Bhutan Himalayan Essence 8Day Nature - Culture - Spiritual Discovery Tour From Phuntsholing

Altitude: Phuntsholing – 293m | Thimphu – 2,320m
Distance: 165 km | Driving Duration: 5.5–6.5 hours

Highlights:
Meet & greet by your Bhutanese guide.
Complete permit formalities at the border.
Begin the scenic uphill journey to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, with diverse vegetation and waterfalls en route.

Optional Stop:
Kharbandi Gompa – Beautiful views of the Indian plains and vibrant prayer flags. Evening in Thimphu:
Relaxed stroll at Clock Tower Square or explore cafés and local markets.
Overnight Stay: Thimphu

Activities : Sightseeing

Altitude: 2,320m

Highlights:
National Memorial Chorten – A center of spiritual activity and prayer for locals.
Motithang Takin Preserve – See Bhutan’s strange-looking and beloved national animal.
Buddha Dordenma Statue – 51-meter-tall golden Buddha overlooking the Thimphu Valley.
Folk Heritage Museum – Traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, artifacts, and rural culture.
Zorig Chusum (School of Arts & Crafts) – Students mastering the 13 traditional arts of Bhutan.
Tashichho Dzong (Outer View) – Seat of Bhutan’s civil and monastic government.
Textile Museum and paper factory.
Craft Bazar
Optional: Evening cultural show or dress in Bhutanese attire (Gho/Kira) for photos. Overnight Stay: Thimphu

Activities : Museums

Altitude: Thimphu – 2,320m | Dochula – 3,100m | Punakha – 1,200m
Distance: 85 km | Duration: 3–3.5 hours
Morning Stop at Dochula Pass:
108 Druk Wangyal chortens surrounded by panoramic Himalayan views (weather permitting).
Visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, a unique modern temple honoring the 4th King.

In Punakha:
Punakha Dzong – Majestic fortress built in 1637 at the confluence of Pho Chhu & Mo Chhu rivers.
Suspension Bridge – One of the longest in Bhutan with views of the valley and rivers.
Chimi Lhakhang – Fertility temple accessed via a scenic hike through rice fields. Overnight Stay: Punakha

Activities : Sightseeing

Altitude: Punakha – 1,200m | Phobjikha – 3,000m
Round Trip Distance: Approx. 135 km | Duration: 6–7 hours

Phobjikha Highlights:
Gangtey Monastery (Gantey Goemba) – A major monastery of the Nyingma school with sweeping views.
Gangtey Nature Trail – A peaceful 1.5-hour walk across pine forests and wetlands.
Black-necked Crane Info Center – Learn about this rare, endangered species (Nov–Feb migration).
Return to Punakha by evening, enjoying the scenic countryside.
Overnight Stay: Punakha

Activities : Sightseeing

Altitude: Punakha – 1,200m | Paro – 2,200m
Distance: 125 km | Duration: 4.5–5.5 hours

En Route Highlights:
Drive through pine forests and mountain passes.
Optional stop at Simtokha Dzong – Bhutan’s oldest dzong, now a Buddhist university.

In Paro:
Rinpung Dzong – “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”, known for its architecture and spiritual presence.
Ta Dzong (National Museum) – Ancient weapons, textiles, Buddhist relics in a circular watchtower.
Explore Paro Town – Great for handicrafts, local snacks, and photography. Overnight Stay: Paro

Activities : Museums

Altitude: Paro – 2,200m | Chelela Pass – 3,988m (highest motorable road pass in Bhutan)
Distance (round trip): 70 km | Duration: 2–2.5 hrs each way

Chelela Highlights:
Enjoy stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari (7,314m) and the Haa Valley.
The pass is adorned with thousands of fluttering prayer flags.
Explore peaceful walking trails or meditate with mountain silence.
Optional: Descend a short trail to Kila Gompa Nunnery (if open and conditions allow).

Afternoon Return to Paro:
Leisure time for spa, café visits, or local shopping.
Overnight Stay: Paro

Activities : Sightseeing

Altitude: Base – 2,600m | Monastery – 3,120m
Hike Duration: 5–6 hours round trip
Hike Details:
After early breakfast, hike to Bhutan’s most sacred site, perched 900m above the valley floor.
Believed to be the meditation site of Guru Rinpoche who arrived here on a flying tigress.
Stop midway at cafeteria viewpoint for refreshments and views.

Afternoon Visit:
Kyichu Lhakhang – One of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century. Evening Farewell Dinner with cultural elements (optional) and thank-you ceremony. Overnight Stay: Paro

Activities : Sightseeing

Altitude: Paro – 2,200m | Phuntsholing – 293m
Distance: Approx. 165 km | Duration: 5.5–6.5 hours

Highlights:
Scenic drive back to Phuntsholing with your final glimpses of the Himalayas.
Exit formalities and warm farewell from the Ka Adventures team.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Activities : Sightseeing