GENERAL INFORMATION
Start/End: Paro/Paro
Duration: 12 days/11 nights
Tour route: Paro - Thimphu - Cheri Monastery - Punakha - Gangtey - Haa Valley - Tiger’s Nest Monastery - Paro
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Paro Arrival – Thimphu
Day 2: Explore Thimphu
Day 3: Hike to Cheri Monastery
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha
Day 5: Punakha
Day 6: Punakha – Gangtey
Day 7: Gangtey – Punakha
Day 8: Punakha-Paro
Day 9: Paro – Haa Valley
Day 10: Haa – Paro via Chele La Pass
Day 11: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Day 12: Depart Paro
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Paro Arrival – Thimphu
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views. On arrival you will be greeted by the guide. If your flight is in the morning, visit Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels". From the dzong you will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Make a stop right after the Thimphu gate at Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre, here you can observe weavers at work. The store also has large selection of hand-woven textiles. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Distance: 54km, 1 hour
Day 2: Explore Thimphu
In Thimphu visit the National Memorial Chorten, one the “most visible landmark in Bhutan” constructed in honor of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Then take the road to National Library to marvel at 6100 Bhutanese and Tibetan books, manuscripts and 9000 paintings to get an insight into Bhutanese’s history as well as the religion and culture. Sprawled along the Thimphu Chhu River is the Trashi Chhoe Dzong which you will visit at late afternoon. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Hike to Cheri Monastery
Today you will hike the Cheri Monastery, a mystical site steeped in myth and mystery, situated at the northern end of the Thimphu valley. It is approximately 16 km from Thimphu city, and reaching the monastery from the valley floor takes about 30 - 40 minutes. If you are up for an adventure, you can also try to hike Tango Monastery. Tango and Cheri Monastery are situated close to eachother. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha
Enjoy a scenic drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views. From the pass drive through the forests of rhododendron, fir, and hemlock to Punakha. Make another stop at Chimi Lhakhang Temple, the fertility temple is dedicated to the great Yogi of 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley, or the "Divine Madman.” Continue driving to Punakha. Check into the hotel on arrival. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Distance: 76km, 2 hours
Day 5: Punakha
In Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. It is one of the most beautiful fortresses in the country. Start walking from the dzong passing a local funeral ground to the suspension bridge, the longest bridge in Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 6: Punakha – Gangtey
You will begin the day by driving to Gangtey through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons. Gangtey is the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. Drive to Khene Lhakhang from where you will go for an exploratory hike on the Gangtey Nature Trail passing close by the crane roosting habitats and villages. You will pass by quaint villages, beautiful pine forests, and scenic meadows. The hike ends at Gangtey Goenpa Monastery where you may spend few minutes exploring. Overnight in Gangtey.
Distance: 87km, 2-3 hours
Day 7: Gangtey – Punakha
After breakfast you will get ready for check-out. Before driving to Trongsa, you will visit the Crane Information Centre, which has information about cranes and the valley environment. Then drive back to Punakha. You will take a road diversion to Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang a new nunnery college perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking Punakha and Wangdue. Apart from religious teachings, it provides life skill training to the nuns such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and Thangkha painting. Then drive to your hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Optional: Drive through the villages to Samdhingkha (put in) where your rafting crew will be waiting. The river in the winter is calm and clear. As you continue your rafting adventure you will see villages and people going about their daily lives. Continue rafting down navigating through different rapids of II and IV, cross the suspension bridge and the majestic Punakha Dzong. Take out is at the River Confluence marking the end of your rafting trip.
Distance: 87km, 2-3 hours
Day 8: Punakha-Paro
Today you will return to Paro via Dochula pass and Thimphu again. En route, we visit the oldest fortress in the Kingdom Simtokha Dzong. Continue to Paro. Check into hotel on arrival in Paro. you may visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built in 8th century. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Distance: 124km, 2 hours
Day 9: Paro – Haa Valley
Today you will drive to Haa valley via Chele la Pass at 3990m - one of the highest motorable passes in the country. The Haa valley is one the best lesser-known valleys in Bhutan to visit. You explore some picturesque villages, which offers an opportunity to experience Bhutan traditional and rustic old-world appeal. You may visit a farmhouse and enjoy a cup of ‘ara’, a traditionally brewed rice wine or ‘suja’ – the delicious butter tea. Overnight at a hotel in Haa.
Day 10: Haa – Paro via Chele La Pass
Today you will begin an exciting drive to Paro with a stop at Chele La Pass. From the pass you will walk along the ridges each higher than the last. On clear weather you can see stunning views Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake on your right. If you are up for an adventure, you can hike further to the last ridge, Kungkarpo at 4200 meters. This spot is used as a sky burial. Take a well-deserved rest and enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas. Hike back to the pass and drive to hotel. You may spend rest of your time at your leisure either resting at the hotel or visiting the Paro. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Distance: 114km 3-4 hours
Day 11: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Morning, you will drive to Paro and hike Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. It is absolutely breath-taking, situated at 3100 meters and perched on the edge of a steep cliff about 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Lunch is served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, you will hike down to the valley floor. At the northern end of the Paro Valley lies the ruins of Drugyel Dzong. With background views of the great Jhomolhari peak, this Dzong was originally constructed to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan army. Evening is at leisure. Overnight in Paro.
Day 12: Depart Paro
After breakfast, you will drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid farewell. Thank you for choosing our Bhutan tours for your adventure!
