Witness the Magic of the Black-Necked Cranes

During the journey to Bhutan, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and driven to Thimphu, which is about 54 km from Paro Airport and takes around 45 minutes. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan; Changangkha Monastery; and the Motithang Takin Preserve, where you can see Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. You will also visit Tashichho Dzong. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will visit Buddha Point, home to the large bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma. The three-storey throne of the statue houses temples on each floor. You will then visit the Traditional Handmade Paper Factory, the Post Office, where you can personalize your own stamps, the Weaving Centre and Semtokha Dzong. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast this morning, you will enjoy the scenic drive to Gangtey with a stop for tea at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters). On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, you will drive downhill through forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will then visit Gangtey Goenpa, one of the largest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan. Gyalse Pema Thinley built a small temple here in 1613, which was later expanded into a larger goenpa by the second reincarnation, Tenzin Legpai Dhendup. After visiting the monastery, you will hike the Gangtey Nature Trail, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The trail passes through pine forests and areas with small bamboo plants, with views of the Phobjikha Valley along the way. Phobjikha is a glacial valley and a winter roosting place for the black-necked cranes. The Gangtey Nature Trail is a good short hike to experience the valley and its surroundings. Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.

Today, you will witness the Black-Necked Crane Festival with the local people in the morning. In the afternoon, you will drive to Punakha. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, you will drive to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The chorten stands on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha Valley. It was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. It took nine years to build, and holy scriptures rather than engineering manuals were consulted during its construction. It is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. The temple was built for the well-being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings. From the parking area, it is about a 45-minute uphill walk through the rice fields, while the return walk downhill takes around 30 minutes. You can enjoy good views of the Punakha Valley from the top of the temple. After lunch, you will visit Punakha Dzong, which is situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers like an anchored ship. After visiting Punakha Dzong, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple associated with the “Divine Madman.” Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After an early breakfast, you will drive to Paro with a stop at Dochula Pass for lunch. After lunch, you will continue your journey towards Paro. On arrival in Paro, you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in the 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. You will then visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

In the morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, situated at an altitude of 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After lunch, you will explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will drive to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.