7 Nov

Arrive Paro – Thimphu   ·   Overnight: Thimphu

The flight into Bhutan offers spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. On a clear day, you may see Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. On arrival at Paro International Airport, your tour representative will be there to welcome you. Drive to Thimphu through picturesque countryside, rice-terraced and river valleys.  

Afternoon:  Visit Kuenselphodrang, home to magnificent 169-ft Buddha Dordenma statue,  overlooking the capital, followed by a visit to the Memorial Chorten. 

Evening:  Enjoy a leisurely walk through Thimphu town, and discover the atmosphere of Bhutan’s capital. 

8 Nov

Explore Thimphu   ·   Overnight: Thimphu

Morning:  Visit the National Library, renowned for its collection of Buddhist manuscripts. It also houses the largest published picture book in the world. Continue to Choki Traditional Arts School, where disadvantaged youth learn Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts. 

Afternoon:  Visit Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress-monastery housing the King’s Throne Room and government offices, and the summer residence of the Central Monastic Body. Explore the Crafts Bazaar for local handicrafts. 

Time Permitting:  Visit Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal, and/or discover the traditional art of papermaking at the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. 

 

 

9 Nov

Thimphu – Punakha   ·   Overnight: Punakha

After breakfast, visit Bhutan Post where you can create personalized postage stamps featuring yourself or loved ones. Drive to Punakha over the Dochula Pass (3,100m), with its 108 Druk Wangyel memorial chortens. On a clear day you will be able to get a panoramic view of Himalayan peaks. 

En Route:  Visit Chimi Lhakhang, a picturesque hillside temple which is well known for fertility blessings. The temple is associated with Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as Divine Madman.   

Afternoon:  Visit Punakha Dzong, set spectacularly at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Renowned for its intricate architecure and historical importance, it serves as the winter seat of the Central Monastic Body. 

10 Nov

Punakha – Phobjikha   ·   Overnight: Phobjikha

After breakfast, drive to the tranquil Phobjikha Valley, framed by forested hills. This is the winter home of the endangered Black-Necked Crane, which migrates here from the Tibetan Plateau. Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to learn about conservation efforts. Afternoon: enjoy some leisure time to relax, take in the tranquil scenery or explore the surrounding countryside.  

Note: Cranes are typically present November–February; outside this period the valley remains well worth visiting for its landscape and villages. 

11 Nov

Phobjikha  ·   Overnight: Phobjikha

Join the community at Gangtey Goenpa for the annual Black-Necked Crane Festival, celebrating the arrival of these graceful migratory birds and Bhutan’s bond with nature. Enjoy traditional mask dances, folk performances and the crane dances performed by local school children and villagers. The festival also features environmental awareness programmes organised by the Black-Necked Crane Conservation and Information Center, highlighting the importance of protecting these beautiful birds and their fragile habitat. 

Afternoon:Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the valley.  

Optional excursion: If time and road conditions permit, visit Gogona village and its local cooperative dairy processing unit to learn about traditional cheese-making and sample local produced cheese.   

12 Nov

Phobjikha – Paro   ·   Overnight: Paro

Begin the day with a final opportunity to appreciate Phobjikha’s beautiful landscapes and, with luck, observe black-necked cranes feeding in the valley.  

Drive to Paro through Bhutan’s scenic mountain countryside, enjoying the changing landscapes along the way.  

Afternoon: Visit Ta-Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Discover collections of traditional paintings, textiles, weapons and artefacts that offer insight into the country’s history and cultural heritage. Time permitting, continue to Paro Rimpung Dzong and a nearby traditional cantilever bridge. 

Evening: Stroll through Paro town, with its traditional architecture, small shops and cafes.  

13 Nov

Paro – Excursion to Taktsang   ·   Overnight: Paro

After breakfast, drive to the trailhead at Ramthangkha and begin the hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The hike takes approximately 2-3 hours uphill. Perched dramatically on a cliffside 3,000 ft above the Paro valley, Taktsang is one of Bhutan’s most sacred monasteries, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated in the 8th century — a pilgrimage many Bhutanese hope to make once in their lifetime. 

Afternoon:  Drive to Drugyel Dzong, from whose ramparts Bhutanese forces once defended against Tibetan invasions. On a clear day, sacred Mount Chhomolari may be seen in the distance. Time permitting, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, believed built in the 7th century. 

Evening: Unwind with a traditional Bhutanese medicinal hotstone bath, followed by a home-cooked Bhutanese dinner at a farmhouse.  

14 Nov

Paro – Departure

Early morning drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Your tour representative will accompany you to the airport and bid you farewell as you depart Bhutan, taking with you memories of its landscapes, culture and warm hospitality.