Where Bhutan’s Wild Heart Roams

During the journey to Bhutan, you will experience 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 54 km from Paro Airport and takes about 45 minutes. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the Post Office, where you can personalize your own stamps; the Traditional Paper Factory; and the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will visit Buddha Point, where you can see the giant Buddha statue on a hill overlooking Thimphu. The Buddha Dordenma is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. You will then visit Changangkha Monastery, a nunnery, the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the Painting School), the Folk Heritage Museum, and the Motithang Takin Preserve, where you can see Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. After lunch, you will visit the Traditional Paper Factory, Tashichho Dzong, and later in the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town and observe the lifestyle of the people. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast this morning, you will enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters), where 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 continue through rice fields and along the banks of the Punakha River before arriving in Punakha. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple. After lunch, you will visit Punakha Dzong, which is situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, you will drive to Gelephu, the southernmost district of Bhutan, bordering India. On the way, you will pass through small villages and townships in Tsirang and Sarpang. You will stop for a hot picnic lunch along the way. Overnight at a hotel in Gelephu.

After an early breakfast, you will drive from Gelephu to Gongphu and enjoy the ascent from 280 meters to 1,450 meters. You will pass through Surey Village, where mandarin and cardamom farming are the main forms of cultivation. The area receives some of the highest rainfall in the country, making it a thriving subtropical ecosystem. This area is home to wildlife such as langurs, tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, sambar and a large number of bird species. Overnight at an eco-camp.

Today, you will drive to Panbang through mixed broadleaf forests and thick undergrowth. The area is home to numerous bird species, including barbets, hornbills, bulbuls, doves, woodpeckers and cuckoos. The camp is located on the way to a village and provides good views of the surrounding area due to its higher elevation. Overnight at an eco-camp.

You can walk, drive or take a wooden boat ride to reach the Manas core area. On arrival, you will be welcomed by the elephant safari team and taken for an elephant safari. You can then explore the park and enjoy the surrounding natural environment. Overnight at a guesthouse or eco-camp.

After an early breakfast, you will drive for about 45 minutes to Panthang, where the rafting staff will be waiting for you. Today, you will enjoy rafting on the Upper Mangde River stretch (Class III+), which is a popular rafting adventure. The ride is bumpy and fast, with views of Royal Manas National Park on both sides. You can also see typical Khengpa village settlements along the way. Later in the afternoon, you can walk along the park’s eco-trail. Overnight at a guesthouse or eco-camp.

After breakfast, you will drive to Trongsa. As you drive, you will notice the vegetation changing from subtropical forests to broadleaf evergreen forests. This route passes through some of the richest forests in Bhutan and is home to many varieties of trees, orchids and other botanical plants. Overnight at a hotel in Trongsa.

In the morning, you will visit Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. You will then drive to Gangtey. After taking the diversion from the highway and crossing Lawala Pass, which is covered with dwarf bamboo, you will arrive in Gangtey. From Gangtey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain range and Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Bhutan and is a winter roosting place for black-necked cranes. You will visit Gangtey Goenpa, one of the important Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan. After visiting the monastery, you will hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The trail passes through pine forests and small bamboo plants, with views of Phobjikha Valley along the way. It is a good hike for nature lovers. Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.

After an early breakfast, you will drive to Paro with a stop at Dochula for lunch. After lunch, you will continue towards Paro. You will visit Paro Dzong, which 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. In the evening, you will visit a farmhouse and experience a traditional hot stone bath. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

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