Valley
11:50
Khewang Lhakhang search map ↗
Discover a small monastery with deep historical roots.
50 min · Phobjikha Valley
Overnight here
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 7 Bumthang (Jakar)

3 curated stops
Transit
3h24
Finish
~16:00
Temperature
3.0°C–14.1°C
Rainy days
~9
Daylight
11.3h
11:50
Mebartsho read more map ↗
Stand where Pema Lingpa retrieved treasures with a burning lamp.
50 min · Bumthang (Jakar)
13:05
Jakar Dzong read more map ↗
Marvel at one of Bhutan's largest and most impressive fortresses.
50 min · Bumthang (Jakar)
14:10
Kurjey Lhakhang read more
Venerate the cave imprint of Guru Rinpoche in this holy site.
50 min · Bumthang (Jakar)
15:00
Himalayan Pizza search map ↗
Savor authentic pizza and spaghetti crafted by a local chef.
60 min · Bumthang (Jakar)
open: Daily 09:00-21:00
Overnight here
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 8 Around Bumthang (Jakar)

3 curated stops
Transit
0h24
Finish
~13:00
Temperature
3.0°C–14.1°C
Rainy days
~9
Daylight
11.3h
09:00
Tamshing Lhakhang read more
Admire centuries-old frescoes and a historic metal chain suit.
50 min · Bumthang (Jakar)
10:05
Wangduecholing Palace search
Step into the history of Bhutan’s first two kings and their court.
50 min · Bumthang (Jakar) · Nu.550
open: Daily 10:00–17:30
11:10
Chakhar Lhakhang search
Visit the site of Sindhu Raja’s iron palace and spiritual legacy.
50 min · Bumthang (Jakar)
12:00
Tashi Restaurant search
Relish simple, flavorful local dishes like ema datshi and momos.
60 min · Bumthang (Jakar)
Overnight here
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 9 Around Bumthang (Jakar)

3 curated stops
Transit
0h24
Finish
~12:00
Temperature
3.0°C–14.1°C
Rainy days
~9
Daylight
11.3h
09:00
Jambey Lhakhang search
Witness a monastery said to have been built in one night by a king.
50 min · Bumthang (Jakar)
10:05
Lhodrak Kharchhu Lhakhang search
Experience teachings from a respected local master in a serene setting.
50 min · Bumthang (Jakar)
11:10
Zangtopelri Lhakhang search
Contemplate a mandala dedicated to Guru Rinpoche’s mountain.
50 min · Bumthang (Jakar)

🔍 Check before you book

Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

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