Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s oldest nature preserve, spans 1,057 km² and stands as the kingdom’s fourth-largest park. Established as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1964, it is connected to India’s Manas Tiger Reserve and linked via biological corridors to Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and Jigme Singye National Park. Renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, Royal Manas is a treasure trove of rare flora and fauna, featuring a rich array of species that make it one of the most biologically diverse protected areas globally.
As part of Bhutan’s extensive biological conservation network, which protects over 50% of the country’s land area, Royal Manas now welcomes tourists. This initiative aims to foster community-based ecotourism, offering visitors a chance to explore its pristine landscapes and contribute to the conservation of this vital ecological haven.
Embark on a captivating 12-night, 13-day journey through Bhutan “Wild Bhutan: Manas wildlife Safari Adventure” beginning with your arrival at Paro Airport. This adventure takes you through the cultural heart of Thimphu, where you’ll explore the vibrant city life and its landmarks, including the Buddha Point and the National Library. Next, journey to Punakha, renowned for its stunning dzong and the picturesque suspension bridge. As you proceed to Tsirang, immerse yourself in the serene village landscapes before heading to Gyelephu. From there, venture into the wilderness of Panbang and the Royal Manas National Park, where you’ll experience thrilling wildlife safaris and river rafting amid the lush subtropical forest, home to rare species like the golden langur and the elusive tiger.
Continue your exploration with a scenic drive to Trongsa, where the grandeur of the dzong and the changing vegetation offer a glimpse into Bhutan’s rich heritage. The adventure culminates in the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, a winter haven for the black-necked crane, and concludes back in Paro. Here, you’ll hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on a cliff, and visit key historical sites such as Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong. This meticulously curated itinerary combines cultural immersion with extraordinary wildlife encounters, providing a comprehensive experience of Bhutan’s natural and historical splendor.
Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)
Arrive 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…
Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 2: 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. Explore the Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum..
Late in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion.
Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar…
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha (75km, approx 2 ½ hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La pass Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Afternoon visit Bhutan longest suspension bridge & 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 4: Punakha to Gelephu vai Tsirang (196km, Approx 6hrs Drive)
After an early breakfast drive to Gyelephu vai Tsirang. Tsirang District is located in the southwestern part of Bhutan on the Wangdue-Gelephu highway. Tsirang is noted for its gentle slopes and mild climates. The dzongkhag is also noted for its rich biodiversity; however, it is one of the few dzongkhags without a protected area. Tsirang is one of the fastest developing dzongkhags in Bhutan. Start the day to explore the authentic villages of Tsirang. We will start our journey by exploring Chachey village, Tsirang toe, Sergithang. We will have lunch in the beautiful valley of Serithang and continue our village trip to Burichu Doban and further drive to Gelephu. Reach Gelephu by late afternoon and check in to your Hotel refresh and explore the city.
Overnight stay at the hotel Gelephu (altitude 450m)
Day 5: Gelephu – Gongphu in Zhemgang (155km, Approx 5hrs drive)
After the breakfast at hotel, we will take the 150km drive from Gelephu to Gongphu and enjoy the ascent from 280m-1450m. You will pass through Surey village where mandarin and cardamom farming is the main cultivation. From Surey you can also see Jo Dungshing peak on clear days. This peak is the highest in the Black Mountain range. Gongphu is the northern most tip of the Royal Manas Park. The area gets maximum rainfall in the country. This makes the area a thriving sub-tropical ecosystem. This is the haven for wildlife such as langur, tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, samber, and large number of bird species.
Overnight in Eco-camp at Gongphu (Altitude 1,450m)
Day 6: Gongphu – Panbang (60km Approx 3hrs drive)
After the breakfast, we will drive to Panbang through forests of mixed broad-leaved forests and thick undergrowth with numerous birds such as barbets, hornbills, bulbuls, doves, woodpecker and cuckoos. The camp is on the way to a village and provides a good view of the area due to being located at a higher alleviation.
Overnight in Eco-camp Panbang (Altitude 300m)
Day 7: Panbang – Royal National Park (Explore the Royal Manas National Park)
After the breakfast, drive to Royal Manas Park and do the Elephant Safari. Cross the river using the boat and do the Elephant Safari. This safari allows for the perfect tour to appreciate the wealth and the beauty of the park. Towards evening drive back to Panbang for overnight stay.
Overnight in Eco-camp Panbang (Altitude 300m)
Day 8: Royal Manas National Park (Enjoy with Rafting)
Morning explores the villages nearby the Eco camp and after the lunch, we will enjoy the River Rafting.
Overnight in Eco-camp Panbang (Altitude 300m)
Day 9: Panbang – Trongsa (170km, Approx 5hrs drive)
After breakfast, you will drive to Trongsa. As you drive you will notice that the vegetation changes from sub-tropical to broad-leaved evergreen forests. This route has one of the richest forests and has many varieties of trees and orchids and other botanical plants. On arrival check into your hotel refresh and towards late afternoon stroll around Trongsa mini town.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Trongsa (Altitude 2200m)
Day 10: Trongsa to Phubjikha valley and local sightseeing – approx 5 hrs drive
After 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 here the Gangtey Gompa : Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.
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 winter in milder and lower climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangduephodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park.
Also visit Black Neck Crane Information Centre. Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people.
Overnight stay at the Hotel in gangtey. (Altitude 2900m)
Day 11: Phubjikha to Paro (Approx 6 hours drive)
After breakfast visit if any place are missed and drive back 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 and after checking into 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 12: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike).
After breakfast hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s next) 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 drive back to the hotel to refresh and relax.
On arrival back to paro 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…..
Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street market area and hang out in some renown coffee shops…
Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 13: “Final Adieu” – Farewell & Departure
After the hearty breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to Paro Airport enjoying the and there your team will bid you the final adieu with an undying hope of your visiting our country again to explore the unvisited parts and regions with many more adventures together. We bid you farewell with picturesque memories of Bhutan.
For your accommodation, we have selected Department of Tourism-approved 3-star hotels, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout your trip. These hotels offer great services and amenities to enhance your experience in Bhutan.
If you would like to make any changes to the hotel selections or upgrade your stay to a higher category, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist you in customizing your accommodations to better suit your preferences.
We are here to ensure that your tour is tailored to your needs and expectations. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Day 1: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla
Day 2: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla
Day 3: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling
Day 4: Gyelephu – Overnight stay at The Kuku Grand
Day 5: Gongphu – Overnight stay at Gongphu Eco Camp
Day 6: Panbang – Overnight stay at Panbang Eco Camp
Day 7: Panbang – Overnight stay at Panbang Eco Camp
Day 8: Panbang – Overnight stay at Panbang Eco Camp
Day 9: Trongsa – Overnight stay at Norbu Lingka Resort
Day 10: Phubjikha Valley – Overnight stay at Phubjikha Resorts
Day 11: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Day 12: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Please note that the type of vehicle will be, SUV, Ertiga, Innova, H1 Bus, HiAce Bus, or Coaster Bus—will be arranged based on the number of travelers in group.
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13Days/12 Nights
Bhutan