Day One: Fly into Paro, drive to Thimphu – The stunning city and the only Capital in the world without traffic lights
Day Two: Thimphu – touch down on the various sights in and around; check out the Bhutan Postal Museum, Evolution of Communication Systems in Bhutan, observe young artisans at intricate work, immerse in the colors of the weekend market
Day Three: Gangtey (Phobjikha) – valley of the sacred Black Necked Crane
Day Four: Punakha – Summer residence of the Monastic Body, Chimi Lhakhang- temple of Fertility, beautiful Lavenders in full bloom (seasonal)
Day Five: Explore Punakha- option for white water rafting (chargeable activity) with visit to a local Bhutanese family
Day Six: Paro – Don’t miss out on the oldest cantilever bridge that you will come cross to while visiting the fascinating architecture of the Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang – one of the most revered temples perpetually bearing oranges
Day Seven: Paro – Chele la pass, Kila Goemba Nunnery, Dzongkdrakha Temple
Day Eight: Paro- Hike to the Tiger’s Nest – Exhilarating task of 2hrs climb and another 1.5hr retrieving steps
Day Nine: International Departure
Day One: Arrive in Paro (2,300m) – Thimphu (2,400m)
Upon arrival in Paro, you are met by local tour company staff and transferred to Thimphu in a private vehicle – 1 hr. 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 (L/D)
Day Two: Thimphu Sightseeing
Full day tour of Thimphu’s cultural sites and monuments including TashichoDzong, 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 (B/L/D)Day Three: Thimphu – Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley (3,000m)
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 (B/L/D)
Day Four: Gangtey – Wangdue (1,310m) – Punakha (1,200m)
In the morning, take a short easy walk in the valley and also visit the Nature information centre. One of the main attractions of the valley is the endangered black-necked crane, which reside in Phobjikha from late October till March. Later drive back and descend into sub-tropical valley of Punakha – Wangdue (2-3hrs). Visit the township of Wangdue and its massive fortress. In the evening, take a short easy walk to see ChimiLhakhang temple, which is through a small village.
Overnight in hotel (B/L/D)
Day Five: Explore Full day in Punakha
Today you have the option for white water rafting (chargeable activity) which depends on your interest from mild to rapid (please check with your local tour operator for details).
In the afternoon, visit a local farm house and experience Bhutanese life with a local family.
Overnight at Hotel (B/L/D)
Day Six: 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 KhamsumYuelleyChorten. 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.
The popular attractions within Paro include visiting RinpungDzong, National Museum, temples of Kichu and Dungtse, visiting local home and the stroll around the township.
Overnight in hotel (B/L/D)
Day Seven: 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 Gompa 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 DzongdrakhaGompa.
Overnight in Paro (B/L/D)
Day Eight: Paro Valley – Tiger’s Nest Hike
Today we will take up the day excursion to famous Taktsang or Tiger’s nest monastery. We can arrange pony ride (chargeable) for the uphill part but you must be able to walk down hill (not recommended). This is expected to take all day. If for some reason, you wish skip Taktsang, our Guide and driver can arrange other interesting alternatives based on your interest. Return to Paro for farewell dinner.
Overnight in Paro (B/L/D)
Day Eight: International Departure (B)
Transfer to Paro Airport in time for your departure flight
Tashi Delek (Thank you for choosing to travel with us)