8 days Bhutan Tour - Paro, Thimphu, Punakha & Gangtey

Today is dedicated to exploring Thimphu in depth. After breakfast, embark on visits to both cultural and natural highlights:

• Buddha Dordenma Statue, a massive golden Shakyamuni Buddha statue overlooking the valley, offering sweeping views of Thimphu.
• Changangkha Lhakhang, a historic temple where locals often bring their newborns for blessings.
• Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases Bhutan’s traditional lifestyle, farming tools, and architecture.
• National Textile Museum, offering insights into Bhutan’s intricate weaving traditions.
• Institute for Zorig Chusum, also called the Painting School, where students train in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.

In the evening, you may also explore the bustling Centenary Farmers Market, where villagers from nearby valleys sell fresh produce and local specialties. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, begin your drive towards Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital. En route, you’ll stop at the famous Dochula Pass (3,100m), adorned with 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and offering spectacular views of snow-capped Himalayan ranges on clear days.

Descending into the warmer Punakha Valley, visit:

Punakha Dzong, considered Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress, strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The dzong is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and an important religious and administrative center.

Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan, draped in prayer flags and offering thrilling views of the river below.

If time allows, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, affectionately known as the “Divine Madman.”

Overnight stay in Punakha.

Today’s drive takes you into the tranquil Phobjikha Valley, home to the Gangtey region. En route, stop at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, perched on a ridge overlooking the river. Although damaged by fire, it remains a historic landmark.

Continuing the journey, you’ll enter Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley famed for its pristine beauty and as the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes. Upon arrival in Gangtey:

Visit the Gangtey Monastery, an important Nyingmapa monastery with panoramic valley views.

Stroll around Phobjikha Valley, enjoying the serene atmosphere, traditional farmhouses, and vast open landscapes that make this region unique in Bhutan. Overnight stay in Gangtey.

Wake up to the crisp mountain air of Phobjikha Valley. After breakfast, enjoy a short nature walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, which offers wonderful opportunities to spot birds, wildlife, and the valley’s untouched scenery.

Later, begin the drive back to Thimphu, retracing your route across scenic mountain passes, terraced rice fields, and river valleys. Upon arrival in Thimphu, you can relax at your hotel or spend the evening shopping for traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs at local markets. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive back to Paro, a picturesque valley surrounded by lush pine forests and dotted with historic sites. Upon arrival, begin exploring Paro’s highlights:

Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), an impressive fortress-monastery known as the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.” National Museum (Ta Dzong), a former watchtower that now houses an extensive collection of Bhutanese art, artifacts, and historical treasures.

Evening walk around Paro Town, where you can browse through local shops selling traditional Bhutanese crafts and textiles. Overnight stay in Paro.

Today is the highlight of your Bhutan journey—a hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched dramatically on a cliffside about 900 meters above the Paro Valley floor. The trek takes around 4–5 hours round trip and is a deeply spiritual and rewarding experience.

Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew to this location on the back of a tigress and meditated here, subduing local demons. The monastery, with its white walls and golden roofs clinging to the cliff, is one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites and a true symbol of the nation.

After the hike, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath (optional) to relax your muscles and rejuvenate your spirit. Overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the enchanting Kingdom of Bhutan. Our representative will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. As you depart, carry with you memories of serene valleys, sacred monasteries, and the unique charm of Bhutanese culture.