Amazing Bhutan (7 Night / 8 Days)

Today is about deep diving into the culture of the capital. We start at the giant Buddha Dordenma (Kuenselphodrang) for a view that spans the entire valley. One of the highlights is a traditional lunch at the Folk Heritage Restaurant, where you can taste authentic flavors in a rustic setting.

• Visit the National Memorial Chorten and the Folk Heritage Museum.
• Enjoy a typical Bhutanese lunch.
• See the unique Takin at the Motithang Preserve and catch the sunset at Sangaygang viewpoint.
• Visit Changangkha Monastery and the majestic Tashichho Dzong.

After breakfast, we leave the city behind and head toward the serenity of Phobjikha. This is a journey into the quieter side of the kingdom. The landscape changes as we climb higher into the mountains. Once we arrive, you will settle into your hotel in the Gangtey area, surrounded by one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the world.

• Scenic transfer from Thimphu to the Phobjikha Valley.
• Check in to your hotel in Gangtey.
• Evening at leisure to enjoy the mountain views and crisp air.

Phobjikha is famous for its wide, U-shaped valley and the rare black-necked cranes that migrate here. We take a nature trail hike that starts near Gangtey Goemba. The path leads you through flower meadows and the village of Semchubara. It is a peaceful walk through forests that eventually opens up into the vast valley floor.

• Guided nature trail hike through meadows and pine forests.
• Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to use their high-power telescopes.
• Explore the local community school and browse handicrafts made by the valley residents.

We start the morning exploring the architectural beauty of Punakha. This involves a visit to the famous fertility temple and the stunning Punakha Dzong at the river junction. Later, we drive back toward Paro via the Dochula Pass. If the sky is clear, this is where you see the giants like Masagang and Gangkhar Puensum, the highest unclimbed peak on earth.

• Visit Punakha Dzong, the Suspension Bridge, and Chimi Lhakhang.
• Drive across Dochula Pass to see the 108 memorial chortens and mountain peaks.
• Arrive in Paro and check in for your overnight stay.

This is the day most travelers wait for. We head to the base of the cliff for the hike to Taktsang Monastery, better known as the Tiger’s Nest. The monastery clings to a sheer rock face 900 meters above the valley floor. After the descent, the evening is much more relaxed with a visit to some of the smaller, ancient temples in town.

• Guided hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
• Visit Nyamai Zam, Jangtsag Dumgtse Lhakhang, and Druk Choeding.
• Evening stroll through the Paro local market.

We spend our final full day exploring the landmarks that define Paro’s history. We start at Tachog Lhakhang, known for its ancient iron bridge. From there, we visit the massive Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum, which is housed in a former watchtower overlooking the valley.

• Visit Tachog Lhakhang and the historic iron bridge.
• Explore Rinpung Dzong and the Ta Dzong National Museum.
• Farewell overnight stay in Paro.

After a final Bhutanese breakfast, we handle your check-out and drive you back to the airport. The journey ends where it began, leaving you with memories of the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" to take home.

• Final breakfast and hotel check-out.
• Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight.