Trip length- 7 nights/ 8 days
Day 1 – Paro (Arrival)
After your unique experience aboard on flight to Paro affording view of spectacular view of world’s highest summits, you land at Paro International Airport. Our representative will be there to receive and transfer you to Thimphu, the state’s capital at 2, 280m under one hour drive along the banks of Pachhu and Wangchhu. The representative will let you check in the hotel and serve you with the first taste of Bhutanese cuisine. In the evening, you may go for leisurely walk in Thimphu. Overnight in the hotel in Thimphu!
Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast, we start the tour. Visit the Takin enclosure, to see the national animal of Bhutan. Proceed to Kuensel Phodrang and have a sight of Buddha Dordenma Statue, the biggest of its kind in the world. After visiting Heritage Museum and Textile Museum, follow to Trashichhodzong, the throne room and the seat of Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body. Visit National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the late Majesty, the Third King of Bhutan, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Make a short trip to Paper factory where you will get to see the art of Bhutanese traditional paper making. Five miles from the town will reach you to Semtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the Kingdom built in 1629. Never miss an opportunity to visit Centenary Farmers Market, for you will get to herds of people come for market as variety of home grown vegetables will be displayed for sell. Overnight in Thimphu!
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
A drive for two and half hours will reach you to Punakha, the former capital of the country at 1, 300m. On the way, we will stop for a while for Dochula Pass affords scenic view of the Himalayas aside it’s 108 chortens built by Royal Mother Ashi Droji Wangmo Wanchuck to commemorate victory over Indian militants in 2003 and pay tribute to soldiers who lost lives. Upon reaching Punakha, visit the Dzong built in 1637 at the confluence of Mochhu and Phochhu. The fort symbolizes the master piece and uniqueness of Bhutanese architecture. Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten built by Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck.
Day 4 – Punakha to Gangtey
On your way to Gangtey, we stop for a while and make a 20 minute walk across the terraced fields through the village of Sopsokha for Chimi Lhakhang is located on a hillock in the centre of the valley below Mesina. Regarded as the Fertility Temple, the Lhakhang is blessed by the Great saint Drukpa Kuenley, often known as the Divine Madman. Continue you journey and it will take us to Wangdue Phodrang for the district is known for bamboo works and slate and stone carvings. Two and a half hours of drive will reach us to Gangtey at 3, 000m.
Day 5 – Gangtey
Phobjikha valley in which the Gangtey Goemba is located is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Himalayas. Favorable weather condition coupled with suitable environment has made Phobjikha one of the few winter homes of endangered black necked crane numbering around 600 cranes annually. The birds can be seen from November until March. The sacred Gangtey Goemba is the seat of venerable Gangtey Truelku and people from across the country make a visit to the Goemba. Some short hikes in the vicinity of the valley will be arranged for you.
Day 6 – Gangtey to Paro
The three and a half drive from Gangtey towards the west would reach us to Paro, one of the beautiful places in the Country. At 2, 280 the weather in entire Paro valley is soothing for visitors. For today, we will make short trips in and around the town including Rinpung and Taa Dzong. Rinpung Dzong built in 17th Century by Great Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyel has served as a key strategic place to defend the external intrusion and today is the seat of District Administration. Visit Taa Dzong, the Watch Tower, now converted to National Museum. There, you will get to see antiques, thangkas, textiles, armour and historical artifacts.
Day 7: Paro sightseeing (Altitude: 2,280m)
After breakfast, start early hike to Taktshang, the Tiger Nest Monastery. Guru Rinpochhe is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress to meditate and convert the valley to Buddhism. The Monastery is miraculously built at vertical granite rock. After lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria, we visit Drukgyal Dzong, the Fort of Victorious Bhutan built after Bhutanese victory over Tibetans. Then, proceed to Kyichhu Lhakhang, one of the oldest in the Country and contemporary to Jampbay Lhakhang in Bumthang. In the evening, you may stroll freely in the town. Overnight hotel in Paro!
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, our team will transfer you to Paro airport and we bid goodbye to you!