Tour Overview

Trip Code
DE-B001
Starting Point
Paro
End Point
Paro
Max Altitude
3000m / 9843ft
Duration
8 Days
Country
Bhutan
Trip Grade
Beginner
Activities
Cultural Tour
Best Season
Spring and Autumn

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Bhutan, “The Four Valleys,” where happiness is a place. This meticulously crafted tour immerses you in the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and spiritual heart of this Himalayan kingdom, offering a perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern comforts.

Your adventure begins with a spectacular flight into Paro, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the fresh mountain air and transferred to Thimphu, the capital city — a unique blend of modern development and ancient traditions. Explore Thimphu’s highlights, including the majestic Buddha Dordenma, the serene National Memorial Chorten, and the impressive Tashichho Dzong. Immerse yourself in Bhutanese art at the Local Crafts Bazaar and witness the unique charm of a capital city without traffic lights.

Journey to Gangtey (Phobjikha), a glacial valley renowned for its vast, open landscapes and the Gangtey Monastery, the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. If you visit between late October and March, witness the migration of the rare black-necked cranes. Enjoy the Gangtey Nature Trail, a peaceful walk through pine forests and crane nesting grounds.

Descend into the lush valley of Punakha, the ancient winter capital, and discover the Punakha Dzong, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Take a short walk through golden rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple.

Conclude your journey in the Paro Valley, home to Bhutan’s most iconic spiritual sites. Experience the legendary hike to the Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang), a monastery perched on a cliffside 900 metres above the valley floor. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, and explore Rinpung Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.

Tour Highlights

  • Visit the most iconic Tamchog Lhakhang.
  • Explore the land of Thunder Dragon.
  • Surround yourself with the green surroundings of Gangtey.
  • Explore monasteries which hold many hidden stories.
  • Experience Bhutanese culture and traditions.
  • Hike up to a monastery located on the cliff of a mountain.
  • Familiarize yourself with the four cultures of the four valleys.

Points of Attraction

Itinerary

Elevation:

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, drive to Thimphu with an enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers.

On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. Evening: an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and the Local Crafts Bazaar — hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Elevation:

After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu valley: The National Library (priceless Buddhist manuscripts); the Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School — 6-year training in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts); the Textile Museum.

After lunch, drive (15 km) to Pangri Zampa, a 16th-century monastery where Buddhist monks learn Lamaism and astrology. Visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) for a panoramic overview of the Thimphu valley.

King’s Memorial Chorten, completed in 1974, serves as a memorial to the Late King and monument to peace. Later, visit Trashichhoedzong, housing the throne room of His Majesty the King.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3080m (Dochula Pass)

After breakfast, drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha), enroute visiting Dochula Pass (3080m), offering spectacular views over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. Continue via Wangdue Phodrang (famous for bamboo products, slate and stone carvings) through dense forests of oak and rhododendron.

The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan — a wide, flat valley after a hard climb through dense forests.

After lunch, walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Goempa, the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan, surrounded by a large village inhabited by the families of 140 Gomchens.

Overnight: Hotel in Gangtey

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation:

After early breakfast, enjoy the Gangtey Nature Trail (5.5 km, approximately 2 hours, easy difficulty). Head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and through beautiful forests into the open valley. The trail ends at the local community school.

Later, continue drive to Punakha. Upon arrival, check into hotel. Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers, and winter residence of the monk body.

Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation:

After breakfast, hike through fields of chilies, cabbages, and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument consecrated in 1999.

Later, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, perched on a ridge amid pine trees. The temple houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara and also serves as a permanent learning and meditation centre for nuns.

Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation:

After breakfast, walk to Chimi Lhakhang (15 minutes’ drive, then 1½-hour walk through paddy fields). The Temple of Fertility is widely believed to bless childless couples.

Continue drive to Paro, enroute visiting Simtokha Dzong (built 1627). On arrival, check into hotel. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Rinpung Dzong.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: 3120m (Tiger's Nest approach)

After breakfast, excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approximately 5 hours walk). Perched on a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor, it is one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites. Guru Rinpoche is said to have arrived here on the back of a tigress.

Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari is visible from the approach road.

Evening, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, marking the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation:

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for your flight to the onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.

Overnight:

Meals: Breakfast

Trek Route

What's included

  • Daily Government Royalties and Taxes ($100 per person per night)
  • Entrance fees and monuments fee
  • All transfers, vehicle, and sightseeing as per itinerary
  • English-speaking accompanying guide
  • Accommodation in 3-star hotels as per itinerary
  • Breakfast and dinner at the hotel; lunch at a local tourist restaurant
  • 1 bottle of water per day during the tour

What's excluded

  • Bhutan visa fee (US$50 fast track)
  • Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
  • Expenses of a personal nature (tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, camera/video fees, etc.)
  • Insurance of any kind and medical expenses
  • International air tickets

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Starting From:

US$2177

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