Incredible Bhutan – 9 Days

Trip Overview

From our many years of experience in Bhutan we have created this outstanding itinerary, our most popular holiday with the aim of combining interesting walks, exotic cultural experiences, great scenery and comfortable accommodation.

We will visit the main towns of Paro and Thimphu as well as Punakha with its fabulous dzong, and Haa, one of the scenic valleys in the region. You will also visit the lovely Gangtey Valley where in the winter months you may see the rare Black-Necked Crane. Finally no holiday to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to iconic Taktsang, the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, clinging to a cliff.

This is a holiday that will be enjoyed to the full by those who enjoy weekend walks. By its nature this is an adventure with plenty of varied walking in a place that is only just emerging into the 21st Century.

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 01 : Welcome to Bhutan. Tour Thimphu
  • Day 02 : Tour Thimphu
  • Day 03 : Tour Gangtey
  • Day 04 : Tour Wangdi
  • Day 05 : Wangdi – Paro  
  • Day 06 : Tour Paro
  • Day 07 : Excursion to Haa Valley
  • Day 08 : Hike to Tiger’s Nest
  • Day 09 : Depart Bhutan
Detailed Itinerary

The flight into Paro, Bhutan introduces you to the Himalayas. On a clear day, one can view the magnificent mountains & valley of Bhutan. Upon arrival at Paro Airport and after completing your visa / permit formalities you will be received by our Bhutan representative who will assist you in boarding your vehicle for transfer to Thimphu. Take a drive through the foothills of the Himalayas (2hrs). Thimphu is the capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, It is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel.
Hotel: City hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner

After a well-rested night & breakfast, enjoy a tour of Thimphu. Visit the Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, Trachichho Dzong, Buddha Point, Changangkha Lhakhang (Monastery), Motithang Takin Preservation centre. Thimphu was initially built in 1641 and later rebuilt in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. After completing the full day tour, return back to the hotel. (All tourists visiting Dzongs and temples must be dressed appropriately. No half pant, sleeve less shirts, floaters, etc are allowed).  
Hotel: City hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                        

Today, the day starts early for full day excursion to Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley (3000mt / 9850ft, 4 hrs one way). 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, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valley’s are tightly enclosed. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lie’s the village of Phobjikha. 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 Wangdiphodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park.
Hotel: Gangtey hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre. Later, visit the Gangtey Gompa, which is 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 Gangtey valley, Bhutan and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. Later, transfer to Wangdi.
Hotel: Kichu Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                        

After breakfast, visit the Punakha Dzong, It has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by Four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha Festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu. Also, visit 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 humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as "Divine Madman". This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. Later, transfer to Paro. (5 hrs drive) On arrival, check in to the hotel.
Hotel: Kichu Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                        

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of sightseeing tours at Paro. Visit Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the First spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang, It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). Later, return back to the hotel.
Hotel: Kichu Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                        

Start the day early for a full day excursion to Haa via Chele-la pass (3800Mts / 12465Fts, 65 Kms / 02 to 03Hrs – One way) with packed or early breakfast. Drive for 4 Kms away at Bondey village the road to Haa diverts towards the right hand side and ascends towards the Chele-la pass starts. From this point one can have a superb view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7134Mts / 23400Fts) & Mt. Jichu Drake (6989Mts / 22924Fts). This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoying the view. Continue onwards to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km (under an hour’s drive), finally reach it. The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by military, but the view from outside is stunning. After refreshment break one will visit the famous Monastery of Lhakhang Karpo & Lhakhang Nagpo. Depending on the weather, Road conditions and time Haa excursion could be either taken from Chele-la Pass or from Chozum side one can also opt for going from Chele-la Pass and returning from Chozum side or vice versa.
Hotel: Kichu Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                        

Start the day early for a day hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest). The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2½ hrs to 3Hrs one way through pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 900 meters from the Paro valley. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called "Tiger's Nest". On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor. Guest can also opt for Ponies on direct payment basis but for guest who are unable to make it to the top even reaching to the cafeteria area which in almost half way is very fulfilling.
Hotel: Kichu Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                        

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight back home.        
Meals: Breakfast