Thimphu-Paro

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - On the way, stop at Tachoggang, a picturesque and historic site across the Paro River. The iron bridge, adorned with numerous prayer flags, offers a beautiful walk towards the temple. Both the temple and the bridge hold significant historical importance.

Simtokha Dzong - Located five miles from Thimphu on a high ridge, Simtokha Dzong is one of the oldest fortresses in the Kingdom.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong) - In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress that houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King, and various government offices. It also serves as the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and the central monk body. Witness the Flag lowering ceremony before entering the Dzong.

Thimphu Sightseeing

Buddha Dordenma - Drive to Kuensel Phodrang to visit the World’s Largest Sitting Buddha. Apart from the blessed view, it serves as a perfect vantage point to enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley below. Enjoy the picturesque view of the city sprawled beneath.

Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten) - Visit the National Memorial Chorten, envisioned by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves as both a memorial to the Late King (the father of modern Bhutan) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside provide deep insights into Buddhist philosophy.

Bhutan Post Office Headquarters - The General Post Office is a wonderful place to learn about the postal system and its history. Enjoy making a postage stamp with your own picture, which can be posted within Bhutan.

Sangaygang - Standing tall on the western side of Thimphu, Wangdi Tse is one of the oldest temples in Thimphu. A beautiful hike of about an hour and a half through a quiet pine forest can be refreshing in the evening. The hike will take you through a deep pine forest where you can hear the chirping of birds. At certain angles, you can have a grand view of Thimphu valley and the glorious Tashicho Dzong.

THIMPHU-PUNAKHA (71 KM/3 HOURS)

Dochula Pass - Drive up to Dochula Pass (3,088m/10,130ft) early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Stop briefly to take in the view and admire the 108 chortens, mani wall, and prayer flags that decorate the highest point on the road. If the skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, you can see the following peaks from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - Hike to Chimi Lhakhang through a pleasant walk along the rice fields and farmhouses. The temple was built by Lama Nawang Chogyel in 1499 after the site was blessed by Drukpa Kunley, the divine madman. The monastery houses the original wooden symbol of the phallus that Kunley brought from Tibet. Today, it is a popular temple where barren women come to pray for a child. The temple is popularly known as the Fertility Temple.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery - Drive to the nunnery (Sangchhen Lhuendrup Nunnery) viewpoint to enjoy views of Punakha and Wangdue valleys. Witness the evening prayer, and if you wish, you can participate in incense and butter lamp offerings. The company can arrange the offering for you at no extra charge.

DAY 04: PUNAKHA SIGHTSEEING, DRIVE TO GANGTEY (3 HOURS)

Punakha Dzong - Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood damage from fire, earthquake, and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October 1994, caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue.

Punakha Suspension Bridge - The 160-meter Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, offering spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - Take a mild hike to Khamsum Yulley, where you will be greeted by beautiful paddy fields. Once at Khamsum Yulley, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Punakha valley.

Phobjikha Valley - Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) is known for its scenic splendor and cultural uniqueness. Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the Black-Necked Cranes (Grus Nigricollis), which migrate from the Tibetan plateau. The birds can be observed from early November to the end of March. Overlooking the valley is the Gangtey Goenpa. You may reach Gangtey in the evening. On the first day, you can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of Gangtey valley.

DAY 05: GANGTEY SIGHTSEEING, GANGTEY-PARO (200 KM/7 HOURS)

Gangtey Monastery - Gangtey Nature Trail Hike: The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the Mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Goenpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hiking places for nature lovers. During the winter months, you can see the endangered Black-Necked Cranes.

Namgay Artisanal Brewery - Visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery in an authentic Bhutanese setup and try different flavors of local beer.

DAY 06: PARO TAKTSHANG HIKE (4-6 HOURS)

Paro Taktsang - Hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the holiest and most beautiful sites in Bhutan. Taktshang, the tiger’s lair, gets its name from the legend of its foundation. In the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress.

Rinpung Dzong - In the evening, visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to watch the evening sunrise.

Kyichu Lhakhang - One of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in Bhutan, its construction dates back to the 7th century by Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gyelpo.

DAY 07: DEPARTURE

Drukgyel Dzong - If your flight is after lunch, visit Drukgyel Dzong. Built in 1649 to commemorate the victory of the Bhutanese over the allied Tibetan-Mongolian forces, the Dzong as a defense fortress is said to have housed the finest armory in the country. You can watch the sunrise over the Jumolhari mountain if the weather cooperates.

• Bhutan visa included
• Government SDF of $100/night
• Professional certified guide
• 3-star luxury hotel accommodation
• All internal taxes and charges included
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Travel Insurance
• International & Domestic Flight