pon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will proceed through customs and immigration. Be sure to keep your visa clearance letter accessible, as it may be required for verification. Note that passport-sized photos are no longer needed, and your visa has already been paid in advance. After completing the immigration process, you will meet your guide and driver outside the terminal building, where they will be waiting to greet you. They will then assist you with the transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Paro. Upon arrival in Thimphu, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll around the city in the evening, exploring the local sights and soaking in the atmosphere of the capital. Afterward, you will check into your accommodation for the night and enjoy an overnight stay in Thimphu.

Today, you'll visit several key attractions in Thimphu, including the Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin Sanctuary, Indigenous Hospital, Textile Museum, Heritage Museum, Traditional School of Arts & Crafts, and Tashichho Dzong. Depending on available time, you may also visit the Zangdopelri Temple, paper factory, and other local sights. Overnight in Thimphu.

n the morning, you'll embark on a scenic drive towards Gangtey, passing through the Dochula Pass (3,140 meters / 10,362 feet), where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of the pass is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 stupas built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the eldest Queen of Bhutan. Continuing your journey, you'll descend into the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, located in the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang. The valley is home to the Gangtey Monastery, a 17th-century Buddhist site perched on the valley slopes. The quiet village of Phobjikha lies a few kilometers below the monastery, on the valley floor. This remote and tranquil valley is also the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet to spend the winter months in the milder climate of Bhutan. After exploring the valley, you will stay overnight in Gangtey, soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

In the morning, you'll begin a half-day hike along the scenic Gangtey Nature Trail. This relatively short trail, which takes about two hours at a brisk pace, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. Along the way, you'll have the chance to visit the stunning Gangtey Goemba (Monastery) and explore a lush, sloping area of green grass, bordered by tall pine trees. As you walk, you’ll pass through small villages, cross rivers, and even visit the crane roosting grounds, where the endangered black-necked cranes can often be seen in winter. After the hike, you'll continue your journey to Trongsa, where you'll visit the Trongsa Museum. Perched above the Trongsa Dzong, the Ta Dzong (a former watchtower built in 1652) now houses the museum. Renovated with support from the Austrian government, the museum showcases Bhutan’s royal history and the monarchy's centenary celebrations. It is equipped with modern technology, including a media room that offers a documentary on Bhutan's monarchy. After the day's explorations, you will overnight in Trongsa.

In the morning, you'll drive to Punakha and visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, a fortress built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This stunning dzong is strategically situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu (Female River) and Pho Chu (Male River) and is considered one of the most beautiful and historically significant buildings in Bhutan. It served as the seat of the king until the time of the second king. After exploring the dzong, you'll embark on a hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, which was built in 1499 by the famous Lam Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman. The hike, which takes about 30 minutes across fields, offers scenic views of the surrounding valleys and villages. Chimi Lhakhang is renowned for its connection to fertility and is adorned with wooden phalluses, which are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. After your visit, you will return to your vehicle and head back to Punakha or Wangdue for an overnight stay.

In the morning, you will drive to Paro and begin your exploration with a visit to the magnificent Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks. Known as the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels,” this stunning dzong was built in 1644 by the spiritual and political leader Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Paro Valley, the dzong is an architectural masterpiece, serving both administrative and religious purposes. Every year, during the Paro Tsechu festival, one of the oldest Thongdols (gigantic scroll paintings) is ceremonially unfurled here, adding to the dzong’s cultural significance. Next, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples. Built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, this monastery holds immense spiritual importance and is a key pilgrimage site. Afterward, you'll head to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong, built in 1649 by Zhabdrung to commemorate the victory of the Drukpas over the Tibetan invasion in 1644. The site remains historically significant, as the victory is still celebrated by the Bhutanese. On a clear day, the ruins offer a mesmerizing view of Jhomolhari Mountain (7,326 meters / 24,176 feet), also known as the "Mountain of Goddess," with its majestic white-domed peak. After a full day of exploration, you will overnight in Paro, soaking in the spiritual and historical richness of the region.

In the morning, you will embark on a hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan's most iconic cultural landmark. Perched 800 meters (2,640 feet) above the Paro Valley on a seemingly sheer cliff, the monastery is both a spiritual and architectural marvel. Although it was tragically destroyed by fire in 1998, it has been meticulously restored to its former glory. The site is legendary, as it is believed that in the 8th century, the great tantric master Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), also known as the second Buddha, flew on the back of a tigress to the location where the monastery now stands. The hike to the monastery takes about five hours, with a mix of gentle and steep sections, stony footpaths, and well-maintained trails. For those who prefer a gentler ascent, horses are available for hire at an additional cost of US$25 per person. After the hike, you will visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse in the Paro Valley. These picturesque, multi-story houses are beautifully decorated, with intricately painted walls and colorful wooden features. The visit offers a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of Bhutanese farmers, where you can experience their warm hospitality firsthand. The farmers often welcome guests with smiles and invite them into their homes for a cultural exchange. If you'd like, you can also experience a hot stone bath at the farmhouse, a traditional Bhutanese healing practice, for an additional US$25 per person. Afterward, you can take a leisurely stroll around Paro town, observing daily life and local culture. The day ends with an overnight stay in Paro, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.

After breakfast, our representative will drop you at Paro International Airport for your flight to your onward destinations.