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: Day Excursion to Tango Monastery
You will drive towards the northern tip of Thimphu valley. As you approach the tip, the mountainous terrain starts caving in and the forests starts getting denser and you drive along the Thimphu River. The area is quite secluded thus can be a rejuvenating experience. After about 40 minutes’ drive, you will arrive at the base of the monastery, and begin an hour hike to Tango monastery. After returning to Thimphu, you may choose to relax at the hotel or take a stroll around Thimphu city. Night halt in Thimphu.
Day 03: Drive to Phobjikha Valley
The ride to Phobjikha 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 Phobjikha valley. 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. Night halt in Phobjikha.
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. You may also choose to stay at a homestay to experience local homestays, live like Bhutanese.
Day 05: Drive to Punakha
You will drive back to Punakha. En route you will visit the popular temple of fertility. In the afternoon, tourists will visit the Punakha Dzong. Night halt in Punakha.
Day 06: Excursion to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten in Punakha
You will drive 30 minutes to the northern countryside of Punakha valley. Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten stands on a ridge overlooking the expansive paddy fields and the valley. The hiking trail will take your through the paddy fields and depending on the season of travel, you may see farmers in action during the plantation and harvesting season. Night halt in Punakha.
Day 07: Drive back to Paro
You will drive back to Paro early. It will be a three hour drive. Lunch will either be served en route or on arrival at Paro. In the afternoon, you will some cultural sightseeing. 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 in Paro.
Day 09: Depart from Paro
