Tour Overview
| Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
|---|---|
| Destination | Bhutan — Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha & Paro (Asia) |
| Price From | $2,024 per person (twin share, incl. SDF) |
| Tour Style | In-Depth Cultural & Nature Explorer |
| Data Source | Agate Travel Bhutan 2026 pricing |
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Arrive Paro, Transfer to Thimphu
Dramatic landing at Paro airport. Transfer to Thimphu. Evening: stroll Norzin Lam (Main Street) and try ara, the local rice wine served warm in a wooden bowl. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu — Capital of Gross National Happiness
Visit the Buddha Dordenma (51.5m golden Buddha), the National Memorial Chorten, and the weekend market. Afternoon: the School of 13 Traditional Arts and Simply Bhutan living museum, where you can try archery — Bhutan’s national sport. Evening at Tashichho Dzong. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Cross the 3,100m Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens and Himalayan panorama. Afternoon: visit Punakha Dzong at the river confluence, then hike to Chimi Lhakhang through rice terraces and mustard fields. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha Valley Exploration
Morning: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike — a 45-minute climb to a exquisite temple built by the Queen Mother, with unmatched views of the Punakha Valley. Inside are extraordinary murals depicting protective deities. Afternoon: rafting on the Mo Chhu River (gentle Class I-II rapids) past the Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha to Phobjikha — Valley of the Black-Necked Cranes
Drive 4 hours to the glacial Phobjikha Valley at 3,000m — one of Bhutan’s most beautiful landscapes: a vast U-shaped valley of dwarf bamboo marshlands ringed by pine forests. From late October to February, 400+ endangered black-necked cranes migrate here from the Tibetan Plateau — in Bhutanese tradition, they circle the Gangtey Monastery three times on arrival, and their appearance is considered a blessing. Visit the Gangtey Goemba, a 17th-century Nyingmapa monastery overlooking the valley. Afternoon: gentle nature walk along the valley floor. Overnight in Phobjikha (farmhouse stay).
Day 6: Phobjikha to Paro
Morning crane observation (seasonal) and farewell to the valley. Drive back to Paro via the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which was tragically destroyed by fire in 2012 and has been meticulously rebuilt using traditional methods. Overnight in Paro.
Day 7: Taktsang — Tiger’s Nest Monastery
The legendary Tiger’s Nest: a 5-hour round-trip hike to the cliffside monastery. Lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria with the classic view. Evening: traditional hot stone bath. Overnight in Paro.
Day 8: Depart Paro
Morning visit to Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century) and the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1649 to commemorate victory over Tibetan invaders — with magnificent views of Mount Jomolhari (7,326m). Transfer to Paro airport.
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation (incl. 1 nt farmhouse Phobjikha)
- All meals throughout
- All SDF ($100/day), visa, and entry fees included
- Licensed Bhutanese guide + private vehicle
- Mo Chhu River rafting
- Taktsang Monastery hike
- Traditional hot stone bath
- Airport transfers
