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Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered: Phuntsholing - Thimphu - Punakha - Wangdiphodrang - Simtokha - Paro
Day 01: Arrival at Phuntsholing
Our representatives will welcome you on your arrival at Phuntsholing, a border town to the south bordering the Indian state of West Bengal. Phuntsholing is known as on of the famous commercial hub of Bhutan. Overnight stay will be at Hotel Druk in Phuntsholing.
Day 02: Phuntsholing - Thimphu
In the morning, we drive to Thimphu (6hours drive), the modern capital of Bhutan. Located at an elevation of 2,300m in a valley traversed by the Wang Chu River, Thimphu is one of the most favorite tourist destinations in the region. Tashichho Dzong, the main Secretariat building housing the throne room of His Majesty and a summer residence of the central monk body, is the prime attraction at Thiphu. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. It is also an ideal spot for leisure walks. Overnight stay will be at Hotel River View or similar.
Day 03: Thimphu
After breakfast in the morning, enjoy an exciting sightseeing tour of Thimphu. Visit the famous Memorial Chorten, 15th century Changangkha Monastery, the Painting School, National Library, Royal Goldsmith Workshop and Handicraft Centers in Thimphu. Overnight stay will be at Hotel River View or similar.
 Day 04: Thimphu - Punakha - Wangdiphodrang
In the morning, we drive to Wangdiphodrang via Punakha, crossing the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 m). On fine weather you can see the majestic eastern Himalayan ranges including the Mt.Gangar Punsum (7,520 m), the highest mountain ranges in Bhutan. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of Lobesa. Visit the Punakha Dzong, which was once the old capital of Bhutan. Built between two rivers, this remarkable fortress has survived many glacial floods and fire. A colorful procession, known as the Punakha Serda, is taken out every year in the month of February, to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans.
Later, we proceed to Wangdiphodrang (45 minutes) to view the Dzong from outside and stroll around the market area. Check into Wangdi Kichu Resort at Wangdue Phodrang.
Day 05: Wangdiphodrang
In the morning, enjoy a daylong excursion to the famous Gangtey Gompa Valley, situated at an altitude of 2,800 meters. The place is famous for the only Nyingmapa Monastery, located in western Bhutan. Also known for its unique wildlife population, this beautiful valley is home to the rare Black Necked Cranes, who migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to escape the harsh winters. According to estimates, there are around 200-300 cranes, residing in this valley, under the strict supervision of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN). During their stay of 4/5 months in the winter valley, the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the natural beauty of this fascinating glacier valley. Return back to the Resort. Overnight stay will be at Kichu Resort in Wangdue Phodrang.
Day 06: Wangdiphodrang - Simtokha - Paro
In the morning, we drive to Paro (4-5hrs). En-route, visit the famous Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fort in Bhutan. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour of Paro. Overnight stay will be at Kichu Resort in Paro.
 Day 07: Paro
In the morning, enjoy a day hike up to the view point of the famous Taktsang Monastery. The hike, which is uphill all the way, takes about 2-3 hours through unique villages and beautiful pine forests. Horses can also be arranged with an extra payment. The monastery, which stands majestically on a huge granite cliff at an altitude of 800 meters from the Paro Valley, was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government took immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava visited the place in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. Around the end of the 17th century, a monastery (Taktsang Monastery) was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit at least once in their lifetime. Stroll back to Resort. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay will be at Kichu Resort in Paro.
Day 08: Paro - Departure
On time transfer to the airport to board a flight for your onward destination or way back home.
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