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- Destination: Bhutan
- Duration: 8 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Adventure
About This Trip
Embark on this 8-day soft adventure journey to experience the highlights of Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Paro, blending cultural exploration with breathtaking natural scenery. Enjoy rewarding hikes and sightseeing experiences to iconic sites such as the legendary Tiger’s Nest, the tranquil Cheri Monastery in the Thimphu Valley, and the Gangtey Nature Trail, offering sweeping views of the stunning Phobjikha Valley. In addition, be captivated by the serene beauty of Punakha Dzong and the majestic Himalayan mountain panoramas visible from Dochula Pass.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Paro - Thimphu
Paro: Arrival
Thimphu: Hiking Tour, Tango Monastery, Cheri Monastery
3 - 4
Punakha
Punakha Dzong, Wooden Suspension Bridge, Dochula Pass, Khamsum Yuelley Chorten, Chimi Lhakhang
5
Gangtey
Gangtey Monastery, Hiking from Gangtey Nature Trail to Khewa Lhakhang, Semchubara Village
6 - 8
Paro
Trek to Tiger's Nest, Drukgyel Dzong, Hike to Kila Goempa
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Drive to Thimphu (Approx. 1.5 Hours)
Step into Bhutan and immediately feel the purity of its crisp mountain air. Upon landing at Paro Airport, your private guide will warmly welcome you and escort you on a scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Along the route, pass the historic Tamchog Lhakhang iron chain bridge and pause for photo opportunities. Once you reach Thimphu, enjoy a relaxed remainder of the day at your own pace.
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- Thimphu
- Day 2: Hiking Experience in Thimphu Valley
Set out on a 45-minute drive north of Thimphu Valley to begin a rewarding hiking day. Upon arrival, trek to the historic Tango Monastery, a Buddhist monastery dating back to the 13th century. After enjoying a picnic lunch, continue your hike to Cheri Monastery, an important retreat and learning center of the Southern Drukpa Lineage within the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
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- Thimphu
- Day 3: Scenic Drive to Punakha & Visit to Punakha Fortress
After breakfast, depart Thimphu and travel by car toward Punakha. Along the way, pause at Dochula Pass for a coffee break. This picturesque mountain pass is home to 108 memorial stupas honoring Bhutanese soldiers. Take a gentle walk among the chortens and enjoy the calm, reflective atmosphere.
Continue onward to Punakha and explore the remarkable Punakha Dzong, often regarded as Bhutan’s most stunning fortress-monastery. Built in the 17th century, it is the country’s second-oldest dzong and is uniquely located at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River).
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- Punakha
- Day 4: Journey from Punakha to Gangtey
Begin the day with a walk across the wooden suspension bridge spanning the Mo Chhu River, then hike uphill to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. From its hillside setting, enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding valley and river below.
Next, travel to Lobeysa and take a short 20-minute walk to Chimi Lhakhang, a sacred Buddhist temple where many women come to offer prayers for fertility. After the visit, continue your scenic drive to Gangtey, where you will settle in for an overnight stay.
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- Gangtey
- Day 5: Gangtey Exploration & Transfer to Paro
Start your morning with a drive to Gangtey Goemba, also called Gangtey Monastery, a significant religious center of the Nyingmapa Buddhist tradition. Then enjoy a scenic hike of about 1.5 hours along the Gangtey Nature Trail, leading toward Khewa Lhakhang.
Along the way, make a brief stop at the charming Semchubara Village to observe local life. After the hike, continue your journey with a transfer to Paro for your overnight stay.
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- Paro
- Day 6: Paro Highlights & Tiger’s Nest Trek
The iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) stands as Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural symbol. Today is dedicated to experiencing this remarkable site up close. Hike to the sacred monastery perched dramatically on a cliff about 900 meters above the Paro Valley, allowing time to admire its spiritual atmosphere and stunning surroundings.
After completing the trek, descend and visit the remains of Drukgyel Dzong, where clear weather rewards you with impressive views of Mt. Chomolhari in the distance. Later, stop by a local farmhouse to connect with Bhutanese families and gain insight into their everyday life. You may also have the chance to watch locals practicing traditional archery at a nearby range.
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- Paro
- Day 7: Kila Nunnery Hike & Return to Paro
Set out on a rewarding two-hour trek to Kila Goempa, also known as the Kila Nunnery. The trail winds through forested paths and steep mountain slopes, offering a peaceful and immersive walking experience. Perched dramatically on cliffs at around 3,500 meters above sea level, the nunnery features a main prayer hall along with several small meditation huts used by resident nuns.
After exploring the site, descend on foot to the nearest road accessible by vehicle, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Paro for the remainder of the day.
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- Paro
- Day 8: Farewell Bhutan & Departure from Paro
As your memorable journey through Bhutan comes to an end, it is time to bid farewell to this remarkable land. At the scheduled time, a private transfer will escort you to Paro Airport for your onward flight home.
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