Itinerary

1. Day 1- Paro - Thimphu

   • Upon arrival at the Paro International Airport, meet your tour guide and drive to Thimphu, the capital city. 

   • On the way, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, which is located on the ridge with a beautiful view.

   • After reaching Thimphu, check into the hotel.

   • Have your lunch and head to the National Memorial Chorten.

   • Then, go to the Postal Museum and Post Office to get a personalized stamp of your picture.

   • Later, explore the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), known as the “fortress of the glorious religion”.

   Overnight in Thimphu.

2. Day 2- Thimphu

   • After breakfast, visit Kuensel Phodrang, where the Big Buddha statue is built and walk into the Kuensel Phodrang nature park. From there, you get the best view of Thimphu valley with the mountain behind.

   • Then, head to the Motithang Takin Preserve, also known as the Mini Zoo, where you will see Bhutan’s typical national animal and the Folk Heritage Museum dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition.

   • After lunch, explore the Handmade Paper Factory, where you will see how traditional Bhutanese handmade paper is made and the Crafts Bazaar, where you will find authentic Bhutanese handicrafts.

   • Later, walk along with Norzin Lam, the main Thimphu downtown.

   Overnight in Thimphu.

3. Day 3- Thimphu - Gangtey

   • Head to Gangtey. 

   • Midway, take a halt at the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which offers incredible views of Himalayan snow-clad mountain peaks from the pass on a clear day. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyel Chorten – 108 stupas. 

   • Drive further to Phobjikha Valley via Punakha/Wangdue.

   • On arrival at Gangtey, visit the Crane Information Center, where you get information about the valley, the winter home of Black Necked Cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north (Tibetan plateau) to pass their winter in the milder and the lower climate. 

   Overnight in Gangtey.

4. Day 4- Gangtey - Punakha

   • After breakfast, hike across the Gangtey Nature Trail to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Phobjikha valley.

   • Visit the Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century.

   • Later drive back to Punakha.

   • Go to Chimi Lhakhang - the Temple of Fertility blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviours. He is also considered a symbol of fertility; so many childless couples go to his temple for blessings. 

   Overnight in Punakha.

5. Day 5- Punakha - Paro

   • After breakfast, do a 45 minutes hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten for picturesque views of the rice terraces along the river.

   • Then visit the Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. 

   • After lunch, drive back to Paro.

   Overnight in Paro.

6. Day 6- Paro

   • After breakfast, hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, the wooded structure that stands bravely on a cliff in the upper Paro Valley. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche had flown here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th century.

   • After lunch, visit the Paro National Museum.

   • Next, go to the Paro Rinpung Dzong.

   • Later in the evening, explore a farmhouse to experience the traditions of Bhutan, taste Bhutanese cuisine and dip into a traditional hot stone bath as well.

   Overnight in Paro.

7. Day 7- Haa

   • Drive to Haa via Chelela Pass (3988 m). On the way, visit the Kila Nunnery.

   • In Haa, visit Lhakhang Karpo and stroll around Haa town.

   • Later drive back to Paro.

   Overnight in Paro.

8. Day 8- Departure

   • In the morning, drive to the Airport to board your return flight.