Manas Wildlife Safari

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro-Thimphu

During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and take you to Thimphu which is 54 km from Paro Airport and about 45 minutes drive. Later in the afternoon , visit  Post office were you can personalize your stamp, Traditional paper factory,  visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan);. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu

After breakfast, you will  visit giant Buddha statue  on a hill overlooking Thimphu, which is reputed to be the largest Buddha Shakymuni in the world,  visit Changangkha Monastery, Nunnery temple, School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school), Folk Heritage Museum, visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan Takin, After relaxing lunch, you will visit traditional paper factory, majestic Tashichhodzong and Later in the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town and absorb the lifestyle of the people. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu-Punakha

After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha  after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated inbetween the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha

Day 4: Punakha-Gelephu

After breakfast, you will drive to Gelephu, the southernmost district of Bhutan bordering with India. On the way you will come across small villages and townships of Tsirang and Sarbhang . You will stop for hot picnic lunch on the way.  Overnight hotel in Gelephu.

Day 5: Gelephu-Gongphu

After early breakfast drive from Gelephu to Gongphu and enjoy the ascent from 280m-1450m. You will pass through Surey village where mandarin and cardamom farming is the main cultivation.  The area gets maximum rainfall in the country. This makes the area a thriving sub-tropical ecosystem. This is the haven for wildlife such as langur, tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, samber, and large number of bird species. Overnight in Eco-camp.

Day 6: Gongphu-Panbang/Manas

Today you will drive to Panbang through forests of mixed broad-leaved forests and thick undergrowth with numerous birds such as barbets, hornbills, bulbuls, doves, woodpecker and cuckoos. The camp is on the way to a village and provides a good view of the area due to being located at a higher alleviation. Overnight in Eco-camp.

Day 7: Panbang/ Manas  (Elephant safari and wildlife viewing)

You can walk, drive or take wooden boat ride to reach Manas core area.  On arrival at Manas core area you will be welcome by the Elephant safari team and take you for elephant safari.  You can explore the park. Overnight at guesthouse or at Eco-camp

Day8:  Panbang/ Manas (Rafting/Hiking)

After early breakfast drive 45 minutes to Panthang. Rafting staff will be there waiting for you.  Today you will be rafting  in the Upper Mangde River Stretch(class 3+) which is most popular rafting adventure.  The rides are bumpy, fast and filled with breathtaking views of Royal Manas national Park at the right and left. You can see the typical Khengpa village settlement.  Later in the afternoon you can walk through the park’s ECO Trial. Overnight at guesthouse or at Eco-camp.

Day 9: Panbang-Trongsa

After breakfast, you will drive to Trongsa. As you drive you will notice that the vegetation changes from sub-tropical to broad-leaved evergreen forests. This route has one of the richest forests and has many varieties of trees and orchids and other botanical plants. Overnight hotel  in Trongsa.

Day 10: Trongsa-Phobjikha

In the morning, you’ll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. You will then drive to Gangtey.  On taking the diversion from the high-way, and crossing Lawala pass blanketed with dwarf bamboos, you will arrive at Gangtey. From Gangtey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjikha Valley, Phobjikha  is one of the most beautiful glacial valley in the Bhutan. It is a winter roosting place for the black neck crane. You will Visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.  After monastery you will be hiking on Gangtey Natural Trail which is 1 hour 30minutes approximately. You will be hiking through pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautiful from this hike. It is one of the best hike for the nature lovers. Overnight hotel  in Phobjikha

Day 11: Phobjikha-Paro

After early breakfast Drive to Paro with a stop at Dochula for lunch. After lunch proceed towards Paro. You will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century . Overnight hotel in Paro.

 Day 12: Paro (Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 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 Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Evening you will farm house and experience traditional hot stone Bath.  Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 13: Departure

After breakfast, you will drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.