Bhutan tour (07 Nights/08 Days) A 7 Days

On a clear day, the flight to Paro offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu. As the plane descends, Bhutan’s own snow-capped mountains, Chomolhari and Jichu Drake, come into view. Upon landing, you will be welcomed by fresh, cool mountain air. After clearing customs and visa control, your Bhutan representative will greet you and take you to Paro town. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, a historic watchtower that now serves as the National Museum, housing a rich collection of antique thangkas, textiles, weapons, armor, household items, and natural and historical artifacts. Next, visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in the 17th century to protect the valley from Tibetan invasions, and now functioning as both an administrative center and a school for monks. The day concludes with a stroll through Paro’s main shopping area. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, we drive along the winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, a historic fortress that once protected the valley from Tibetan invasions. On a clear day, you can view Mount Chomolhari from Drukgyal village. Next, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the local way of life. Afterward, we continue to Shari for a hike (or horse ride) to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The horse ride or hike to the cafeteria will take about 1.5 hours. From the viewpoint, enjoy a breathtaking view of the monastery, which Guru Padmasambhava is said to have arrived at on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. After lunch at the café, we will return to the road point. On the way back to the hotel, we will stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century. The evening is at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

In the morning, drive to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan, which takes about 1.5 hours. Thimphu has a population of around 98,500 and is unique for being the only capital in the world without traffic lights, with its town consisting of just three lines of shops. En route, visit Simtokha Dzong. After checking in at the hotel, lunch will be served. Post-lunch, we will visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and the Dupthop Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s few remaining nunneries. We will also explore the National Library, home to ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Art & Crafts School, where the traditional art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist scrolls) is preserved. Later, we will visit the Traditional Medicine Institute, where medicines are prepared following ancient methods and the Bhutanese Handmade Paper Factory at Lungten Zampa. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, visit the Textile Museum, where the traditional art of weaving is preserved and showcased, with a remarkable collection of colorful and intricately designed old textiles. Then, head to the Folk Heritage Museum, which offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s rural past through exhibits of items and artifacts used in traditional households. Afterward, depart for Punakha. As you leave Thimphu, the road steeply ascends through a forest of pine and cedar, adorned with hanging lichen, leading to Dochola Pass (3,050 m). From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After a tea break and taking in the views, the journey continues as we descend through winding roads into the fertile Punakha valley. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive through the small town of Punakha to visit Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the former capital of Bhutan. This stunning dzong is located between the Mo (Female) Chu and Pho (Male) Chu rivers. It is only open to visitors during the summer months when the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body are based in Thimphu. Continue the journey toward Gangtey, located to the east of Punakha and Wangdue, on the slopes of the Black Mountains. Gangtey is home to the historic Gangtey Gompa monastery, which dates back to the 17th century. A few kilometers further, at the valley floor, lies the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, often referred to as “the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas.” This valley is the winter habitat of black-necked cranes that migrate from the cold Tibetan Plateau to spend the winter in the milder climate. After exploring Gangtey and Phobjikha, continue the drive back to Wangdue. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit Wangdue Dzong, the district headquarters and a significant town in Western Bhutan. We will stop briefly to admire the impressive Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, perched on a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu rivers. Then, drive back to Thimphu via Dochola Pass. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the streets of Thimphu. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the secluded Haa Valley, which remained closed to tourism until 2002 and is the last valley in Bhutan bordering Tibet. Visit the Haa Dzong and the temples of Haap Chhundu, the guardian deity of the valley. Then, drive back to Paro via Chelela Pass, one of the highest motorable points in Bhutan at 3,780 meters. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of some of Bhutan’s tallest mountains and stunning scenery. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be driven to Paro airport, where your Bhutanese escort will say their goodbyes. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey home.