Day 01: Arrive at Paro International Airport and Drive to Thimphu
The runway of the Paro International Airport hides deep within layers of mountainous terrain. Flying into Bhutan can be quite an adventure particularly the final approach to the airport as the plane glides and maneuver the mountains before aligning to the runway. After the touch down, your assigned guide and driver will meet you at the airport and you will begin your drive to Thimphu. It will be an hour drive. On arrival, you will check in to your hotel and post lunch, you will do some sightseeing in Thimphu. Night halt in Thimphu.
Day 02: Drive to Punakha District
The ride to Punakha will begin early. En route, you will arrive at Dochula Pass at 3050 meters. If the weather permits, the significant elevation will offer you an unobstructed view of the entire eastern Himalayan range including Bhutan’s highest mountain Gangkhar Puensum. After a short stop at the pass, you will continue your drive to Punakha valley. At Punakha, you will visit the popular temple of fertility and the Punakha Dzong among other attractions. Night halt in Punakha.
Day 03: Drive to Phobjikha Valley
It will be a three hour drive to Phobjikha valley from Punakha. In the afternoon, you will visit the 16th century Gangtey monastery and towards the evening, you may stroll around the village and enjoy the serenity of the village.
Day 04: Halt at Phobjikha Valley
Half way into the trip, you will spend the day at Phobjikha valley to recuperate, and prepare for the journey ahead. During this time, you may choose to relax at the hotel or explore the nature trails in the village.
Day 05: Drive to Bumthang
You will begin your drive to central Bhutan from Phobjikha early. It will be five hour drive. En route you will stop over at Trongsa District and visit the Dzong and the museum and continue your journey to Bumthang. Night halt in Bumthang.
Day 06: Cultural Sightseeing in Bumthang
Sightseeing in Bumthang mostly includes religious sites and ancient temples. Some of the attractions you will visit include Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamzhing monastery, Mebar Tso (the burning lake) and Jampa Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
Day 07: Fly back to Paro
It will be a short flight back to Paro international airport from Bumthang. If the weather permits, the domestic flight offers an extensive view of the mountains and the valleys in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro, you will continue with cultural sightseeing in Paro. Attractions include the national museum, the Paro Dzong and exploring the quaint Paro town.
Night halt in Paro.
Day 08: Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Considered the highlight of any trip to Bhutan, today you will hike to the most popular Tiger’s nest monastery. You will drive up to the base of the monastery and begin your two hour hike to the top. Lunch will be served at a cafeteria en route. On arrival, you will visit the monastery and spend some time taking in the impressive view of the valley below. You will then descend back to the base and drive back to the hotel. Night halt at Paro.
Day 09: Depart from Paro
