Itinerary

1. Day 1: Fly to Paro / Drive to Thimphu (altitude: 7,700 feet)

   Fly by the magnificent views of the snow-capped Himalayas on the way to Paro Valley.

   Drive 1.5 hours to Thimphu

   Explore the capital’s highlight- BBS Tower viewpoint for a stunning view of the valley before visiting the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal along with the view of the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the government. Circumvent the Memorial Chorten before mesmerising at the gigantic statue of Buddha (169ft) and visit the 12th-century Changangkha Lhakhang to see the cultural aspect of blessing and naming newly born children from the oldest temple of Wang Valley. Catch the bustling Centenary Farmers Market, the best opportunity to see the colourful vegetables and dairy products and mix with the locals with the Bhutanese archery game (the national sport) at Changlingmithang National Stadium. Later, visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine and Folk Heritage Museum. Take a walk along the streets of Thimphu and enjoy some free shopping.

   (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

2. Day 2: Thimphu / Punakha (altitude: 4,500 feet)

   Drive about 3 hours to Punakha.

   Climb up the mountain road to Dochu-La at 3140m. On a clear day, the pass commands a beautiful panorama of the eastern Himalayas. Descend through varied forests and finally emerge into the cultivated valley of Punakha. Hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang (no dog temple). Visit Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu, arguably the most impressive Dzong in the country, before visiting a stunning hill-top nunnery- Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Chholing, dedicated to the bodhisattva of compassion.

   (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

3. Day 3: Punakha / Phobjikha Valley (altitude: 9,800 feet)

   Drive about 3.5 hours to Phobjikha Valley.

   Visit Gangtey Gonpa, hidden in the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Take an hour-long nature trail hike from the monastery through the conifers before emerging on the valley floor. Phobjikha Valley is also the last winter grounds of the black-necked cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau mid-October to March.

   (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

4. Day 4: Phobjikha to Paro (altitude: 7,400 feet)

   Drive about 8 hours to Paro.

   Take an hour-long nature trail hike from the valley floor through the conifers up to the monastery. Drive back to Paro Valley. 

   (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

5. Day 5: Paro Tshechu

   Participate in the festival, an outstanding colourful occasion with brilliant performances and locals dressed in the best! The festival is also an occasion for seeing people and for being seen. In the afternoon, take a leisurely hike off the beaten path to the 15th-century Zuri Dzong above Paro Dzong overlooking the valley. 

   (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

6. Day 6: Hike to Taktshang Gonpa

   Early in the morning, witness the elaborate process of unfolding a huge religious Thangkha "Thongdroel" (meaning liberation on sight) before sunrise, even in the cold. This delicate artwork depicts Guru Rinpoche in his eight manifestations and two consorts. The giant Thangkha is let down to the ground and then ceremoniously rolled and folded away before the sun rays reach it. Clings to the edge of the sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below, the Taktshang Monastery defies all engineering logic. Hike up for a dramatic view or take a pony ride that can be arranged at an additional cost.

   Upon descent, enjoy a spectacular drive to the Drugyel Dzong before the oldest Kichu Lhakhang, built by the first Buddhist King of Tibet. 

   (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

7. Day 7: Departure

   Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Tashi Delek!

   (Breakfast included)