Day 01: Enter The Kingdom Of Bhutan

Fly into the beautiful Paro valley. If you get a seat on the left side of the plane and if the weather cooperates, you might have spectacular views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas including Mt. Everest. After visa formalities at the Paro airport, your guide and driver will meet you and drive you towards Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan set at 2,334 m in the Wang Chu Valley.

Before reaching Thimphu we will stop at Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, and enjoy its architectural grandeur.

Drive to Kuenselphodrang to visit the gigantic Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the gorgeous Thimphu valley.

The remainder of the day is free to rest and relax at the hotel or visit the street of Thimphu with its busy shops and people in their national dress.

Driving Distance from Paro-Thimphu (55Km/1.5 Hrs)

Overnight: Le Meridien in Thimphu

Day 02: Explore Thimphu

After breakfast, drive to the northern end of the road to Dodena (8,600′) and hike an hour up a steep hill to visit Cheri Monastery founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It was established with an original staff of 30 monks. Nowadays the monastery serves as the main meditation center of the country and has more than 70 monks undergoing their three-year, three-month retreat. Inside is a silver Chorten holding the ashes of Zhabdrung’s father.

Later visit the 16th century Pangri Zampa Monastery known famously for its astrology which is also the national institute for the study of astrology. We will fix an appointment with an astrologer here if interested.

In the afternoon proceed for further sightseeing, this includes a visit to the School of Arts and Crafts (or “Painting School”), where Bhutanese children follow a six-year program in traditional arts, such as drawing, painting, woodcarving, and sculpture. You’ll also visit the Textile Museum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, and Folk Heritage Museum.

Overnight: Le Meridien in Thimphu 

Day 03: Journey To Golden Punakha Valley

Drive up to Dochu La Mountain Pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the concentrated 108 Chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags that decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear enjoy the panoramic view of the snowcapped peaks toward the northwest.

On arriving at Punakha, take a walk through Sopsokha village leading to Chimi Lhakhang popularly called the Temple of Fertility. Learn about the legends of Lam Drukpa Kuenley and crazy wisdom methods.

A short drive through the valley floor takes to the most striking and beautiful Punakha Dzong, it is the 17th-century fortress that has played important role in building up the modern Bhutan. Capture the amazing Bhutanese architecture and design at Punakha Dzong.

Afterward wind your way up to Wolakha village and absorb the soothing sunset atmosphere at Sangchen Nunnery while enjoying the view of the Punakha and Wangdue valley.

Driving Distance: Thimphu – Punakha (74Km/ 2Hrs)

Overnight: RKPO Green Resort in Punakha

Day 04: Day Excursion To Tranquil Phobjikha Valley

After a good breakfast, take a journey to the peaceful and calm Phobjikha valley through the mountains and wood of blue pine, birch, maple, and various species of rhododendrons. On arriving at Phobjikha/Gangtey valley pay a visit to Gangtey monastery sitting on top of a ridge overlooking the wide and beautiful Phobjikha valley. You can capture wonderful images of the monks against the backdrop of the whitewashed walls of the monastery.

Explore Gangtey Nature Trail Hike: Begin your hike down the Gangtey Monastery through the pine forests offering beautiful view of the Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha valley is without doubt one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan. The hike will take about 2 hours.

Meet your driver waiting for you at the other end of the hike. You will drive to the Black Necked Crane Information Center. The center is well equipped with the Powerful Telescope and it has the best view for spotting birds if you are visiting in late October to mid-February.

Retrace your way back to the ancient capital, Punakha valley.

Driving Distance: Punakha to Phobjikha (78Km/ 3 Hrs)

Overnight: RKPO Green Resort in Punakha

Day 05: Punakha To Paro

Drive back over the Dochu La (Pass) for a second chance to view the snow-capped Himalayan mountain range.                 

On the way stop at Tachhog Lhakhang, a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). Devour yourself to the invigorating ambiance of the medieval surrounding of the place. The cool-sweeping breeze and bright colored prayer flags are a feast to the eye.

Upon arriving in Paro take a short hike to Zuri Dzong which offers amazing view of the verdant Paro valley and the Paro Dzong before visiting Namgay Artisinal Brewery to try your taste pallet to the different flavors of Bhutanese beer.

Duration of drive: 3 to 4 hours (126km)

Overnight: Le Meridien Riverfront in Paro

Day 06: Hike To Paro Taktsang

The best of the last, the historical Taktsang hike is the focus of today’s activities. Get your energy up at breakfast this morning for a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Venture through the pristine surrounding of the monastery resting on a cliff.

Hike up to Tiger’s Nest – one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrim sites; be rewarded to the overwhelming sight of the monastery perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters above the sea level and 900 meters above Paro valley. Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. He blessed and preached tantric Buddhism in Bhutan.

After the hike, we will stop at the ancient Kichu Lhakhang dating back to the 7th century and discover the myths related to the construction of this Lhakhang.

Duration: 6 to 8 hours Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Overnight: Le Meridien Riverfront in Paro

Day 07: Departure

Our team will transfer you to the Paro airport for departure.