Paradise in The Himalaya – 12 Days

Tour Highlights:

• Hike to Taktsang with the spectacular view from “Tiger Nest” – a 17th-century monastery built cliffside overlooking the Paro Valley
• Visit some of the country’s most impressive Dzongs, working fortresses with spectacular artwork and home to Buddhist monks
• Traveling over mountain passes with spectacular views to the Himalayan Ranges
• Day hike Jigme Singye Wangdue National Park through picturesque forest trails, renowned for its birdlife – many rare and exotic
• Travel to the foot of Black Mountains into the Phobjikha Valley, home to the rare and endangered black-necked crane
• Watching black-necked crane from the late October to the middle of March

Start/End: Paro/Paro
Duration: 12 days/9 nights
Tour route: Thimphu – Dochu La Pass – Phobjikha – Jigme Singya Wangchuck National Park – Punakha – Paro

Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Brief Itinerary
Day 1 – 3: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 4 & 5: Phobjikha
Day 6: Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park Day Walk
Day 7 & 8: Punakha Valley
Day 9 – 11: Paro Valley

Day 1 – 3: Thimphu Sightseeing (B)

Explore authentic Bhutan in the capital Thimphu, it possesses a real charm, situated at 2350 meters, this capital lies in a steep valley, with alpine forests and numerous golden topped monasteries scattered throughout. A Tibetan style monument in design, the Memorial Chorten with its golden spire, this impressive Stupa was constructed in honor of the ‘mind of Buddha’ – one of the three traditional pillars of Buddhism and in memory of the 3rd King. Sprawled along the Thimphu Chhu river is the Trashi Chhoe Dzong a pleasant late afternoon walking from town to the Thimphu Dzong, as it is commonly referred to.

Day 3 embark on a scenic 2-hour hike to Cheri Goemba Monastery after crossing the Wang Chhu river over a traditional covered bridge, we ascend to this 17th-century monastery. The Cheri Monastery is located within the Jigme Dorji National Park, one of Bhutan’s larger nature reserves. Surrounded by broad-leaved forests of oak, rhododendron, maple, and walnut this tranquil and serene setting abounds with flora and fauna. Bird lovers can be rewarded with numerous sightings, pheasants, and thrushes hunting for insects in the lush understorey.

Day 4 & 5: Phobjikha (B)

Day 4 & 5 head for a road trip to the Phobjikha Valley. En route, we visit the oldest fortress in the Kingdom Simtokha Dzong, and the Dochu La Pass, take in the views of the Himalayan ranges, colorful prayer flags, and the 108 memorial monuments. Arriving in Phobjikha, situated on the western slopes of the Black Mountains this conservation area is abundant with wildlife.

A guided tour of this glacial valley at 3000 meters, admiring the sweeping views from the 450-year-old Gangtey Gompa Monastery. Afterward, admire the graceful black-necked cranes that annually migrate from Tibet to escape the harsh winter in the Qinghai – Tibetan plateau and a nature trail walk through the alpine wetlands valley with villages scattered throughout.

Day 6: Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park Day Walk (B)

Today’s morning focus on discovering the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park – one of 9 protected areas in the kingdom of Bhutan, enclosing 1730 sq km. Our day hike will take us through forested trails, this area is renowned for its birdlife and we take our time stopping along the way to partake in some bird watching Bhutan has over 600 species of birds, many rare and exotic, a pristine environment with spectacular flora & fauna.

Day 7 & 8: Punakha Valley (B)

Enjoy the beautiful Punakha Valley which is the ancient capital of Bhutan, located at the meeting point of 2 rivers, abounds with terraced rice crops and orchards. As we explore the second oldest Dzong in the kingdom and the surrounds of this picturesque valley including a leisurely afternoon river rafting adventure, over the following 2 days.

Day 9 – 11: Paro Valley (B)

Explore the stunning scenic hike to the magnificent Tiger Nest (or Taktsang Monastery) at 3140 meters. Perched cliffside, it is believed that in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on the back of a tigress and meditated for 3 years, three months, three weeks, three days, and three hours. This is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Himalayas, with its stunning vistas and spectacular architecture against a backdrop of sheer granite cliff faces. At the northern end of the Paro Valley lies the ruins of Drugyel Dzong.

With background views of the great Jhomolhari peak, this Dzong was originally constructed to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan army. On our return to Paro town a visit to the ancient Kyichu Monastery a 7th-century ancient temple. A guided tour of the enchanting Paro Valley over the following days the 17th century Paro Dzong, the National Museum housing collections of Bhutanese treasures, half-day hike into the depths of this spiritual valley, receive a blessing, make an offering and attend a ‘Puja’ ceremony.

Day 12: Departure (B)

Time to say goodbye. Breakfast and morning at leisure until getting escorted to the airport for a flight coming back home. The trip ends. Hope you enjoyed it and wish that we could sever you next time in Bhutan.