Trip description

Discover Bhutan on a journey rich in culture, nature, and adventure. Begin in Thimphu, where you’ll visit the towering Buddha Dordenma, stroll through colorful markets, and enjoy an optional cycling tour around the city’s scenic spots.

From there, hike a beautiful stretch of the Trans-Bhutan Trail to Punakha, where you’ll explore the stunning Punakha Dzong and enjoy an exhilarating rafting experience on the Pho Chhu River.

Next, drive to my ancestral farmhouse in Tangsibji Village, Trongsa—one of Bhutan’s hidden gems. You’ll be welcomed like family as we share meals, stories, and laughter with my cousins. It’s a rare chance to experience authentic Bhutanese life in a village untouched by mass tourism.

Continue to the serene Phobjikha Valley, known for its wide open landscapes and as the winter home of the endangered Black-necked Cranes—perfect for peaceful walks and quiet reflection.

Conclude your adventure in Paro with a hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside. It’s a breathtaking finale to an unforgettable journey through the heart of Bhutan

Tour Gallery

Trip Overview

• Day 1: Welcome to Bhutan

  The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of world’s highest glacial peaks of Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga, and our very own Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey.

  As you enter the Paro valley, you will skim over forested hills with the silvery Pachu ( or Paro river) meandering down the valley below the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) on the hill above the town.

  Upon arrival you’ll be received by our courtly guide who will help you settle into your comfortable SUV, before proceeding to Thimphu, the capital.

  Enroute stop to visit the Tamchog Lhakang and marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links from the famous Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.

  In Thimphu, you will check into your hotel for ashort rest, while our guide reviews the day’s sightseeing schedule. A visit to the Memorial Chorten, a sacred shrine built in the memory of the third king, is a must. Located close to the city-centre, it’s one of the most sacred monuments, where elderly Bhutanese, turning prayer wheels or counting beads, will be seen circumambulating it throughout the day.

  Followed by the visit to Tashichho Dzong Bhutans Administrative and religious centre.it houses the throne room of His majestic the king of Bhutan, government ministries, the nation’s largest monastery and the headquarter of Holiness the Je- khenpo(the chef abbot) There are small handicraft shops along the main street, just outside the textile museum which may have objects of your shopping interest.

  In the evening, stroll down to the national stadium to observe a game of archery, the national sport of Bhutan, played over a 140m long field. Drive back to the hotel for a short rest before dinner at the hotel.

• Day 2: Easy Exploration around the capital city of Thimphu

  After breakfast, drive up to Buddha Point, home to the towering 59.5-meter Sakyamuni Buddha statue—one of the tallest in the world. The statue houses over a hundred smaller Buddhas, all cast in bronze and gilded in gold. From here, enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Thimphu Valley.

  Next, take a beautiful 2-hour hike from Buddha Point to Changangkha, through serene blue pine forests. Originally designed as a biking trail, it was opened to commemorate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King of Bhutan.
  Continue to the Zorig Chusum School, where students master Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Visit the nearby Royal Textile Museum and Academy to see intricate weaving techniques and historic garments.
  Stop by the Bhutan Post Office, where you can browse unique Bhutanese stamps—or even create your own personalized stamp to send a postcard to loved ones.

  Lunch will be in town. Afterward, if you’re feeling active, you have the option to ride a bike north of Thimphu for a scenic post-lunch experience. or option for a short hike to Wangditse Gomba, a peaceful temple offering excellent views over Thimphu. The leisurely hike takes about an hour and passes through trails popular with local hikers and mountain bikers.

  Wrap up the day at the Crafts Bazaar, featuring Bhutanese handicrafts and textiles, and finally head to the Centennial Market, where locals sell fresh produce, spices, and other staples of Bhutanese life.

• Day 3: Hike on Trans-Bhutan Heritage Trail to Punakha

  After breakfast, drive to Dochula Pass (3140m). Sitting atop the pass with the backdrop of fluttering prayer flags is Druk Wangyal Chorten, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas) that were built to epitomise the greatness of the Fourth King.

  Depending on your physical ability, we can break it down to two sgments: Since you mentioned you are fit, i would recommned for the challenging one – we recommend the Lungtsezelkha hike – a lovely route that passes through Rhododendron forests and alpine vegetation. Here you might come across some yak herds. From Dochula Pass, it climbs up to the peak where the Lungtsezekha temple stands at 3800m. From here, you can see the great Himalayan peaks of northern Bhutan as well as the valleys of southern Bhutan.

  For an easier hike, you can take the segment of the Trans-Bhutan Trail – (an old heritage trail known popularly as the “Madman trail”, a paradise for local bike riders that was revived recently). Starting from Lamperi and descending to Thinleygang village, this trail goes through dense old forests strewn with flowering rhododendrons, a good habitat for birds, while passing through scenic villages. If you feel like a long but easy hike, we recommend this trail from Lamperi all the way to Laptsakha in Punakha (15 km).

  Then drive to the valley of Lobesa to visit Chimmi Lhakhang, one of the most unique and enchanting monastery, dedicated to ‘The Divine Madman’ known for his crazy wisdom. It is also called the fertility monastery. Childless married couples come here to seek the blessing of the deity for children. It only takes a short pleasant hike through a beautiful village surrounded by paddy fields from the roadhead.

• Day 4: Punakha Valley Sightseeing with easy day hikes on Trans-Bhutan Trail & Rafting

  Start your day with an exciting rafting adventure on the Pho Chhu River, passing lush farmland, villages, and beautiful views of Punakha Dzong. It’s a fun and scenic way to begin your journey into the heart of Punakha.

  Visit the breathtaking Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most iconic and beautiful fortresses. Located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers, it serves as the winter residence for the monastic body and houses centuries of history and art. Your guide will share stories and insights into its deep spiritual and cultural significance.

  A picnic lunch will be served by the riverbank, where you may spot locals enjoying a game of archery, Bhutan’s beloved national sport.

  Proceed to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery which is atop a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking the valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang From here, hike on the Trans-Bhutan Trail from Laptsakha to Punakha on a gentle hike of 5km to end the day or option to visit the historic Nalanda Buddhist Institute, where you can take a moment to meditate in peaceful solitude. Dinner and overnight at the hotel

• Day 5: Drive to my ancestral farm-house- Trongsa- Off the beaten-path

  Journey to the serene Tangsibje Village a truly off-the-beaten-path gem in Trongsa, where I spent many childhood holidays. You’ll be welcomed into my grandfather’s heritage farmhouse, built in the 1960s, by my cousin sister and her husband—recent winner of Bhutan’s “Strongest Man” title.

  This is an exclusive experience offered only by us, taking you deep into one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and untouched villages. Known for its sacred spring water—believed to bless your voice—and its rich musical heritage, Tangsibje offers a rare blend of culture and tranquility.

  Enjoy a peaceful walk to the village temple, meet the local monk, and meditate if you wish in the quiet sanctuary. Several gentle hiking trails begin right from the farmhouse, making it a perfect retreat in nature.

  End your day with a homemade dinner, prepared by the host family using fresh, organic produce from their garden.

• Day 6: Drive to Phobjikha Valley and sightseeing with easy hikes

  Drive to Phobjikha enroute stop to visit Chendebji Choete (Stupa) situated at the confluence of 2 rivers. Continue your drive and visit the famous Gantey Gompa monastery. Visit the famous Gantey Gompa monastery if you feel like it. This valley is different from others as it is a glacial valley that is home to the endangered Black-necked cranes which visit during the winter from the Tibetan plateau and has found a special place in the hearts of the local people and their folklore. As a result, the valley is a protected habitat for the birds while also being the potato basket of Bhutan, thereby a great example of how agriculture and conversation go hand in hand. It is the beauty of this valley that inspired visitors to coin the word” Switzerland of the East”.

  The scenic Phobjikha Valley begs you to enjoy its beauty with a beautiful nature hike. The 1-2-hour moderate walk takes you to various villages heading along a sloping, lined pathway that takes you through towering bushes of jade-hued bamboo, swaying together in a jumble of shadow and light. At the end of the bamboo enclave lies a small group of village houses, built in the distinct Bhutanese style, which features elevated platforms, intricately carved timber windowpanes, and wood-lined arched roofs. Woodlands on either side of the valley look particularly stunning, gloriously cloaked in a kaleidoscope of colors. Stay overnight in a beautiful resort with great views.

• Day 7: Drive to Paro and sightseeing

  In the mornng, drive to Paro, a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered throughout the area. In addition, Paro valley is wide and verdant, considered as the rice bowl ofButan and recognized as one of the most beautiful one in the country.

  Stop at Dochula for a hot cup of tea. On a clear day, you can have a panoramic view of eastern Himalayan ranges from the pass (3140 m).

  Visit the National Museum which has collection that includes ancient Buddhist art and artifacts, weapons, coins,stamps,mask gallery and small natural history collection.

  Visit Kichu Lhakang one of the oldest temple dating back from 7th century build by Tibetan king Songchen Gyampo to propagate Buddhism and continue to embrace one of the oldest paintings dating back from 15th century .

  In the evening stroll around Paro town which may have objects of your shopping interest. Overnight at the hotel

• Day 8: Tiger’s Nest excursion and Paro sightseeing

  We’ve saved the best for the last. Experience Bhutan’s most valued attractions, and perhaps one of the major highlights of your trip. An excursion to the famous Taktshang monastery. A two-hour hike would reward you with a spectacular temple clinging on a 1000-foot high cliff. The temple was built in 1692 by a prominent historical figure named Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye whose reincarnation is now a young teenager and already a prominent figure in the clergy.

  In the evening, explore Paro town on foot and sample the various handicrafts and art centers. Visit a farmhouse to soak in a herbal hot-stone bath which is known to be therapeutic and helps alleviate joints and muscle ailments, besides simply soothing your mind and body. This is delicious after all those days of hiking. This is a complimentary value-added experience from BHUTAN TRAVEL NOW including Bhutanese cooking class in the farm house without any hidden costs.

  We always encourage our guests to live like a Bhutanese while in Bhutan. If you fancy it, you can be dressed in our traditional attire, which our guests love to experience it.

• Day 9: Farewell

  It’s time to say ‘good-bye’… transfer to the airport for a flight with one of the most spectacular views of ever had incredible views of the Himalayan Mountain range including Mount Everest.

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