This itinerary invites you to explore the stunning beauty and rich culture of Bhutan, nestled in the eastern Himalayas. Your journey begins in the captivating Gangtey Valley, home to the historic Gangtey Monastery, where you’ll gain insight into Bhutanese Buddhism and enjoy breathtaking views.
Next, visit the vibrant cities of Paro and Thimphu. In Paro, stroll through charming streets, visit local markets, and admire traditional architecture. Thimphu, the capital, blends modernity with tradition, featuring landmarks like Tashichho Dzong and the National Memorial Chorten.
A highlight is the iconic Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, perched on a cliff with panoramic views of Paro Valley. The hike through lush forests to this sacred site is unforgettable.
You’ll also discover the impressive dzongs of Punakha and Wangdi, showcasing Bhutan’s traditional architecture. The Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers, exemplifies the country’s rich history and architectural beauty. Throughout your journey, immerse yourself in Bhutan’s vibrant heritage.
Trip Info
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Hotel
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
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Most of the places
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6 nights/7 days
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Throughout year
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Guided
Trip Highlights
- Flight from Kathmandu to Paro, with stunning Himalayan views.
- Sightseeing to Thimphu and Paro
- Key highlights include visits to Gangtey, Punakha, and Wangdi.
- Tiger's Nest Monastery, or Taktsang, is a key landmark.
- Dochula Pass, at 3050 meters, is a popular spot for stunning Himalayan views and photography.
Itinerary
Enjoy a breathtaking flight over the Himalayas to reach Paro Airport.
Proceed directly to Thimphu upon arrival.
Transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Stop along the route to admire the stunning Tamchhog Lhakhang, the ancestral worship site of Bhutan’s iron bridge builder.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town in the late afternoon, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with bustling shops, markets, and locals dressed in traditional attire. Overnight at Thimphu.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Meals, Lunch and dinner
Transports, Private Vehicle
Explore Thimphu: A guided tour of the capital’s key sites and surroundings:
Start at the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a 51.5-meter figure symbolizing peace, offering stunning views of Thimphu Valley.
Next, visit Tashichho Dzong, the administrative center and main monastic institution of Bhutan, known for its exquisite architecture and historical significance.
Head to the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa honoring Bhutan’s third king, where you can observe local worshippers and learn about its cultural importance.
Explore the Folk Heritage Museum to understand traditional Bhutanese life through exhibits on rural practices and domestic artifacts.
Discover the National Textile Museum, showcasing Bhutanese weaving techniques and the cultural meanings behind various patterns and colors.
Experience the vibrant Thimphu weekend market, sampling local delicacies and browsing unique handicrafts.
Conclude with a peaceful hike in the nearby hills, enjoying breathtaking views of the Thimphu Valley and the region’s natural beauty. Overnight at Thimphu.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Transports, Private Vehicle
Departing from Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, we embark on a scenic journey across the stunning Dochula pass at 3,050 meters. The ascent reveals breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped Bhutanese Himalayas, enhanced by 108 chortens and colorful prayer flags that add to the spiritual ambiance.
Descending into the vibrant Punakha Valley, known for its fertile land and citrus and banana plantations, we are greeted by the sweet scent of ripe fruits and a colorful landscape. A highlight of our trip is the Punakha Dzong, an 18th-century architectural marvel at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, rich in history and cultural heritage.
Our journey leads us to Wangdi, a key crossroads town in Bhutan celebrated for its natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. The historic dzong, which burned down in June 2012, is being reconstructed by local artisans as a vital part of the community’s identity.
We’ll explore Wangdi’s lively market, featuring colorful stalls with fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional textiles. Engaging with friendly locals offers a memorable glimpse into Bhutanese culture, blending history, culture, and community spirit. Overnight at Wangdi.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Transports, Private Vehicle
From Wangdi, the road ascends towards the Black Mountains immediately after crossing the Tike Bridge. The valley is quite narrow, with houses and fields situated on steep slopes. Gradually, the number of dwellings decreases as the road winds through a dense forest. The village of Nobding is located on a plateau surrounded primarily by rhododendron and magnolia trees. A few kilometers ahead, we take a right turn and navigate through an oak and rhododendron forest, leading us to the expansive Phobji Valley, home to the Gangtey Monastery, which translates to “the summit of the mountain.”
Gangtey Gompa is situated atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. Established in the 16th century, it is the only Nyingmapa monastery west of the Black Mountains and the largest of its kind in Bhutan. We depart from this picturesque location, crossing the Dochu La at 3050 meters, where the view of the Bhutanese Himalayas is breathtaking, and continue our journey towards Paro. Overnight at Paro.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Transports, Private Vehicle
Today, we explore the country’s second largest city, starting with the Nemi Zam, a beautiful wooden bridge leading to the Rinpung Dzong, or “the fortress of the amassed jewels.” Originally destroyed by fire in 1907, it was rebuilt and now houses the district administration and a monastic community, featuring remarkable Buddhist paintings.
Next, we visit the Ta Dzong, a 17th-century watchtower transformed into the National Museum in 1968. It showcases Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage, including traditional costumes, thangkas, jewelry, and various artifacts.
To the north lies the Dungtse Lhakhang, known for its cylindrical shape and stunning wall paintings of great masters and scenes from the Bardo Thödol, serving as both a place of worship and a testament to the region’s artistic heritage. Overnight at Paro.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Transports, Private Vehicle
In the morning, embark on a hike to the Taktsang Monastery, a highly regarded pilgrimage destination in the Himalayas, famously referred to as the “Tiger’s Nest,” situated 800 meters above the valley floor.
The monastery derives its name from a legend in which Padmasambhava is said to have flown from Tibet on a tiger to meditate in a cave. The demanding forested trail culminates at a viewpoint of 2900 meters, providing breathtaking vistas of the temple adorned with prayer flags, which features a prominent statue of Padmasambhava along with various artistic representations of him. A lunch break can be enjoyed at this viewpoint on the return journey from the monastery.
We will also explore Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most exquisite temples, established in the 7th century. This site is one of two sacred locations created to subdue a demon in the Himalayas, allowing you to delve into its rich history and spiritual significance.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Transports, Private Vehicle
Meals, Breakfast
Transport, Private vehicle