Day 01: Arrive At Paro And Drive To Thimphu

Fly into the captivating view of the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. On landing at the Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your private guide with a customary Tashi Khaddar, a white scarf of auspiciousness and transferred to Thimphu.

On your way to Thimphu, stop at invigorating Tachog Lhakhang located across Paro River in a medieval set up.

On arriving to Thimphu, visit the vibrant Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang and get an aerial view of the largest town of Bhutan. Discover the historic Tashichho Dzong and explore its exquisite architecture. Later explore the only city in the world without a single traffic light before returning to your hotel.

Duration of Drive: 1.5 hours (54Km)

Overnight: Hotel, Thimphu

Day 02: Explore Thimphu

Drive to the Northern end of Thimphu valley passing through the countryside of Begana village before reaching the traditional bridge at Dodena. After crossing the crystalline river on the oldest wooden cantilever bridge of Bhutan, enjoy your hike through the off-beaten tracks leading to the tranquil surrounding of the hilltop Chari monastery where you can often see mountain goats mingling freely with monks.

Later on the way back to Thimphu visit the Buddhist college of astrology at Pangrizampa where you can read your birth chart on request before visiting the temple of the 21 Tara Devi in a serene setting next to it.

Duration of Drive: 30 minutes (17Km)

Overnight: Hotel, Thimphu

Day 03: Thimphu To Phobjikha Valley   

Start your journey to the secluded and beautiful glacial valley of Phobjikha by making stops at the Dochu La Mountain Pass marked by 108 Buddhist shrines from where you can also see the snowcapped mountains peaks on a clear day.

Continuing the journey:

Walk through the rice paddy fields of traditional Sopsokha village leading to Chimi Lhakhang located on a hillock. Discover paintings of phallus on the walls of the houses and discover interesting stories and legends of the Crazy wisdom of the divine mad monk before continuing to Phobjikha.

Upon arriving Phobjikha valley take in the tranquil atmosphere of one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan and winter place for the majestic Black necked cranes.

Later soak yourself in the traditional hot stone bath which has healing properties.

Drive Duration: 5-6 hours (130Km)

Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha

Day 04: Phobjikha To Punakha

Visit Gangtey monastery in the morning light before venturing into one of the most beautiful nature trail hikes of Bhutan from where you can get impressive view of the Phobjikha valley.

Journey to the golden Punakha valley: A short drive through the valley floor past the local market at Minsena will lead you to the Palace of Great Bliss or Punakha Dzong. Feast your eyes to the intricate carvings and sculptors of the Dzong; capture the impressive architecture of this historic Dzong strategically located between two rivers; Pho Chhu (Male River) & Mo Chhu (Female River).

Wind your way up to Laptsakha village before reaching Leki Wangmo Homestay, one of the best traditional farm-stays offering grand view of Punakha valley. Experience the rural life of Bhutanese villages by engaging in their daily activities like cooking Bhutanese dish or learning the art of preparing butter tea; or you can relax by trying out their hot stone bath.

Today you have the option to try traditional Bhutanese home stay and experience the village life first hand or you can choose to stay in the comforts of a hotel.

Drive Duration: 3-4 hours (75Km)

Overnight: Homestay or Hotel Punakha

Day 05: Explore Punakha

After having an organic breakfast at your Homestay head out to explore the thriving Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and participate in an intense butter lamp offering ceremony before visiting Talo, home to the local deity of the Queen Mothers.

Later stroll around quaint Nobgang village and interact with the locals and experience village life first hand.

Overnight: Homestay or Hotel Punakha

Day 06: Punakha To Paro

After bidding farewell to your hosts, start your journey towards Paro by stopping at Dochu La (Pass) for another chance to catch the Snowcapped Mountain peaks before starting your hike to the mountaintop Lungchutse Temple. The Lungchutse hike takes you through enchanting forest of Rhododendron and Hemlock; and in spring season hikers will have the opportunity to witness gorgeous rhododendron flowers of red, pink, white and yellow color blooming on the trail. From Lungchutse temple you will be able to get panoramic view of the entire mountain range beautifully. From there descend to Tashigang Goemba at Hongtsho through the forest of cypress and pine. Your vehicle will pick you up from there and head to Thimphu after a hot tea.

If you are not interested in hiking we can skip the Lungchutse hike and include some other cultural sightseeing in Paro.

At Paro try your taste pallets to the different flavors of Bhutanese beer at Namgay Artisinal Brewery.

Hike Duration: 4 hours

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 07: Paro To Haa Via Chele La Pass

Start for Haa after breakfast. After about 5 kilometers from Paro, explore the stream of monasteries on cliff edge of Dzongdrakha and discover legends and stories connected to the existence of this sacred place. Gradually drive up to the highest motorable pass at Chele La (3,988 meters) marked by numerous prayer flags, you will also observe the change in the vegetation as you climb up. On a clear day you can see the Mt. Jomolhari and JichuDrakye.

Continue to the pristine forests and tranquil mountains of Haa valley located at 3,000 meters. Much of Haa is untouched by modernization thus offering our explorers the chance to experience authentic Bhutanese villages in its raw and rugged natural beauty.

On arriving Haa valley- walk through a medieval village before climbing up to the secluded Jungney Dra where you can see foot print of Machig Labdron on a rock before hiking further to Kathso Gompa.

Today you have the option of staying in a traditional Bhutanese home stay with local family where you can engage in their activities like cooking Bhutanese dish, preparing butter tea, milking cow or relax by taking a traditional herbal hot stone bath or stay in a hotel to relax on your own.

Drive Duration: 2 hours (65Km)

Overnight: Homestay or hotel in Haa

Day 08: Haa To Paro Via Chuzom Confluence.

Take a pleasurable ride from Haa to Paro by making optional stops on the way before reaching the perfect picture Dobji Dzong. Continue to Paro en route Chuzom river confluence. 

On reaching Paro you can choose from the two options below:

Option 1:

Traverse the traditional wooden cantilever bridge to reach Paro Rinpung Dzong or the fortress on Heap of Jewels and explore the astonishing architecture and paintings before visiting the National museum to discover the artifacts dating back to 4000 BCE. The National Museum or the Ta Dzong served as a watch tower to protect the Paro Dzong in the olden days.

Option 2:

Take a leisure hike to the ancient Zuri Dzong, the trail offers enchanting view of the verdant Paro valley including Paro Dzong and the Ta Dzong. It is an amazing spot to be and take pictures. 

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 09: Hike To Tiger’s Nest Monastery

We have saved the best for last. Get your energy up at breakfast today as we will be hiking to the famous Tiger’s Nest monastery resting at the sheer edge of the cliff, 900 meters above the valley floor. The monastery is at an elevation of 3,120 meters above the sea level and is an overwhelming sight to capture.

Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha in Bhutan, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months and blessed and preached tantric Buddhism.

Visit the ancient Kichu temple and discover the stories connected to its construction in the 7th century before calling of the day.

Hike Duration: 4-6 Hours

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 10: Departure

Our team will drop you to the airport and bid you farewell.