Punakha Drupchen

Day 01 : Paro – Thimphu (55kms/1.5hours)

Witness one of the world's most stunning descents when your plane approaches Paro beneath the towering Himalayas. Your local guide will be waiting for you at the airport, and they will accompany you throughout your time in Bhutan.

Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan & can be reached by car in about 1.5 hours. It is located in a steep valley at an elevation of 2,350 meters (7,709 feet). You can check into the hotel and relax before venturing out to see the sights, such as Buddha Point, Dechenphodrang Monastery, and the Weaving Center. If your flight arrival is early we may further explore the Folk Legacy Museum, the Institute of Traditional Medicines, and the School of Arts.

Alternatively, you can opt for a mild Wangditse Leisure Forest trail hike which offers a good view of Thimphu valley.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 02: Explore Thimphu Valley

In the morning drive towards Cheri Goemba (15Km away from the main City Center) to take a  short morning hike.

After the hike, visit Jigme Dorji National park & enjoy the picnic lunch by the river side.

On the way back stop by the Pangri Zampa, a 16th-century monastery turned astrology school . Back in the capital, you may visit the post office to make your own stamp, peruse Himalayan artifacts along the main street, or try your hand at traditional papermaking or hand-rolled incense.. 
Later visit Takin animal sanctuary, Legend has it that takins are a cross between cows and goats. A little further up will take you to Sangaygang view point from where you may get a stunning sunset vista of the Thimphu valley.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 03: Drive to Punakha ( 74Km/ 3 hrs)

It's best to get an early start for the breathtaking journey across the 3,050m mountain pass (Dochu La). On the way, you can visit Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan's first fortified monasteries built in the 17th century. Once at Dochula, enjoy the spectacular view of towering Himalayan peaks on clear days

Drive to Punakha, a warm and lush valley at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Female River) and the Pho Chhu (Male River. The climate is subtropical, thus rice and unusual fruits can be grown.

Along the route, you can stop at Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery dedicated to fertility that was established in 1499 and is a popular destination for couples hoping to conceive a child and in need of a Wang (blessing) from the saint who wields the magical thunderbolt of wisdom.

Wind up your way to Wolakha nunnery and check out a village life at Talo.

Overnight at hotel / homestay in Punakha

Day 04: Celebrate Punakha Drupchen

The first half of the day you can witness Punakha Drupchen. It is a unique festival which revives a centuries-old ritual by depicting a play about a band of warriors setting out for battle.

Break for lunch by the riverside & further follow the Mo Chhu upstream towards the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten . Take a short Khamsum Yulley hike and end your day with a white water rafting (Optional & Chargeable activity)

Overnight at hotel in Punakha

Day 05: Punakha to Gangtey (78Km/ 3.5 hrs)

After the morning breakfast drive to Gangtey.

On the way, we will stop for a while to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Built in 1638, Wangdue Dzong is dramatically perched on the spur of a hill and overlooks the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers.

On arrival visit the Gangtey monastery which was founded by Pema Thinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa. It was established in the year 1613 and the same year he became the First Gangtey Trulkus (Re-incarnation).

Later have lunch at the restaurant designated by Company

After a good lunch begin your hike down the Gangtey Monastery through the pine forests. It offers you beautiful landscape of the Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha valley is without doubt one of the beautiful valley. The hike will take you about 2 hours to 2 and half hour. Meet your driver waiting for you at the other end of the road. You will drive from here to The Black Necked Crane Information Center. The center is well equipped with the Powerful Telescope and it has the best view for spotting birds if you are in the right time.

Overnight at hotel in Gangtey

Day 06: Return to Paro ( 188Km/ 5-6 hr)

Backtracking via the breathtaking Dochu La pass takes a you back to Paro. Alternatively, take an excursion to Paro town. Visit the National Museum, previously the valley's watchtower, which displays an intriguing collection of artefacts illustrating the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lies the imposing Paro Dzong, a fine exemplar of Bhutanese architecture.

Overnight at hotel in Paro

Day 07: Excursion to Chelela Pass

Drive to Chele La Pass, the  highest motorable pass at an altitude of 3,988 meters. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature and take some time to unwind and recharge your batteries along the way.

We can get a late start and bring a picnic lunch. The air is fresh and crisp at the pass, and the path winds through an incredibly beautiful pine, oak, and rhododendron woodland. 
Around 10km from the top you can spot the Kila nunnery perched on the opposite hillside. We can take a hike from here.  Yaks can frequently be seen grazing in the alpine meadows once the tree line is passed. Countless prayer flags, which appear to pierce the clear blue sky, mark the route. On a clear day, the Himalayan peaks of Jomolhari and others can be seen in all their majesty.

We can hoist  prayer flags at the peak of the pass for good luck and the welfare of all living things, as is customarily done.
Return to Paro. In the evening walk in the typical Bhutanese houses of Paro Street.
Overnight at hotel in Paro

Day 08: Take a legendary Tiger Nest Hike

In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory.

After the hike rejuvenate by treating yourself with traditional hot stone bath. You can also shoot some arrows with a typical bow and arrows after the hot stone.

Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 09: Departure

Early breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to onward destination