Explore the Hidden Kingdom of Bhutan Tour Package (5 Nights / 6 Days)

Today, after early breakfast, we will do a 2-3-hour return hike to Tango Monastery and then after lunch transfer to Punakha valley via the sacred mountain pass, Dochula.

Located on the mountainside north of Thimphu, Tango Monastery was founded in 1222 by the Tibetan saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who first established the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan and subsequently became the state religion of Bhutan. The round-trip hike through the pristine forests takes about 3-hour.

After the hike, a traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant. After lunch, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where the 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan is taught. Arts & Crafts are an essential part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage that has been practiced since time immemorial. Just located nearby is the National Library & Archives of Bhutan considered as the national treasure and is fundamental source of history, medicine, arts & culture. Both Institute of Zorg Chusum and National Library opens during weekdays and on Saturdays from 10am-12pm.

We then drive to Punakha valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at an altitude of 3150m above the sea level. On a clear day, you can see panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range including some of Bhutan’s highest peaks. Continue driving to Punakha passing through some villages, the elevation drops gradually and the road winds through the pine trees. As you reach the lower valley, you will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to warm subtropical valley at 1,200m.

At 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the famous 15th century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the “Temple of Fertility” and explore the nearby village where houses are adorned with colourful paintings of phalluses.

Distance from Thimphu to Punakha 74 km, Time 2.5-hours, Punakha Altitude 1,200m

Overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or Hotel Lobesa. You can also opt to stay at a farmhouse with the local family to experiences the daily life of a ordinary Bhutanese family in rural Bhutan.

Today, before we drive to Phobjjkha valley, you will do a wonderful hike to Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten, a Buddhist temple located on a serene hilltop overlooking the Punakha valley and visit the historic Punakha Dzong.

Located on a mountain ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, this wonderful Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples and monasteries. The round-trip hike takes about 3-hours through the terraced rice fields and a short gentle uphill hike through the pine trees.

If your group size is more than 3 people, a picnic lunch can be arranged by the bank of Mochu river on the way back to Punakha town. Then visit the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, the 17th century Punakha Dzong. You’ll spend some time appreciating the sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, the intricate wood works and the architectural structure of the dzong displays a fine example of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture even today.

From there walk to Bhutan's longest suspension bridge that runs over glacial-fed Phochu (male) river and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial-fed rivers - Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers.

After that transfer to Phobjikha valley in Gangtey. Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and it is a winter home for endangered Black Necked Crane from November to March and migrates back to Tibetan Plateau by the beginning of spring season. As part of the conservation effort, Phobjikha valley has been declared as a protected area and an important biodiversity hotspot.

Distance from Punakha to Phobjikha Valley 80 km, Time 3-hours, Phobjikha Altitude 3,000m

Overnight at Yueloki Guest House or Dewachen Hotel & Spa.

Today, after an early breakfast, you’ll visit one of the important landmarks in the region, Gangtey Monastery and do Gangtey Nature Hike before driving back to Paro.

Visit one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan, the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery and offer prayers and interact with enthusiastic happy monks studying Buddhist philosophy. From there venture out on an exhilarating nature hike. The trail is about 5km and takes approximately 3 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farm lands and crystalline streams. This short nature hike gives you a great feeling of the valley and understanding of the livelihood of the people living there.

We then drive back to Paro valley. Lunch can be served either in Phobjikha valley or on the way back to Paro.

On arrival in Paro, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang built in 659 AD by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo to subdue spirit of giant ogress causing harm to the propagation of Buddhism in the Himalayan region.

Distance from Phpbjikha to Paro 175km, Driving time 5-hours

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

Today, on the 6th day of your trip, you will hike to the famous 17th century Paro Taktsang Monastery popular known as the “Tiger’s Nest”.

Originally built in 1692, the iconic Taktsang is perched on a rock cliff some 800 meter above the valley floor and is the most visited sacred site in Bhutan. The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 Hours for most visitors. A vegetarian lunch will be served at the Taktsang Cafeteria located midway along the trail. Meat is not served at this restaurant owing to the sacredness of the Taktsang Monastery. Descend back to the base and drive to Paro town where you will spend some leisure time.

Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to the mid-point (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria) for a fee of about USD20 per horse per person. Horse riding is not recommended on your way down and most owners will not allow it.

Later in the evening, visit a beautiful traditional farmhouse for an authentic dinner comprised of homecooked local cuisine. You can also soak up in the therapeutic traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$15 per person.

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast, depending on your flight time you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.