Detailed Day Wise Itinerary (9 Days 8 Nights)

Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)

Arrive at Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arriving to Thimphu check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park & stroll through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 02: Local sightseeing in Thimphu

After breakfast drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve – Takin is national animal of Bhutan, Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum..  Evening time at leisure…

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)

Day 03: Drive to Punakha (75km, approx 2 ½ hr drive.)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La Pass Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).

Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 04: Witness the Last Day of the Punakha Drubchen

After breakfast, witness the last day of Punakha Drubchen which is the most spectacular day of Punakha Drubchen which would be held at the courtyard of the Punakha Dzong. The last day of Punakha Drubchen ends with dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th century battle with the Tibetan army.

You will also visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho – Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region.  At the dzong, you can see the highest standards in woodwork.

After lunch drive through upper Punakha valley and take a hike through farmhouses to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang (temple) built by Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan)  for peace and stability in this ever-changing world. This temple is situated on the hilltop overlooking the valley below. The leisurely walk up to the temple would take about an hour. Visit the temple and also enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view from there.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 05: First Day of Punakha Festival

After breakfast attend the first day of Punakha Tsechu which will be held at the courtyard of Punakha Dzong.

In the evening you may visit Rinchengang village in Wangduephodrang where you will take a short hike through the village and have free interaction with the villagers. Round trip hike will take about 1 hr. At the same time you can view the ruins of Wangdue Dzong (the Dzong was razed to the ground by fire in 2012).

Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 06: Driving Excrusion to Phubjikha/Gangtey valley (Altitude 2900m/160km round trip, approx 6 hrs drive)

After an early breakfast, embark on a fascinating excursion to Gangtey. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valley’s are tightly enclosed.

Visit  the Gangtey Gompa : Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor on the western side of the Black Mountain.Then explore the fascainting Phobjikha Valley. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass their winter in milder and lower climate.

Also visit Black Neck Crane Information Centre. Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the Centre well equipped and also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. Later in the afternoon drive back to Punakha.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 07: Punakha Tsechu and Punakha-Paro

Early morning go to the Punakha Dzong to witness the unfurling of Thongdroel (giant silk Thangkha) which is unveiled on the last day of Punakha Tsechu.The thongdroel is usually unveiled at dawn and it is then let down to the ground and ceremoniously rolled and folded away before the first rays of the sun can reach it. It is believed that it brings blessings to all who view it.

Then return back to your hotel and after breakfast get a glimpse of the last day of Punakha tsechu and then  travel to Paro  across Dochu la pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to paro on arrival  check into the hotel & proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”).

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..

Day 08: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike)

After breakfast hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor.

After Hike visit Drukgyel Dzong, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Evening time at leisure to cherish your last night stay in Bhutan…..

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 09: Departure

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with all the exit formalities and then bid you farewell. Have a safe Flight!!