DAY 1: Paro > Thimpu

After an exhilariating approach to land by jet, through the dramatic Paro valley into Paro, you’ll be met by your own private a/c car and driver/guide for transfer through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom and your hotel in Thimphu; the capital town of Bhutan.

DAY 2: Thimpu

A day to explore the city with your guide. You’ll see the bustle of the city centre with its policeman directing traffic, as no traffic lights exist – to the heights of Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) where the biggest Buddha in the country resides – to the fascinating textile museum with its beautiful regional patterns as well as several other notable sights before ending the day at Trashichhoedzong – ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. for the ceremonial lowering of the national flag at this centre of government and religion in Bhutan.

DAY 3: Thimpu > Gangtey

After breakfast enjoy a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La  (3,O8Om) and on to the Phobjikha Valley, passing through dense forests of oak and rhododendron tress.

On a clear day, the towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible as you follow the scenic Dang Chhu.

After checking into your hotel, you’ll take a walk to the Gangtey Nature Trail that will give you a nice feel of Phobjikha valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, you’ll head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley.

DAY 4: Phobjikha (Gangtey) Valley

After breakfast you’ll visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate.

Afterwards, you’ll start The Longtey Hike in Longtey village, walking downwards following the path that leads through bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses. There are beautifully coloured rhododendron forests on both sides of the valley, and in the winter months, yaks graze in the area.

The last part through the forest is slightly steeper uphill until you reach the pass with impressive views of the Gangtey Goemba and the rest of the valley below, before continuing on the path that slopes down the valley towards the idyllic Kumbu village, from where your transport will pick up up.

DAY 5: Gangtey > Punakha

After breakfast, you’ll leave Gangtey Valley and drive to Punakha. Benefitting from a temperate climate and blessed with natural drainage, the fertile Punakha valley yields abundant crops and fruits.

This afternoon you’ll visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness’, built at the junction of the
Pho Chhu and Mo CHhu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here.

Also visit Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that if couples pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, which will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

DAY 6: Punakha

Today start a 2hr round trip scenic nature walk leading to the majestic Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten. The chorten has a commanding presence in the upper Punakha Valley, offering breathtaking panoramas.

Next, stroll across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, gracefully suspended over the Mo Chhu River. A marvel of engineering, it ranks among Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges.

Visit Talo village, built on a plateau with magnificent views, its houses scattered along the hill slopes with their own crop and flower gardens and known for their cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages. Visit the farmhouses and meet families to experience Bhutanese rural life.

Next visit Nalanda Buddhist College – a monastic school above the Punatsangchu river. Witness a prayer ceremony and interact with monks, for better knowledge of Buddhism and the process of meditation.

DAY 7: Punakha > Paro

After breakfast drive back down from Dochu La, up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu River valleys, before crossing towards the north end of the valley.

Enroute visit Simtokha Dzong, place of profound tantric teaching, with a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.

Later visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, now housing the National Museum, with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong,’fortress of the heap of jewels’ and along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard with its fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore.

DAY 8: Taktshang Monastery – The ‘Tiger’s Nest’

After breakfast set out on your memorable excursion to Taktshang Monastery – ‘The Tiger’s Nest’ This 5hr hike is to one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. This site is a most sacred place and visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

In the evening stroll around main street and market area of Paro.

DAY 9: Paro > Departure

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll drive to the airport for the flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.