7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS - Thimphu - 2N, Punakha/Wangdue 2N, Paro - 3N

Distance 65 kms Driving Time 2 hrs Altitude of Thimphu 2,350 mts. After completion of immigration formalities at Paro Airport you will be met by your Bhutanese guide and transferred to the capital city Thimphu. Enroute stop at Chuzom the confluence of Thimphu Wang Chhu and Paro Pa Chhu rivers to see three stupas built in Bhutanese Tibetan and Nepalese styles. On arrival check in at the hotel. Evening free for leisure and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast full day tour of Thimphu visiting major cultural and heritage sites. Highlights include Kuensel Phodrang the gigantic Buddha Dordenma statue atop a hill offering magnificent views of Thimphu town National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 Folk Heritage Museum offering insight into Bhutanese rural lifestyle Changangkha Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in Thimphu and Motithang Takin Reserve home of the national animal Takin. In the evening visit Tashichho Dzong the fortress housing some ministries His Majesty secretariat and the central monk body. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Distance 77 kms Driving Time 2 hrs Altitude of Punakha 1,310 mts. After breakfast drive from Thimphu to Punakha with a halt at Dochula Pass at altitude 3,100 mts to view the 108 Druk Wangyal stupas. Continue drive to Punakha or Wangdue. On arrival visit Chimi Lhakhang the Temple of Fertility which is a short hike of around 30 to 45 minutes and visit Punakha Dzong located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. Later check in at the hotel evening free for leisure and overnight at the hotel in Punakha or Wangdue.

Distance 78 kms Driving Time 3 hrs Altitude of Gangtey Phobjikha 2,900 mts. After breakfast option to visit Gangtey a beautiful glacial valley home to the black necked crane during winter with visits to Gangtey Goemba monastery of the Nyingmapa school and the Black Necked Crane Information Centre for crane watching. Alternatively opt for a local Punakha Wangdue day with a hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten about 45 minutes offering breathtaking views of the Punakha Valley then visit Punakha Suspension Bridge and Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Return to hotel and overnight stay at Punakha Wangdue.

Distance 140 kms Driving Time 4 hrs Altitude of Paro 2,280 mts. After breakfast drive from Punakha Wangdue to Paro with enroute stop at Royal Botanical Garden Lamperi Bhutan first botanical park. Continue drive to Paro with a stop at the immigration check point in Hongtsho Village to return the permit. Enroute visit Tamchog Lhakhang built in the 13th century by Thangthong Gyalpo. On arrival in Paro visit Ta Dzong the ancient watch tower converted into the national museum Paro Rimpung Dzong and walk down to Nemi Zam Bridge a traditional covered cantilever bridge. Later check in at the hotel evening free for leisure and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast visit Taktsang Monastery Tigers Nest located at altitude 3100 mts in the Upper Paro Valley. The hike to the monastery takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete and due to steepness and stiff stairs is not recommended for small children and elderly people. On the way back visit Kyichu Lakhang one of the oldest and most sacred temples of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Distance 65 kms one way Driving Time 3 hrs Altitude of Haa Valley 2,700 mts. After breakfast excursion to Chele La Pass the highest motorable pass in Bhutan separating Paro and Haa valleys with views of both valleys. Continue drive to Haa Valley visiting 7th century Lhakhang Karpo the White temple Lhakhang Nagpo the Black temple and Haa Wangchuk Lo Dzong. Return to Paro hotel in the evening free for leisure and overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast transfer to Paro Airport for your return journey. Tour concludes at Paro Airport. Tashi Delek.