The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be breathing in the crisp and clean mountain air.

After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by a local representative for your drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. The drive to Thimphu will take approximately 1.5 hours. On arrival in Thimphu, check-in to your hotel where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy! (This service is on a private basis.)

Thimphu

Thimphu (altitude. 7,656 ft) is the capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce. It is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With a population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

Thimphu Sightseeing

This morning visit the famous Kaja Throm (Organic market) and Handmade Paper Mill. Next, make your way to the School of Arts and Crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. After a delicious lunch in town, visit the Memorial Chorten (temple), which is continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras, and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty "Jigme Dorji Wangchuk" (The father of modern Bhutan) who wished to erect monuments to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the late King and as a monument to peace. End your day with visiting Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, the Takin reserve and the Zilukha Nunnery.

Journey to Punakha

After breakfast, you will drive to the Dochu-La pass (approximately 3,088m/10,130 ft above sea level) stopping briefly to take in the views and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags, which decorate the highest point of the road. After a short tea break, continue driving to Punakha. Upon arrival, enjoy a memorable white water rafting experience!

Punakha

Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan. Today, the Central Monk body moves to Punakha in the winter when it gets cold in Thimphu. With the climate almost tropical in the summer, the valley is blessed with abundance of fruits and rice.

Explore Punakha

After a lovely breakfast, you will visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong (fortress). The dzong is the perfect example of Bhutanese arts and crafts. Next, you will drive 25 minutes north of Punakha through the lush green valley to the base of beautiful Khamsum Yulley Temple. From there you will embark on a scenic 45 minutes hike, will lead you to the beautiful temple where you can enjoy a picnic lunch.

Journey to Phobjikha Valley

Following breakfast, begin a lovely hike (25 Minutes) to Rinchengang village! Rinchengang village is located opposite to the Wangdiphodrang Dzong and Punatsangchhu that runs along the highway. The array of traditional houses clustered neatly on a tiny hillock overlooks the imposing Wangdiphodrang Dzong. Afterwards, you will continue your journey to Gangtey, Phobjikha- the valley of black necked cranes. From the global population of 11,000 Black-necked cranes, approximately 500 of them migrate every winter to the lower altitudes of Bhutan from the high Tibetan plateau. On arrival to Gangtey Phobjikha, visit the Gangtey Gompa (Temple), the largest and only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in the western Bhutan. After a day filled with adventure, relax and unwind at your hotel this evening.

Altitude: 9,500 ft

Phobjikha Nature Trail

The valley of Phobjikha is full hiking trails. Phobjikha Nature Trail takes about two hours to walk through, with crane feeding areas and plenty of wonderful opportunities to see these beautiful creatures up close. Later on immerse yourself in the Bhutanese rural life! Walk around the villages meeting the friendly locals, tour their unique homes, taste their butter tea and sip on the enticing local wines.

From Phobjikha To Paro

Enjoy one last breakfast in Phobjikha before starting the drive back to Paro. In Paro you will visit the National Museum- the first of its kind, with collections spanning natural history to religious paintings. Continue on to 17th century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot. Walk through the oldest wooden bridge that is still in use to this day! As night falls, take an evening stroll through Paro town. Pop into a local restaurant or pub to taste the delicious local cuisine!

Paro

The beautiful valley of Paro, located at 2,280 meters, encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and the country's only airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)

After an early breakfast you will be picked up in Paro and head to Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This magical Temple clings to a vertical granite cliff 800m above the valley. It is believed that in the 8th century, Guru Rimpochee, a tantric master flew on the back of a tigress from the eastern Bhutan and meditated in a cave around which the temple is built. A hike to this temple will take most of the morning. In the afternoon partake in a special prayer ceremony at the beautiful 1200 year old Kichu Lhakhang Temple to bring you good luck for the rest of your journey.

Total Hiking time from the base and return: 3.30 hours.

Sadly, your journey through the mystical wonders of Bhutan must come to an end today. However, you will be leaving with new and unforgettable memories and experiences! After checking out of your hotel in Paro, you will be picked up by your driver and transferred to the airport in good time for your international flight. (This service is on a private basis.)

We hope you had an incredible trip and we wish you safe and pleasant travels onward!