Heart of Bhutan

Day 1 - Arrive in Paro (7200ft) – Drive to Thimpu (7600ft), approx. 1 hour drive: Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative, who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a scenic one-hour drive to Thimphu, the world’s smallest capital city. After checking in at the hotel and freshening up, visit the Memorial Chorten, followed by a drive to Buddha Dordenma – a massive statue perched on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu Valley.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: The Capital Hotel, Thimphu

Day 2 - Sightseeing in Thimphu: Spend the day exploring various sites that offer insight into Bhutanese art, architecture, and culture. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Simply Bhutan Museum, and Textile Museum, followed by the National Library and Tashichhodzong – the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion” and the seat of Bhutan’s royal government. If time permits, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the city.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: The Capital Hotel, Thimphu

Day 3 - Drive to Gangtey (9,500 ft), approx. 3 hours’ drive: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive along the mountain road, ascending via Dochu La Pass (10,200 ft) to reach the glacial valley of Gangtey, also known as Phobjikha Valley (9,500 ft). Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking beauty of the valley, a harmonious blend of mountains, forests, wildlife, and open meadows. This tranquil and remote valley is the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet to spend the colder months in Bhutan’s milder climate. After checking in at the hotel and enjoying lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding villages.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Gangtey Tent Resort

Day 4 - In Gangtey: Visit the ancient Gangtey Monastery and the surrounding village, located on a hill ridge overlooking the vast and beautiful Phobjikha Valley. Then, enjoy a pleasant hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail, which offers a chance to experience Phobjikha valley’s rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. The afternoon is free for leisure, allowing you to enjoy an archery demonstration, experience a traditional hot stone bath, or simply relax at the resort.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Gangtey Tent Resort

Day 5 - Drive to Punakha (4070ft) approx. 3 hours’ drive: Make your way to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. En route, take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of the Divine Madman, a uniquely adorned 15th-century temple believed to bless visiting couples with fertility. After checking in at your hotel in Punakha, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country. It also serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. If time permits, visit Ritsa Village, renowned for its rice cultivation, where both red and white rice are grown. Enjoy a stroll through this traditional village.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Spirit Village Lodge

Day 6 - Drive to Paro (7200ft), approx. 4 hours’ drive: Retrace your drive across Dochu La Pass, through Thimphu, and onward to Paro. On the way, stop at the 15th-century iron bridge built by Thangtong Gyalpo (1385–1464) – a great yogi, physician, blacksmith, and architect. After lunch in Paro, visit Ta Dzong – the National Museum of Bhutan, which showcases the country’s rich culture, art, and natural history. Then, visit Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro Valley with a long and storied history. Built in 1644 by Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong served as a stronghold against repeated Tibetan invasion attempts.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Rema Resort 

Day 7 - Hike to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger's Nest (10240ft): Rise early for the unforgettable hike to the magnificent Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The trail is approximately two miles long and takes about three hours uphill hike to reach the iconic Taktsang Monastery, which clings dramatically to a cliffside 3,000 feet above the valley floor. A sacred pilgrimage site, Tiger’s Nest is believed to be where the great tantric master Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) arrived on the back of a flying tigress. It is here that he meditated and spread the teachings of tantric Buddhism in Bhutan. After exploring the monastery, hike back down, an easy descent that takes around two hours. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Rema Resort 

Day 08 - Depart from Paro: Transfer to airport for onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast