Bhutan's Hidden Treasures

After breakfast, take a drive of approximately 14 km north of Thimphu city to hike to the significant religious site of Tango Monastery, which dates back to the 13th century. The hike through the forest trail takes about 1.5 hours as you ascend. Tango Monastery was established in 1222 by Tibetan scholar Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who founded the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan, which later became the state religion. After the hike, return to town for a traditional lunch at Folk Heritage Restaurant or a similar venue.

Following lunch, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, where 13 traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts are taught. You'll observe young students engaged in hands-on training in various disciplines such as carving (Par Zo), mural painting (Lha Zo), sculpting (Jim Zo), tailoring, embroidery, and applique (Tsem Zo).

Next, we will drive to Punakha Valley via Dochula Pass, which is 74 km from Thimphu and takes about 2.5 hours. The altitude in Punakha is 1,200 meters. Along the way, we will make a brief stop at Dochula, a sacred mountain pass located at 3,120 meters above sea level. On clear days, you can enjoy views of some of Bhutan's highest peaks. From Dochula Pass, we will gradually descend into a warmer valley within an hour and a half. Upon reaching the village of Sopsokha, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple known as the "Temple of Fertility." Couples struggling to conceive often visit this temple for blessings of fertility, earning it its nickname.

If time allows, we will drive approximately 11 km to main Punakha town to explore the architectural marvel of Punakha Dzong, a fortress built in the 17th century. This fortress is renowned for its exquisite Bhutanese art and craftsmanship that continues to shape Bhutanese architecture today. After appreciating the detailed woodwork and sacred wall paintings, we will walk across Bhutan's longest suspension bridge over the Phochu River. Punakha Dzong is situated at the confluence of two glacial rivers, Phochu (male) and Mochu (female).

Our driver will be waiting on the other side of the bridge to take us to Namgay Zam Homestay in Yusakha village for the night. Staying at a homestay offers a unique opportunity to experience the daily life of a typical Bhutanese family. You can help prepare your dinner and learn how to cook some popular Bhutanese dishes. If interested, you may also enjoy a traditional hot stone bath believed to have therapeutic benefits. If this homestay is unavailable, accommodations will be provided at Meri Puensum Resort.

After breakfast, we will hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, situated on a mountain ridge, and then visit the historic Punakha Dzong before heading to Phobjikha Valley.

The hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten takes approximately 2-3 hours round trip, passing through terraced rice fields and involving a short uphill climb to reach the tranquil sacred site at the hilltop, which offers views of the lush Punakha Valley. After the hike, we will return to the road and drive to Punakha town for lunch. If you haven't yet explored Punakha Dzong, we will do so before our meal.

Following lunch, we will transfer to Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha is a wide U-shaped glacial valley located at an altitude of about 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) and serves as the winter habitat for the endangered Black-necked Crane from November until they migrate back to the Tibetan Plateau in March.

The distance from Punakha to Phobjikha Valley is 80 km, with a driving time of 3 hours, and the altitude of Phobjikha Valley is 3,000 meters.

Upon arrival in Phobjikha Valley, we will visit the renowned Gangtey Monastery, a 17th-century landmark also known as Gangtey Gonpa (where "gonpa" means “remote place” and typically refers to a site of religious importance). Founded in 1613, this is one of Bhutan's largest monasteries and houses a monastic college where hundreds of monks study Buddhist philosophy. An annual religious festival, known as Gangtey Tshechu, takes place at this impressive monastery in autumn after the harvest season, featuring a series of vibrant sacred mask dances along with traditional Bhutanese folk dances.

We will spend the night at either Dewachen Resort or Yue-Loki Guesthouse.

Following breakfast, head to a new monastery located near Gangtey Monastery before going on an exciting hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail. This trail spans approximately 5 km and takes around 2.5 hours to complete, winding through forests rich in stunning natural beauty, picturesque meadows, charming traditional village homes, agricultural lands, and clear streams. This brief nature walk offers a wonderful perspective of the valley and insights into the local community's way of life, with plenty of opportunities for capturing beautiful photographs.

After lunch, you will be driven back to Paro Valley. The journey covers a distance of 175 km and takes roughly 5 hours.

Dinner and an overnight stay will be at either Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.

After an early breakfast, you will go on a hike to the renowned Paro Taktsang, commonly known as Tiger's Nest, which is perched on an 800-meter sheer rock cliff above the Paro valley. The round-trip hike typically takes most visitors around 4-5 hours, but you can go at your own pace. We suggest starting early in the day. Horse riding is available one way up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria) for approximately USD 20, but it's not recommended for the descent.

The Taktsang monastery has historical significance linked to Guru Padmasambhava, the Indian saint who brought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the mid-eighth century A.D. Legend has it that he flew to Taktsang from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in eastern Bhutan on a tigress and meditated in one of the caves where the monastery was later established in 1692. Lunch will be served at the Taktsang cafeteria before we return to the base where our driver will be waiting.

In the late afternoon, visit Aum Choden Homestay or a similar establishment to enjoy authentic home-cooked local dishes. If you're interested, you can indulge in a traditional hot stone bath, which is believed to have therapeutic benefits, for an additional fee of about USD 20 charged by the owner. Special stones rich in minerals are heated in a wood-fired fireplace and placed into a wooden tub, releasing their minerals. You can also participate in preparing your dinner and learn how to cook some popular Bhutanese dishes.

Overnight accommodations will be at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey depending on your departure time. Our guide and drive will bid you farewell.