Tour Overview
Discover an ancient Himalayan kingdom, closed off from the world for centuries and shrouded in myth and legend. Walk through valleys under soaring peaks, along roaring rivers to ancient temples and dzong – fortresses, where traditional beliefs and ways of life remain unaffected by the modern world.
Highlights:
Day 1: Arrive Paro, drive to Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 3: Thimphu – Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley
Day 4: Gangtey – Wangdue – Punakha
Day 5: Punakha -Thimphu- Paro
Day 6: Paro Valley Tour
Day 7: Paro Valley – Tiger’s Nest
Day 8: Departure
Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Thimphu
Upon arrival in Paro, you are met by local tour company staff and transferred to Thimphu in a private vehicle – (2 hrs with stop). Along the way, you can stop in several places according to your interest. After lunch, visit different sights and attractions of Thimphu.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Full day tour of Thimphu’s cultural sites and monuments including Tashicho Dzong, Traditional Art School, Markets, Indigenous Hospital, Nunnery, Takin Sanctuary. Our guide can also change the tour to incorporate your interest and you may visit as much or as little. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Thimphu – Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley
Drive across the spectacular Dochu La Pass to Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley (5 hr). The scenery is stunning and ever-changing, as the road climbs and descends. Along the way, you can stop at several places. Upon arrival, visit ancient Gangtey Gompa Monastery and take a short walk to visit local homes. Overnight in hotel.
Day 4: Gangtey – Wangdue – Punakha
In the morning, take a short easy walk in the valley and also visit the Crane Information Centre. One of the main attractions of the valley is the endangered black-necked crane, which resides in Phobjikha from late October till March. Later drive back and descend into sub-tropical valley of Punakha – Wangdue (3.5hrs). Visit the township of Wangdue and it’s fortress which is under a huge renovation after the massive fire. Enroute, take a short easy walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang temple, which is through a small cluster of villages.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 5: Punakha -Thimphu- Paro
In the morning, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong at the confluence of Pho and Mochu rivers. If you wish, you can also take a short (40 minute each way) walk to visit Khamsum Yuelley Chorten. On the return drive to Thimphu, we spend some time below Dochula pass to explore the botanical park and nearby surrounding for birds for diverse flora. Lunch could be planned at Dochula pass. After descending into Thimphu, continue short drive to Paro. Overnight in hotel.
Day 6: Paro Valley Tour
If you are interested more in the walks and to visit off-the-beaten sights, your guide can take you for drive up to Chele pass and hike to Kila Goemba nunnery. Along the way, you will also pass through wonderful forests. Also short distance from Paro in Bondey village, you can take a short walk to visit Dzongdrakha Goemba. The popular attractions within Paro include the Rinphung Dzong, National Museum,Kyichu and visiting local home and the stroll around the township. Overnight in Paro.
Day 7: Paro Valley – Tiger’s Nest Hike
Today will be day excursion to the famous Taktsang or Tiger’s nest monastery. We can arrange pony ride (chargeable) for the uphill part but you must walk down hill (pony ride not recommended). This is expected to take all day.If for some reason, you wish to skip Taktsang (which is most unlikely), our Guide and driver can arrange other interesting alternatives based on your interest. Return to Paro for farewell dinner. Overnight in Paro.
Day 8: International Departure
Transfer to Paro Airport in time for your departure flight.