Sacred Peaks and Serene Paths of Bhutan

Today, after a light breakfast, we'll go on a 2-3 hour round trip hike to Tango Monastery. Following lunch, we'll explore some sights around Thimphu.

Tango Monastery, situated approximately 14 km north of Thimphu on a beautiful mountainside, is one of the most significant religious sites in Bhutan. It was originally established in the 13th century by Tibetan scholar Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who founded the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan, which later became the state religion. Most visitors take about 2-3 hours for the roundtrip hike.

Hiking Duration: 2-3 hours; Tango Monastery Elevation: 3,060m/10,040ft.

After our hike, we will drive back to Thimphu town for a traditional lunch at the Folk Heritage Restaurant. Post-lunch, we will visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, where 13 traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts are taught. Nearby is the National Library of Bhutan, regarded as a national treasure and a vital source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts, and culture. Both the Zorig Chusum and the National Library are open on weekdays and Saturdays from 10 am to noon.

Next, we'll take a leisurely walk through the Craft Bazaar along the main street of Thimphu, where you can find various authentic Bhutanese handicrafts. We will also pass by the Changlimithang Archery Range, where you might have the chance to witness an archery match. You’ll see archers celebrating with dances and songs each time they hit the target from a distance of 145 meters, as archery is Bhutan's national sport.

Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara.

After breakfast, you will drive to the Punakha valley. On the way, make a brief stop at Dochula, a revered mountain pass at an altitude of 3,150 meters, where you can enjoy stunning views of some of Bhutan's tallest peaks on a clear day—perfect for photos! From there, continue your journey towards Punakha, gradually descending into a warmer valley within about an hour and a half.

Approximately 11 kilometers before reaching Punakha town, visit the renowned Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple commonly referred to as the “Temple of Fertility” by tourists. A leisurely stroll through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses adorned with phallus paintings will offer you a unique experience. Take some time to walk around and explore the village.

After having lunch at a nearby hotel or a local village house, head to Punakha town to see the stunning 17th-century Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece of Bhutan that showcases exquisite arts and craftsmanship, which continues to shape Bhutanese architecture today. You will have some time to admire the intricate woodwork and sacred wall paintings. Following this, take a walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge that spans the glacial-fed Phochu river. The Punakha Dzong is situated between two glacial-fed rivers: Phochu (male) and Mochu (female).

The distance from Thimphu to Punakha is 74 km, with a driving time of 3 hours. Dochula Pass is at an altitude of 3,150 meters, while Punakha is at 1,200 meters.

Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at Namgay Zam Homestay. Many of our guests enjoy staying for one or two nights with a local family, experiencing the daily life of an ordinary Bhutanese household while enjoying organic, home-cooked local dishes. If this homestay is unavailable, you will stay at Meri Puensum Resort.

Following breakfast, go on a hike to the scenic Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten, situated on a tranquil hilltop. After lunch, you will be transferred to Phobjikha Valley.

The Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten offers stunning views of the lush Punakha Valley, with the glacial-fed Mochu River winding through it. The hiking route takes you through terraced rice fields and involves a brief ascent through pine trees, typically taking around 2.5 hours for a round trip for most visitors.

After completing the hike, return to the road and drive back to town for lunch.

Post-lunch, you will head to Phobjikha Valley, a vast U-shaped glacial valley located at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters (9,840 feet). This valley serves as a winter habitat for the endangered Black-necked Crane from November until they migrate back to the Tibetan Plateau by March. In support of conservation efforts, Phobjikha Valley has been designated as a protected area.

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

You will enjoy dinner and spend the night at Dewachen Hotel and Spa or Yue-Loki Guest House.

After breakfast, you'll head to Gangtey Gonpa, one of Bhutan's largest monasteries, before being transferred back to Paro.

Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangtey Gonpa, dates back to the 17th century and serves as a significant landmark in the Phobjikha valley. The name "Gangtey" translates to "Hilltop," while "Gonpa" means "remote place," typically indicating a site of religious importance. Here, you'll have the opportunity to meet peaceful monks studying Buddhist philosophy and spend some time offering prayers at sacred sites.

Following this, you'll go on an exhilarating Gangtey Nature Hike. This 5km trail takes about 2.5 hours and winds through beautiful woods, meadows, traditional village homes, farmlands, and clear streams. This short hike provides a wonderful insight into the valley and the local way of life, with plenty of chances to capture stunning photographs.

Afterward, you'll drive back to Paro valley, with lunch served en route. Upon arrival in Paro, time permitting, you may visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples dating back to the 7th century, which is said to have been constructed overnight by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

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

On the sixth day of your journey, you will embark on a hike to the renowned Paro Taktsang Monastery, also known as the "Tiger's Nest," which dates back to the 17th century. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to visit a charming farmhouse to enjoy a meal of locally prepared dishes.

Constructed in 1692, the iconic Taktsang Monastery is situated on a cliff approximately 800 meters above the valley floor and is Bhutan's most popular sacred site. The round-trip hike typically takes around 4-5 hours for most visitors, but you are welcome to go at your own pace. It is advisable to start early. Horse riding is available for a fee of about USD 20 up to the midpoint (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria), but walking is recommended for the best experience. Riding down is not advised due to the risk of accidents.

A vegetarian lunch will be provided at the Taktsang Cafeteria, located halfway along the trail, as meat is not served there due to the monastery's sacred status. After descending back to the base, you will drive to Paro town for some leisure time.

In the evening, you will visit a lovely traditional farmhouse for dinner featuring authentic home-cooked local cuisine. If you're interested, you can also try a popular home spa experience—a therapeutic hot stone bath—for an additional fee of about USD 20 per person, payable directly to the owner.

You will spend the night 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. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check in.