”Experience the best of Bhutan in just over a week! Travel eastward to Phobjikha, a broad glacial valley. This is the winter home of the rare and endangered Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis) who migrate from Central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters. Flowering rhododendron make this a colourful journey in the spring. This tour also provides a special insight into four different places in Western Bhutan”
| DAY 01 | ARRIVE PARO (by Druk Air), THIMPHU |
| Early check-in for the Druk Air flight to Paro and will be transferred to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu.Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu. | |
| DAY 02 | THIMPHU |
| Full day sightseeing of Thimphu valley. Visit to National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional paper factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin mini Zoo, Handicrafts Emporium, local shops. Finally visit to Tashichho dzong, houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. | |
| DAY 03 | THIMPHU – WANGDUE |
| After breakfast drive to Wangdue (one of the major district headquarters of Western Bhutan). Stop en route at Dochula pass (3050 m) for refreshments. On a clear day this pass often offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. After lunch visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong and local market. Overnight at Chuzomsa, Wangdue. | |
| DAY 04 | WANGDUE – GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA |
| After breakfast drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha. Gangtey lies towards the east of Wangdue on the flanks of the Black Mountains. There is an old monastery of Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century. A few kilometers past the Gompa on the valley floor are the fascinating valley of Phobjikha. This quite, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes. | |
| DAY 05 | PHOBJIKHA - PUNAKHA |
| Morning drive to Punakha via Wangdue. Lunch at the hotel and visit the Punakha Dzong (the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot and the central monastic body). Late afternoon hike to Chimi Lhakhang (fertility temple). Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. | |
| DAY 06 | PUNAKHA - PARO |
| Morning drive to Paro across Dochula pass. Enroute visit Simtokha Dzong. Afternoon Paro visit National Museum and Rinpung Dzong. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. | |
| DAY 07 | PARO |
| After breakfast drive to visit Drukgyal Dzong and also visit a typical Bhutanese farm house of a local family for a close up view of everyday Bhutanese life. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s nest). The beautiful excursion to the monastery takes about 5 hours for round trip. While returning to hotel visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. | |
| DAY 08 | DEPART PARO (by Druk Air) |
| After early breakfast drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. | |
*Itinerary can be customized to suit your interests and schedules, email us for detailed itinerary.*
