Bhutan Himalayan Essence: 8-Day Nature, Culture & Spiritual Discovery from Phuntsholing

Day 01 – Arrive at Phuntsholing – Transfer to Thimphu

Altitude: Phuntsholing: 293m, Thimphu: 2,320m,
Distance: 165 km

• Meet your Bhutanese guide and complete permits
• Scenic drive through forest and waterfalls
• Optional stop: Kharbandi Gompa
• Evening at Clock Tower Square or café strolls

🛏️ Overnight: Thimphu

Day 02 – Full-Day Thimphu Local Sightseeing

Altitude: Thimphu: 2,320m,

• National Memorial Chorten
• Motithang Takin Preserve
• Buddha Dordenma Statue
• Folk Heritage Museum
• Zorig Chusum (Arts School)
• Tashichho Dzong (Outer View)
• Textile Museum and Paper Factory
• Craft Bazaar
• Optional: Cultural show or photo session in Bhutanese attire

🛏️ Overnight: Thimphu

Day 03 – Thimphu – Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass

Altitude: Thimphu: 2,320m, Dochula: 3,100m, Punakha: 1,200m,
Distance: 85 km

• 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula Pass
• Visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang
• Punakha Dzong
• Suspension Bridge
• Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)

🛏️ Overnight: Punakha

Day 04 – Excursion to Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey)

Altitude: Punakha: 1,200m, Phobjikha: 3,000m,
Distance: 135 km (round trip)

• Gangtey Monastery
• Gangtey Nature Trail
• Black-necked Crane Info Center

🛏️ Overnight: Punakha

Day 05 – Punakha to Paro – Cultural Valley of Western Bhutan

Altitude: Punakha: 1,200m, Paro: 2,200m,
Distance: 125 km

• Drive via Simtokha Dzong (optional)
• Rinpung Dzong
• Ta Dzong (National Museum)
• Explore Paro Town

🛏️ Overnight: Paro

Day 06 – Paro – Day Excursion to Chelela Pass

Altitude: Paro: 2,200m, Chelela: 3,988m,
Distance: 70 km round trip

• View of Mt. Jomolhari and Haa Valley
• Prayer flags and short hikes
• Optional: Kila Gompa Nunnery visit
• Return to Paro for leisure/shopping

🛏️ Overnight: Paro

Day 07 – Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)

Altitude: Base: 2,600m, Monastery: 3,120m,

• Sacred hike to Tiger’s Nest
• Midway café stop
• Afternoon: Visit Kyichu Lhakhang
• Optional farewell dinner

🛏️ Overnight: Paro

Day 08 – Departure – Paro to Phuntsholing

Altitude: Paro: 2,200m, Phuntsholing: 293m,
Distance: 165 km

• Final scenic drive
• Exit formalities
• Farewell by Ka Adventures