Thunder Dragon Kingdom on the Sky - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu, 54 km, 1 hour
Day 2: Explore Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Gangtey, approx. 6–7 hours
Day 4: Gangtey / Phobjikha Valley
Day 5: Gangtey – Punakha, 87 km, 2–3 hours
Day 6: Punakha Hiking Tour
Day 7: Punakha – Paro, 124 km, 3 hours
Day 8: Paro to Bumdra Monastery
Day 9: Bumdra – Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery – Paro
Day 10: Depart Paro

Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu, 54 km, 1 hour

Arrival at Paro International Airport after one of the most breathtaking flights in the world through spectacular mountain ranges of the Himalaya. Meet your private guide, and we transfer directly to Thimphu. En route, visit Tachogang Lhakhang, built in the 15th century by Thangthong Gyelpo, a trader who first introduced Iron Bridges in Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2: Explore Thimphu

In the morning, drive to Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma), where the giant 169ft Buddha statue is located, to have a guided meditation class. Then head back to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, drive to the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952–1972.

Next, head to the School of Arts and Crafts, followed by the Bhutan Post Office, which exhibits a vast collection of postal stamps from the early days of the runner to the modern era. After lunch, explore the Takin Preserve in Motithang.

In the evening, explore the Craft Bazaar, where small bamboo houses display locally made arts and crafts. End the day at the Farmers Market, the largest vegetable market in Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu – Gangtey, approx. 6–7 hours

After breakfast, depart for the beautiful Phobjikha Valley via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 m), where panoramic Himalayan views can often be enjoyed on clear days.

Continue through forests of rhododendron and dwarf bamboo into the glacial valley of Gangtey, winter home of the rare black-necked cranes. Upon arrival, visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, which provides information about the cranes and the valley environment.

Overnight at a hotel in Gangtey.

Day 4: Gangtey / Phobjikha Valley

Today you will set out on the Gangtey Nature Trail, beginning from Khene Lhakhang. This relatively easy hike winds through pine forests and scenic meadows with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Phobjikha Valley.

The hike ends at Gangtey Goenpa Monastery, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan where Vajrayana Buddhism is practiced. Spend time exploring the monastery and interacting with the monks. Overnight at a hotel in Gangtey (Phobjikha).

Day 5: Gangtey – Punakha, 87 km, 2–3 hours

After breakfast, check out and drive to Punakha. Upon arrival, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, followed by the magnificent Punakha Dzong, dramatically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Transfer to your hotel and relax. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 6: Punakha Hiking Tour

Today, drive to Yabesa Village and hike through rice fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built by Her Majesty Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Afterwards, take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of the Divine Madman. Here you will discover Bhutan's famous wooden phallus symbols and paintings representing fertility.

Continue exploring villages around the Lobesa Valley, where you'll interact with local people and learn about Bhutanese rural life. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

Day 7: Punakha – Paro, 124 km, 3 hours

Today you retrace your journey over Dochula Pass for another chance to enjoy the Himalayan panorama. In Thimphu, visit the National Library, the Institute of Traditional Arts & Crafts, and a traditional Handmade Paper Factory, where paper is still produced from Daphne bark.

In the afternoon, continue to Paro and stop at Semtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong in Bhutan. At Chuzom (the river confluence), admire the three shrines built in Nepali, Tibetan, and Bhutanese architectural styles. Upon arrival in Paro, enjoy a stroll through the town before checking into your hotel. Overnight in Paro.

Day 8: Paro to Bumdra Monastery

Hike from Sang Choekor Buddhist College (2,800 m) to the yak pastures below Bumdra Monastery (3,800 m). After meeting your ponies, begin the hike to Chhoe Tse Lhakhang, which takes approximately 1–2 hours.

After lunch, visit Bumdra Monastery (if open) and climb the nearby peak at around 4,000 m for spectacular Himalayan views. Overnight at a luxury camp below Bumdra Monastery.

Day 9: Bumdra – Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery – Paro

Today, hike from the yak pasture below Bumdra Monastery via the Zangto Pelri Monasteries to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). Descend through ancient pine and rhododendron forests before reaching the monastery, perched dramatically on the cliffside.

Later, continue down to your vehicle and drive to the reconstruction site of Drukgyel Dzong, originally built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to defend Bhutan's northern frontier with Tibet.

In the evening, you may choose to enjoy dinner with a local family (optional, US$35 per person). Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 10: Depart Paro

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. Your representative will bid you farewell.