Flying into Paro, Bhutan, is an awe-inspiring experience that sets the stage for your journey. As you approach Paro Airport, the aircraft weaves through the majestic Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. The flight path takes you over rugged landscapes and traditional Bhutanese villages, culminating in a dramatic descent into the narrow Paro Valley. The approach is renowned for its stunning scenery, where every moment feels like a glimpse into a hidden world of natural beauty and serenity, making your arrival in Bhutan a truly unforgettable experience.
Embark on an enriching “Bhutan’s Hidden Gems Tour” 8-night, 9-day tour starting from Paro Airport, where you’ll uncover the kingdom’s unique cultural and natural wonders. Begin in Thimphu, exploring key sites like the Buddha Dordenma Statue and the National Library, and venture to the scenic Tango and Cheri Monasteries. Travel to Punakha, marvel at the striking Punakha Dzong, and visit the serene Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Continue to the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, known for its black-necked cranes and stunning landscapes. Return to Paro to experience the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery and immerse yourself in the local heritage at Rinpung Dzong and Ta Dzong. This comprehensive itinerary offers a perfect blend of Bhutan’s spiritual essence, historical landmarks, and breathtaking scenery.
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 & stroll through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar.
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, 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: Thimphu – Hike to Cheri monastery (Altitude 2800m, approx 2 hrs hike)
Elevation Gain: 400meters
Difficulty Level: Medium
After an early breakfast go for your day hike to Cheri Monastery. Cheri Monastery – In 1627 the first Buddhist Monastic school for Bhutan was started by Shabdrung in Cheri, which to these days has become a Meditation centre for higher level Buddhist studies. The Monastery buildings are old and still contains many sacred relic from past. Definitely, visit to this place is more purifying and refreshing. From the road head at Dodayna it will take about 40 minutes hike to reach cheri Monastery. The trail leaves Dodayna bride and gently goes up through woods of blue pine, Oak trees and with lots of Rhododendron under growth.
Optional
After coming back to Dodayna bridge from Cheri yet you still have Tango hike which is even more satisfying and spiritual. The hike to Tango can take about another 40 minutes and goes gently uphill through alpine woods.
Tango is the highest level of Buddhist studies in Bhutan. The qualification after you finish Tango is equivalent to Masters Degree in Academy studies. Tango is also the seat of our renowned Buddhist Master known as Gyelse Tenzin Rabgay. The young reincarnation of the master still resides at Tango. We also have many other young reincarnated masters studying there.
Evening return back to your hotel, refresh and relax….
Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)
Day 4: 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.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 5: Punakha Local sightseeing’s (white water rafting if interested)
After an Breakfast go for a excursion to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
A beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.
NOTE: There are two white water rafting available at Khamsum yulley which you can do if interested – Mochu River & Phochu River – 12 kms – both taking 2 hrs Approx. You can book the rafting on the spot, negotiate the rates and you can do it.
Later in the day visit Chimi Lhakhang
The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as “Divine Madman”. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning “field”. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 6: Driving Excrusion to Phubjikha/Gangtey valley (Altitude 2900m/160km round trip, approx 6 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 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 7: Punakha to Paro (125km, approx 4 ½ hrs drive)
After an early breakfast 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 at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..
Day 8: 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 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 at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 9: “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: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla
Day 4: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling
Day 5: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling
Day 6: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling
Day 7: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Day 8: 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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9Days/8 Nights
Bhutan