Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel.

Visit to Pangri Zampa: Drive to the 16th-century Pangri Zampa, the oldest monastery in Bhutan, located just north of Thimphu. Today, it serves as a monastic school where Buddhist monks study Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.

Afternoon Sightseeing in Thimphu Valley:

• Simply Bhutan Museum: Visit this newly commissioned museum that showcases ancient Bhutanese architecture, which is being lost to modernization. The museum is uniquely constructed using materials from traditional and old demolished houses. The highlight is its portrayal of the age-old lifestyles of the Bhutanese people.

• Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as the Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, this institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. During your visit, you can observe students learning various skills.

• Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang): A short drive from Thimphu city center, this point offers a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley. Here, you can pay your respects and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country, and enjoy a walk around the site.

Evening:

• Trashichhoedzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion): Visit this impressive fortress, the center of government and religion, and the site of the monarch’s throne room and the seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in the 1960s using traditional Bhutanese methods without nails or architectural plans, this fortress is a remarkable example of Bhutanese architecture.

• Dinner with a Local Family: Experience Bhutanese culture, traditions, and way of life firsthand by having dinner with a local family. This provides a unique opportunity to learn about local customs and enjoy traditional Bhutanese cuisine.

Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Thimphu, reflecting on the rich cultural experiences of the day.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then check out.

Drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha):

• Scenic Drive: Embark on a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La (3,080 meters), passing through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees. The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak.
• Dochu La Pass: Stop briefly at Dochu La to take in the grand vista of the eastern Himalayan Range. On clear days, the towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible, providing a stunning backdrop to your journey.

Arrival in Gangtey (Phobjikha):

• Check-In: Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Gangtey.
• Valley of Gangtey: The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The wide, flat valley without trees contrasts sharply with the dense forests you pass through, offering a rare sense of vast space in Bhutan.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your hotel.
• Visit Gangtey Gompa: Visit the Gangtey Monastery, perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor. It is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The monastery is surrounded by a village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of it.

Evening:

• Explore Phobjikha Village: Spend the rest of the day exploring the tiny village of Phobjikha by foot, enjoying the crisp, fresh mountain air. Phobjikha is also the winter home of black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass the winter in a milder and lower climate. The village lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park.

Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Gangtey, relaxing and soaking in the serene mountain environment.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Explore Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley):

• Black-Necked Crane Information Centre: Start your day by visiting the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, located on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha Valley. The centre has an observation room equipped with high-power telescopes and spotting scopes for the best view of the cranes. The centre also displays information about the natural and cultural history of the area and has a small gift shop selling handicrafts made by local people.

• Walk to Kilkhorthang: Continue exploring the valley on foot by walking to Kilkhorthang, which is located between the upper and lower valleys of Phobjikha. This walk offers a pleasant experience, starting from a small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba and heading downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village, then through beautiful forests into the open valley. There are several walking trails ranging from 1 to 3 hours, so you can choose one based on your time availability.

Afternoon:

• Leisurely Walk to Local Family: In the late afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the village to visit a local family. This walk will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Bhutanese farmhouses are colorful, decorative, and traditionally built without nails. The majority of Bhutan’s population continues to live as it has for centuries—in small, isolated farms and hamlets, surrounded by terraced fields of rice, maize, and buckwheat.

• Experience Making Suja: At the farmer’s home, you’ll have the opportunity to try making Suja, traditionally prepared salted butter tea. Butter tea is made by boiling tea leaves, mixing them with salted butter, and churning the mixture using a traditional churner.

Evening: Return to your hotel, enjoying the serene atmosphere and reflecting on your day’s experiences.

Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Gangtey, relaxing in the tranquil environment of the valley.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel and check out.

Drive to Punakha:

• Scenic Drive: Travel through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees, experiencing the natural beauty of Bhutan on your way to Punakha.

Arrival in Punakha:

• Check-In: Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Punakha.

Afternoon Exploration:

• Punakha Dzong: Visit the historic Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Serving as the religious and administrative center of the region, Punakha Dzong has played a significant role in Bhutan’s history. Despite being damaged by fires and an earthquake, it has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open to visitors during the Punakha festival and in the summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.

• Richengang Village: After exploring Punakha Dzong, visit Richengang Village, one of the oldest villages in Bhutan. Known for its traditional architecture and delightful local people, this village offers a glimpse into an ancient way of life that has remained unchanged for generations. Many villagers still work as stonemasons and original craftsmen of dzongs (fort cum monastery) and lhakhangs (temples). Walk into a local farmer or stonemason’s house to experience the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Bhutanese farmhouses are colorful, decorative, and traditionally built without the use of nails. Most of Bhutan’s population continues to live as it has for centuries, in small isolated farms and hamlets, surrounded by terraced fields of rice, maize, and buckwheat.

Evening: Return to your hotel, relax, and enjoy the serene surroundings of Punakha.

Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Punakha, resting up for the adventures ahead.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Walking Excursion to Chimi Lhakhang:

• Chimi Lhakhang: Visit the Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley. It is believed that couples who pray at this temple are blessed with children. The trail to the temple leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field.’ A walk through the village near the temple will provide rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

Afternoon Hike:

• Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten: In the afternoon, hike through fields of chilies and cabbages to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. Built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability, and harmony, the Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. This hike is approximately less than 2 hours round trip.

Evening Cooking Session:

• Cooking Class: Participate in a special cooking session at a local hotel or restaurant. Learn how to prepare traditional Bhutanese delicacies under the guidance of experienced chefs. Try your hand at making ‘Emma Datshi,’ Bhutan’s national dish made with chilies and local cheese. This interactive session allows you to experience Bhutanese cuisine firsthand, with the opportunity to taste the fiery and flavorful dishes.

Dinner: Enjoy the meal you helped prepare during the cooking session.

Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Punakha, reflecting on the day’s cultural and culinary experiences.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Drive Back to Paro:

• Scenic Drive: Begin your journey back to Paro, descending from Dochu La. Follow the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley.

• Stop at Dochu La for Prayer Flag Hoisting: Stop at Dochu La, located at 3,000 meters, for a prayer flag hoisting ceremony. Prayer flags are a significant part of Bhutanese culture and religious heritage. They are placed high up on mountains, across bridges, and near rivers to catch the wind, with each flutter believed to release prayers into the heavens. The more they flap, the greater their divine value. After hoisting the flags, enjoy a small tea party at a nearby cafeteria, taking in the grand views of the Himalayan Range.

Visit Simtokha Dzong:

• Simtokha Dzong: On your way to Paro, visit Simtokha Dzong, a place of profound tantric teaching that now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.

Arrival in Paro:

• Check-In: Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel.

Afternoon Exploration:

• Visit Ta Dzong: After a short rest, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower and now home to the National Museum. The museum’s extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, armor, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

• Walk to Rinpung Dzong: Following your visit to Ta Dzong, take a short walk down the trail to Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels.” This dzong has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard, you will find fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore, including scenes such as the four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru, and other cosmic mandalas.

Evening: Return to your hotel and relax after a day of travel and exploration.

Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Paro, preparing for more adventures the next day.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang:

• Kyichu Lhakhang: Board the bus to Satsam Chorten, stopping en route at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. This temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan and is a significant historical and religious site.

Walking Excursion to Taktshang Monastery:

• Taktshang Monastery: Upon arrival at the trailhead, embark on a walking excursion to Taktshang Monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest.” Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley floor, it is one of Bhutan’s most famous monasteries. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated, giving the monastery its name. Recognized as a sacred site, it was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. Although a fire in 1998 severely damaged the main structure, it has been restored to its original splendor.

Afternoon:

• Return to Paro: After exploring the monastery and taking in the breathtaking views, return to Paro.

Evening: Relax at your hotel, reflecting on the spiritual and cultural significance of the day’s experiences.

Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Paro, preparing for the final leg of your Bhutan journey.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Drive to Chelela Pass:

• Chelela Pass: Drive to Chelela Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan at an altitude of 3,988 meters, offering stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains, including Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. The pass is adorned with hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind and is a botanical paradise with wild roses, primulas, deep blue irises, and rhododendrons in various colors.

Biking Back to Paro Valley:

• Biking Excursion: From Chelela Pass, enjoy a fantastic bike ride back to Paro Valley, descending through thickly forested roads and taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Afternoon:

• Leisure Time: Spend the afternoon at your leisure, engaging in personal activities or exploring Paro at your own pace.

Evening Activities:

• Local Dress Wearing Session: Participate in a session at the hotel where you get to wear traditional Bhutanese attire. Men wear the Gho, a long robe similar to the Tibetan Chhuba, and women wear the Kira, an ankle-length dress. These garments are made from fine, hand-woven or milled fabric with distinctive colorful patterns.

• Traditional Bhutanese Cultural Program with Mask Dance: Enjoy a cultural program featuring traditional Bhutanese music and mask dances. Bhutanese art, dance, drama, and music are deeply rooted in Buddhist religion, and this program showcases a spectrum of folk and religious songs and music. The dances are performed in ornate costumes and masks, with each aspect having symbolic meaning. Approximately 10-12 performers will participate in the show, providing an immersive cultural experience.

Overnight: Stay at your hotel in Paro, reflecting on the day’s adventures and cultural experiences.